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.

Listen

School children and teacher in a classroom

Quick links

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 Exam papers

To support students in preparing for their HSC exams, NESA provide past exam papers with marking guidelines and HSC marking feedback.

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 shot of children with certificates, winners of the 2023 literary award

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.

A Muslim woman wearing a hijab using a laptop at a table

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.

Two women smiling and looking at a computer screen

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.

A teacher standing in front of a whiteboard, explaining a lesson to students sitting at desks in a classroom

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.

World Teachers’ Day in NSW

World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to recognise our primary, secondary and early childhood teachers. Learn more about World Teachers’ Day in NSW and find out how your school community can get involved.

Three HSC drama students performing Trolley sketch

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 NESA updates

Official notice

18 September 2024

New History 11–12 syllabuses

New History 11–12 syllabuses are now available on the NSW Curriculum website.

Official notice

18 September 2024

New English 11–12 syllabuses

New English 11–12 syllabuses are now available on the NSW Curriculum website.

Ministerial media release

18 September 2024

New English and Mathematics syllabuses for Years 11 and 12 mark major milestone for NSW schools

All NSW teachers and students now have access to a new rigorous and explicit English and Mathematics curriculum, as the Minns Labor Government completes the rollout of mandatory high school content with the release of Year 11 and 12 syllabuses today.

Official notice

18 September 2024

New Mathematics 11–12 syllabuses

New Mathematics 11–12 syllabuses are now available on the NSW Curriculum website.

Media release

16 September 2024

NSW Youngest creatives go for gold in writing competition

After receiving a record number of entries from primary schools across NSW, 54 talented young writers have been announced as winners of the 2024 WriteOn competition.