Private school apologises after 'computer systems issue' halts NCEA English exam

A Christchurch private school has apologised after a "computer systems issue" prevented Year 13 English students from completing their NCEA exam on Wednesday morning.

In a letter to parents, St Andrew's College rector Mark Wilson said there had been a significant disruption to the Level 3 English exam.

"The examination commenced as scheduled at 9.30am but was stopped part-way through following a computer systems issue," he said.

"This was very distressing and disappointing for the approximately 120 students affected, particularly given the preparation they had undertaken for this important examination."

The college would not explain what the issue was or answer further questions from RNZ.

Students would receive the grade from their internal examination results instead, Wilson said.

"For external examinations, where a student is unable to complete an examination because of circumstances outside their control, the established process is for a derived grade to be used. As a college, we recognise that some students have been significantly impacted by today's disruption and we are committed to supporting them through this process."

NZQA did not provide schools with sufficient paper-based copies for all students when exams were to be completed digitally, meaning there was not a paper-based exam available for all affected students to move to, Wilson said.

"Having spoken with NZQA today, we understand that digital examination incidents are not unusual and that NZQA receives multiple reports of issues during each examination season," he said.

"St Andrew's College has a robust digital environment with students well supported by devices and network infrastructure. However, as we have experienced today, no digital system is completely immune from disruption."

The problem was addressed and remaining exams would continue as planned, Wilson said.

The college would have sufficient paper copies on hand for future exams in case of any further issues.

"We are very sorry for the impact today's disruption has had on our affected Year 13 students. We appreciate the patience and understanding shown by our students, families and staff as we have worked through this unexpected situation," Wilson said.