The Labour Party says the NCEA qualification is debased by the Education Minister's acceptance of schools using Cambridge University examinations.
Commenting on Auckland Grammar's decision to offer the exams to its Year 11 students, Education Minister Anne Tolley said schools should do what is best for their students.
Labour MP Kelvin Davis says by reserving NCEA for its weaker students, Auckland Grammar will stigmatise the qualification and prompt more schools to follow suit.
Mr Davis says the minister is effectively saying the NCEA is second rate.
He says both qualifications cannot occupy the same niche, and the NCEA will fail as a result.
