Takapuna Grammar offers are wide array of subjects in the National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Students are supported in making subject decisions through FED (Future Education Discussion) meetings. 

Students sit one set of formal exams in the Junior school and at least two sets of exams in the Senior school per year.

The 2024 Senior School exams are taking place from Monday 16th - Wednesday 25th September. These exams are designed to prepare students for the NZQA and International Baccalaureate exams in Term 4. The exams are formal and the results may be used for students who apply for Derived Grades in November.

The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the official secondary school qualification in New Zealand. It was phased in between 2002 and 2004, replacing three older secondary school qualifications. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) administers NCEA.

NCEA is recognised by employers, and used for selection by universities and polytechnics, both in New Zealand and overseas. 

NZQA has launched a new mobile app called NCEA Guide, aimed at parents, whānau and employers. The app provides quick and easy access to key information about NCEA and how it works. In addition, it offers advice for parents and whānau on how they can support family members who are studying towards NCEA.

Employers seeking to understand and evaluate NCEA graduates and their qualifications may find the app useful.

The NCEA Guide App is free to download from Apple App Store or Google Play.

University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to go to a New Zealand university. To qualify you will need:

• An NCEA Level 3 certificate
• Three approved subjects - at Level 3 with 14 credits in each
• Literacy - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
• 5 credits in reading
• 5 credits in writing
• Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above

• NZQA Site Information 
• Auckland University Information
• University Entrance Requirements