Derived grades

Read a basic overview of derived grades and find links to detailed information for students, schools and Principal's Nominees

About derived grades

Derived grades are evidence-based grades that we may award to students when they can’t attend an examination or or their performance is impaired.

Common reasons why students apply for derived grades: 

  • a temporary acute illness or injury
  • a significantly disturbing or distressing experience
  • a sudden and significant change to a chronic illness that happens no more than 4 weeks before the student’s first affected assessment
  • national representation in a sport, academic or cultural event. 

If you have been selected for national representation, you need to get NZQA approval before applying for a derived grade.

National representation and applying for derived grades

Evidence-based

Derived grades are based on authentic, standard-specific evidence. This means evidence such as a student’s performance in a formal practice assessment at school.

Try to take your exams whenever possible. If we approve your application for a derived grade but you still take the exam, you will receive the higher of the 2 grades.

Applying for a derived grade

Students complete an application for a derived grade or grades and give this to their school.

Download a derived grade application form [PDF, 247 KB]

Students also need to provide supporting documents that show why, for circumstances beyond their control, they:

  • couldn’t attend an external examination
  • submitted an incomplete externally assessed portfolio
  • attended an examination but their performance was significantly impaired.

Applications must be submitted no more than 2 weeks after a student’s last affected external assessment.

Aroha was hospitalised with meningitis in mid-October. She was very sick and couldn't attend her Physics exam.

She applied for a derived grade and included documents from the hospital. We approved her application.

Supporting documents

Students can’t use derived grades to make up for missed learning or preparation time. Any supporting documents students provide must:

  • apply to the date of the external assessment or assessments affected
  • come from an independent and qualified person, such as a doctor.

Making a derived grade application

Find detailed derived grade information

Candidates sit an assessment

Derived grades for candidates, parents and caregivers

Read about when you can apply for a derived grade, how to ask your school for a derived grade, and what illnesses, injuries and events are covered by derived grades

Information for candidates
A teacher sits at her desk and smiles

Derived grades for schools and Principal's Nominees

Information about the derived grade process, quality assurance, roles, unexpected events, and guidelines to help schools provide advice to students and their families

Information for schools
A student is studying physics

Derived grades for new achievement standards

Learn about when you can apply for derived grades, which new achievement standards are eligible for derived grades and how to gather evidence for derived grades

Information for new standards

Questions about derived grades

If you have a question about derived grades, talk to your school's Principal’s Nominee. They can tell you about the eligibility criteria, who to see to support your application, and provide you with an application form.

Principal's Nominees can contact us with any questions about derived grades:

Email the derived grades team

Get more information or give us feedback