NCEA exams finish today, but secondary principals are already unhappy the Qualifications Authority wants to start next year's exams earlier than usual.
The authority has proposed starting NCEA exams on Friday 6 November, rather than the following Monday as schools have come to expect.
Secondary Principals Association president Tom Parsons said principals did not like the plan because it cut into teaching and study time.
"They haven't received that news very favourably at all, it's bringing the examination period further and further into the teaching year and that's not seen as good practice."
Mr Parsons said he hoped the Qualifications Authority would change its mind.
The Qualifications Authority said it had proposed the change to reduce the chance of students' exams clashing.
The results of this year's NCEA exams will be available on its website on 14 January with Scholarship results on 10 February.
