RNZ: Dr James Kierstead warns A grades set to become most common as university grade inflation accelerates
Dr James Kierstead
25 November, 2025
Dr James Kierstead talked to Ingrid Hipkiss on RNZ's Morning Report about his research showing A grades are becoming the most common at New Zealand universities, rising from 35% to nearly 50% at some institutions.
Dr Kierstead explained that grade inflation is driven by academics' incentives around student numbers and feedback, arguing it dilutes the value of top grades and undermines motivation for hard work. Listen below.