NESA

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) works with the NSW community to drive improvements in student achievement. We set syllabuses, assessments, teaching and school standards for all schools in NSW.

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Quick links

NSW Curriculum

Visit the NSW Curriculum website to view K–12 syllabuses that have been updated as part of the NSW Curriculum Reform.

Glossary of keywords

The glossary contains key words that frequently appear in HSC exam questions. Understanding these terms will assist students to better prepare for the exams.

HSC merit lists

These lists celebrate the outstanding achievements of students in HSC courses and VET exams. View the latest lists.

HSC exam timetables

Find out when HSC written, language and performance exams are due to begin.

All My Own Work

All My Own Work helps students follow the principles and practices of good scholarship and academic integrity.

Student guide

Whether you're starting your HSC or about to do your exams, find resources to help you get prepared, maintain wellness and understand what you can expect in your exams.

HSC minimum standard

There's a minimum standard of literacy and numeracy to receive the HSC. Learn about sitting the tests, disability provisions and resources for schools.

Key services and information

All My Own Work

All My Own Work gives students the opportunity to understand, value and use ethical practices when locating and using information during their studies.

Group photo at the NESA Young Writers Launch in 2023.

Awards and events

NESA celebrates the achievements of students and teachers through awards, showcases, and merit lists. Browse the lists of high achievers and see the recognition events taking place throughout the year.

A teacher and school students are sitting at a table, surrounded by notebooks and papers having a discussion

Teach in NSW

All teachers need active accreditation with NESA to teach in NSW. Find out how to become a teacher and get accredited, and how to maintain your professional practice.

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Professional development

To maintain accreditation, teachers must undertake ongoing professional development (PD) to ensure they stay up to date with the latest knowledge, skills and teaching methods. Explore various PD types and their requirements.

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Policies and procedures

NESA's policies and procedures guide our activities and operations. Learn how NESA manages privacy, complaints, staff conduct and engaging with the media.

School registration and compliance

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) oversees the regulation of schools in NSW. Find out how NESA regulates non-government schools, government schools and school providers of courses for overseas students.

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NESA is preparing a new NSW school curriculum

Discover more about the Curriculum Reform, new syllabuses, and how you can Have Your Say on draft syllabuses.

What's New - NESA homepage images - Have Your Say consultation

Have Your Say: consultation open for 7–10 draft syllabuses

You are invited to give feedback on several 7–10 draft syllabuses, as part of the NSW Curriculum Reform.

Consultation period closes Monday 7 April 2025.

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Explore the HSC Showcase Hub

Students who excelled in creative arts and technology subjects for the HSC are celebrated in the annual HSC Showcase season. Explore the Showcase Hub to find out more.

Latest NSW Education Standards Authority updates

Official notice

24 April 2025

Minor update to Construction Curriculum Framework Stage 6 Syllabus

The Stage 6 Construction syllabus has been updated.

Official notice

4 April 2025

Update to the glossary of key words

Updates have been made to two key words in the glossary.

Official notice

3 April 2025

Advice to non-government schools regarding 2024 annual reports

All non-government schools are required to produce, publicly disclose and submit electronically to NESA a 2024 annual report by Monday 30 June 2025.

Official notice

3 April 2025

Changes to ACE Rules

NESA has made changes to some ACE Rules.

Official notice

28 March 2025

Stage 6 Languages – information about Korean and Indonesian

Korean Continuers Stage 6 will not be discontinued in 2026. There is risk of discontinuation for Korean and Literature Stage 6 in 2028 and risk of discontinuation for Indonesian Extension Stage 6 in 2027.