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.
Students can’t use derived grades to make up for missed learning or preparation time.
Common reasons why students apply for derived grades include:
- 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 1 week before the student’s first affected assessment
- national representation in a sport, academic or cultural event.
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.
Students, 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.
Example derived grade
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.
On this page
Applications, detailed information and more
When derived grades apply
Guidance on which circumstances and situations mean derived grades and derived grades at scale may be available
When derived grades apply
When derived grades do not apply
Guidance on which circumstances and situations mean derived grades are not available
When derived grades do not apply
Applying for derived grades
Information for schools and students about applying for derived grades, and what to include in an application
Applying for derived grades
Derived grades for new standards
Find out when derived grades apply to the new achievement standards
Derived grades for new achievement standards
The derived grade process
Information for schools about the derived grades process, the principles that apply, and quality assurance processes
The derived grade process
Security and privacy requirements
What schools need to do when handling derived grade applications
Security requirements
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:
Derived grade updates for schools
Schools can read the latest Derived grade updates in the MyNZQA school portal: