KingsWay students continue to achieve significantly higher pass rates in NCEA compared to national averages.

We are pleased to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of KingsWay Senior School students in 2024, continuing a long-standing trend of results that significantly exceed national averages. Our performance in Level 2 and Level 3 NCEA, as well as University Entrance, remains over 20% higher than national results, consistent with the pattern observed over the past five years. This sustained success is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff, who provide leadership, instruction, mentorship, and support to guide students toward their academic and learning goals.

The Equity Index (EQI), introduced two years ago, provides insight into the correlation between socio-economic factors and student achievement. The accompanying graphs compare KingsWay’s student performance with that of schools in similar demographic and socio-economic contexts. Our students continue to demonstrate exceptional outcomes, achieving pass rates exceeding 94% at both Level 2 and Level 3, in contrast to 73% and 66%, respectively, at comparable schools.

While KingsWay’s University Entrance (UE) rate decreased from 82% in 2023 to 73% in 2024, this decline was anticipated. Close monitoring throughout the year revealed that a larger-than-usual proportion of Year 13 students opted for alternative pathways, including trades, travel experiences, and direct employment opportunities. Given that our five-year average UE rate exceeds 81%, this variation aligns with student preferences rather than a decline in academic capability. Through the efforts of Deans, the Pathways faculty, Gateway courses, and Senior Management, nearly all students graduated with a clear and structured plan for their future beyond KingsWay.

Level 3 Merit & Excellence endorsements remain above National and comparative schools' averages.  However, a decrease in Excellence endorsements was seen at Level 2.

KingsWay’s Level 3 Excellence endorsements continue to exceed both national and comparative school averages, maintaining a strong performance trend over the past five years. Our five-year average stands at 29%, significantly higher than the national average of 15% and the 25% average for similar schools. This consistent achievement reflects the rigor and quality of our academic programmes, which are designed to challenge students and encourage high-level performance. We attribute this success to both the capabilities of our student cohorts and the exceptional teaching and learning programmes delivered by our dedicated staff.

However, our Level 2 Excellence endorsement rate has fallen below the national average for the first time in at least five years. This decline was anticipated, as the Year 11 results for this particular cohort had previously exhibited lower Excellence pass rates as well. Several contributing factors may have influenced this outcome, including learning challenges among some students and significant disruptions during their formative middle years, particularly due to COVID-related interruptions.

Despite this decline, there is a notable positive trend—our Level 2 Merit endorsement rate has reached 46%, the highest in five years. While Excellence endorsements have decreased, this data indicates that students are still demonstrating strong academic performance and striving to achieve Merit-level success.

The first year of KingsWay Year 11 Qualification has achieved some outstanding results.

2024 marked the inaugural implementation of the KingsWay Year 11 Qualification, and the results have been highly encouraging. The primary objective of this initiative was to establish a challenging and rigorous in-house learning programme that effectively prepares students for NCEA Level 2. In addition to academic rigor, the qualification incorporated additional requirements, including service components, extracurricular participation, and attendance benchmarks.

With only 5% of students Not Achieving this comprehensive qualification, we are extremely pleased with the overall success of the programme. By comparison, when KingsWay last assessed NCEA Level 1 in 2023, the Not Achieving rate was 12%.

Assessments followed a credit-based system, and subject endorsements were available, similar to the NCEA framework. It is reassuring to note that the Excellence endorsement rate for our KingsWay Qualification was 16%, compared to 15% for Level 1 NCEA in 2023. Similarly, the Merit endorsement rate stood at 44%, closely aligning with the 45% recorded under NCEA Level 1 in 2023.  The consistency of these results underscores the effectiveness and credibility of the KingsWay Qualification. It is a testament to the high-quality teaching, structured learning programme, and student commitment, reinforcing our confidence in the long-term success of this qualification.