Marsden students have achieved some of the strongest NCEA Level 3 subject results in New Zealand, according to new analysis published by the New Zealand Herald*.

The Herald analysis, based on NCEA Level 3 attainment data from 2019 to 2024, ranked Marsden first nationally in History, French, Chinese and Physical Education, all with 100% pass rates. Marsden also ranked first nationally in Physics and second nationally in Biology.

The analysis also highlights the breadth of Marsden’s performance against other Wellington City schools. Among those included in the Herald comparison, Marsden ranked first in English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, French, Chinese and Physical Education, and second in Statistics, Mathematics and Calculus, Visual Arts and Geography.

The results come as little surprise to Principal Paula Wells.

“These results are a reflection of the hard work of our students, the expertise of our teachers and the support of our Marsden whānau. They also speak to the high expectations our students set for themselves. Our motto, Ad Summa – aim for the highest – is very much in evidence here. Our students want to achieve the best results they can, and we are proud to support and challenge them to do exactly that.”

The results also sit alongside another recent indicator of Marsden’s strong academic performance. In a national analysis of Ministry of Education data compiled by educational researchers, Marsden was named the top-ranking school in the Wellington region for University Entrance attainment, placing 11th nationally. An impressive 92.5% of our 2025 leavers achieved University Entrance.

Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School Jenny Caldwell said the results were especially encouraging when viewed across the senior curriculum.

“What stands out in these results is the consistency and breadth of achievement across the curriculum. Strong outcomes in the sciences, humanities, English, mathematics, the arts and physical education speak to the depth of learning taking place across our Senior School.”

Alongside New Zealand’s national qualification, Marsden is continuing to strengthen its already rigorous curriculum through the reintroduction of Cambridge International courses, providing additional stretch and challenge for students. It is another way Marsden is ensuring students are equipped to aim high, achieve strongly and leave school ready for what comes next.

* The Herald analysis uses NCEA Level 3 achievement data released under the Official Information Act. Results from 2024 are the most recent available at this level of detail. For the purposes of the analysis, a student was considered to have taken a subject if they attempted at least 14 credits, and to have passed if they achieved at least 14 credits. Data was suppressed in any year where fewer than five students from a school took a particular subject.