Curriculum Days 2026 & 2027 to support implementation

1 September 2025

To support the successful rollout of curriculum and assessment changes, the Government has approved four curriculum half-days for each of the 2026 and 2027 school years. These days are for teachers and leaders to engage in professional learning and planning, focused on new curriculum content and smarter assessment approaches.

Boards may close for up to four half-days per year for this purpose. Schools will not need to make up these half-days, they are officially approved under the Education Regulations: 8(5) and 9(1).

Schools and kura must give at least six weeks’ advance notice to parents and whānau before delivering these days. This ensures families have time to plan and understand the purpose of the closures.

Curriculum days are part of the Government’s strategy to lift student achievement, supporting the goal of 80% of Year 8 students being at or above the expected level in reading, writing, and maths by 2030. They also align with the priorities of a clearer curriculum and smarter assessment and reporting, helping schools prepare for the new English, Te Reo Rangatira, mathematics & statistics, and pāngarau content from 2026, and the full Years 0–10 curriculum from 2027. 

These days are not for general administration or other activities, they are focused on helping schools and kura get ready to teach the new curriculum.

More information about the criteria for closing is available on the Ministry website: School opening and closing for instruction - Ministry of Education