At Nga Tawa, students are expected to strive for academic and personal excellence, in all dimensions of school life. In every classroom there is an unquestioned priority of academic success. All students, regardless of ability, are encouraged to work towards their potential, leave the school knowing that they have achieved their very best, and be enthused with a life-long love of learning.

This is achieved through positive and respectful relationships, close monitoring of classroom progress by Academic Mentors and Deans, regular reporting, set prep times, staff committed to delivering the best possible learning experiences, flexible programming, the setting of high standards, and the celebration of each other's success.

Academic Mentors provide valuable guidance and support for students at every year level. They are experienced teachers who closely work alongside House Deans and Boarding Managers. This network of pastoral and academic support has proven to be a successful strategy for students as they progress through the school. As a result, Nga Tawa's NCEA results are consistently high year after year. We aim for, and consistently achieve, 100% pass rates in Level 1, 2 and 3 NCEA, placing us alongside New Zealand's leading girls' secondary schools.