New data paints a 'dire' picture of our children's academic abilities, sparking concern from experts.

Results from the 2023 NCEA Literacy and Numeracy assessments show that 2 out of 3 Year 10 students passed the reading component and only half passed writing and numeracy.

The writing results are a step up from last year's pilot, but reading and mathematics skills are down.

Secondary Principals' Association President Vaughan Couillault says these results are worrying, but primary schools haven't equipped students with the foundational skills needed.

"That's not to portion blame to our primary colleagues, but the prep work hasn't been done. And then you throw over the last 2-3 years of disruption- we're weighing and measuring students who were very disadvantaged." 

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