Outstanding academic results for OHS2 min read

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Last year proved to be a standout academic year for Onehunga High School, with the school recording its highest-ever NCEA pass rates at Level 1 and Level 3.

The achievement was celebrated at the school’s Excellence Assembly, where Merit and Excellence awards were presented to students who achieved the strongest results in 2025.

Principal Shameen Hyatt is delighted at the results, saying “It’s so exciting, as these are the highest results we have ever seen.”

At Level 1, the school achieved an 86.1% success rate, well above the national average of 73.5%, and second highest in the local school area, behind Auckland Girls’ Grammar School. Level 2 results were the same as last year at 77.3%, but they are also still above the national average.

However, the Level 3 results saw the biggest improvement. Known as the the most difficult year for NCEA study, the school’s pass rate was 83.9%, comfortably ahead of the national average of 71.5%, and almost 27% higher than in 2022, when the school’s success rate was 57%.

Matching the overall improvements has been similar improvements for the student groups. Māori students achieved a 70% success rate in 2025, up from 42% in 2022. Asian students recorded a 30% increase in success rate with an 82% pass rate, while Pasifika students achieved an 81% success rate, 31% higher than in 2022.

“These results are a reflection of our belief that every student can succeed when they are supported by excellent teaching and a strong learning culture,” says Shameen.

She says the school is already building on these successes, having recently launched a junior enrichment programme for Year 9 and 10 students to help them prepare for entry to NCEA Level studies.

It’s not just the students who are learning at the local highschool. Professional development for teachers has also been a key element of the recent successes Shameen says the school has developed its own ‘Teaching Toolkit’ and established in-house coaching to support staff and strengthen classroom practice.