Students and teachers hit with the double whammy of winter ills and Covid are anxious to know if they'll get any extra help to achieve NCEA this time round.
Attendance at some schools has been around 70 percent with students away with Covid or 'flu, or forced to isolate with whānau.
And sick teachers has meant in some cases a total return to online learning or rostered days on campus to cover staff shortages.
As a result of lockdowns over the last two years NCEA grade thresholds were lowered and students could earn bonus credits or unexpected event grades and exams were delayed.
Canterbury West Coast Secondary Principals' Association President and Burnside High School Principal Phil Holstein talks to Lisa Owen.
