The government is defending high failure rates in trial writing and maths tests - saying the tests are still under development.
However principals and teachers have told RNZ they are surprised at the high failure rates.
The new NCEA numeracy and literacy tests are due to become compulsory in 2024.
One school head has said all their students failed the writing test and others reported pass rates below 50 percent for writing and numeracy.
Associate Education Minister Jan Tinetti spoke to Māni Dunlop.
