At Nga Tawa, the Senior School is comprised of students in Years 11 through 13. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, offering students the ability to choose from a broad range of preferred subjects, to develop their individual interests and discover their passions and future specialties.

Students are given the option of two examination paths: the National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In addition, highly capable Year 13 students participate in the New Zealand Scholarship examinations, which provide further challenge and the opportunity to achieve funding for tertiary educational pursuits.