OECD Education at a Glance 2024 | What It Means for New Zealand's Future.

This evening the OECD released their annual 'Education at a Glance' 2024 report. It offers valuable insights into the global state of education, providing a comprehensive picture of how systems are evolving, the challenges they face, and where the opportunities lie.

For Aotearoa New Zealand, this data is important as we continue to reflect on and refine our education system to meet the demands of the future.?

The Global Trends - Opportunities and Challenges

The report highlights several key trends impacting education systems across the OECD countries. On the positive side, participation in higher education has increased globally, which is encouraging for economies looking to adapt to more technology-driven industries. The report also underscores the critical importance of early childhood education, with countries that invest heavily in this area seeing long-term economic and social benefits. Additionally, many education systems are focusing more on skills development, a trend that reflects the shift from qualifications to practical competencies that we’ve been discussing for some time.

However, challenges remain, particularly around the issues of equity and inclusion. Socio-economic disparities continue to affect students’ access to quality education, which is further exacerbated by differences in digital infrastructure, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many countries are struggling to find effective ways to engage students in the 21st-century economy, especially those who are neither in education nor employment.

Where Does New Zealand Stand?

For New Zealand, the report provides mixed insights. One of the more concerning statistics is that 57% of New Zealanders aged 18-24 are no longer in formal education but are employed, while 13% of this group are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

This is a red flag, indicating that while many young people are entering the workforce, others are disengaged altogether. The transition between education and work is clearly a point that requires further attention.

At the same time, New Zealand performs well in several areas. We have a high rate of participation in higher education, and our workforce is generally well-educated compared to the OECD average. However, there is still significant room for improvement in ensuring that the education system is inclusive, particularly in providing equitable access to all learners, regardless of background.

What Can We Do to Improve?

While the data offers a sobering view of where we stand, it also provides a roadmap for what needs to happen next.

And you aren't going to be surprised ??

Here are some of my key actions we can take:

1. Rethink Transitions?

The transition from secondary school to either work or tertiary education is crucial. We need better pathways that allow for flexibility and skills recognition, particularly for students who may not pursue traditional academic routes. Programmes like P-TECH and Hastings Boys Patton Engineering, which I’ve been involved with, are prime examples of industry and education working together to create real-world learning experiences that are directly tied to future employment.

2. Boost Digital Access

?In an increasingly digital world, ensuring that all students have access to the tools and infrastructure they need is essential. This includes not only providing devices but also fostering digital literacy to ensure students can participate fully in a technology-driven economy.

3. Focus on Skills, Not Just Degrees

We’ve talked before about the shift in focus from qualifications to skills, and this report further reinforces that trend. Education systems that prioritise skills development, such as coding, problem-solving, and collaboration, will produce more adaptable workers.

New Zealand needs to continue building initiatives that promote STEM education, entrepreneurship, and project-based learning.

4. Industry Partnerships

?The education system cannot do it alone. Industry engagement is critical to ensure that what students are learning is relevant to the workforce. Businesses need to step up and invest in education through mentorships, internships, and co-designed curricula.

I, along with others, continue to actively working to bridge this gap, but more needs to be done on a national scale.

A Call to Action

The data from the Education at a Glance 2024 report serves as both a wake-up call and a guide for future improvements.

New Zealand has the potential to lead in creating an innovative, inclusive, and future-focused education system, but this will require coordinated efforts from educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. We can no longer afford to maintain the status quo—now is the time for bold actions that ensure every young person in Aotearoa has the opportunity to succeed.

Let’s continue this conversation. What steps can we take in our communities, schools, and workplaces to create a more equitable and innovative education system?

Feel free to share your thoughts below!?

Here is a link to the NZ Education at a Glance report

Ministry of Education New Zealand

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