New Zealand's education system is better equipped to cope with lockdown than some countries

Kaipara College's principal is suggesting NCEA level one be abandoned this year.

But Secondary Principals Association president Deidre Shea says NCEA is one of the most flexible systems in the world and we don't need to make changes.

Shea says other countries will be grappling with rigid timeframes which must be followed.

She says teachers here can alter the order of lessons or put them on hold.