Recently released New Zealand Qualifications Authority data shows two out of every three Otago secondary schools had drops (some of them significant) in the percentage of pupils achieving UE between 2013 and 2014.
The data also reveals the percentage of pupils achieving UE in two-thirds of Otago schools has been slipping since the new NCEA requirements were mooted in 2011.
Nationwide, there was a 17% drop in candidates achieving UE last year.
But Otago Secondary Principals' Association secretary Gordon Wilson said the latest statistics were nothing to be concerned about.
''It's nothing to do with that cohort being inferior.''
He said much of the decline during the past year was due to changes in UE requirements which came into effect last year.
Previously, pupils needed 42 credits at NCEA level 3 or higher to achieve UE.
Now, the minimum requirement for pupils was to obtain NCEA level 3 with 60 credits or higher, and 14 of the credits had to be in three approved subjects, he said.
The new requirement, while not a radical change, effectively raised the bar for university entrance.
Changes over the longer term had been created by a growth in interest in vocational pathways that do not require UE, he said.
''The bulk of our students actually don't go to university. What students and their parents are starting to understand now is that there are other pathways.
''The rise of vocational pathways means students are selecting subjects that are not necessarily aligned with university and don't meet the UE requirements, but are still very, very good subjects to meet the requirements for the particular pathways that young people are choosing.
''That has been happening for a long period of time and I think it's a very good thing.''
He said the gradual decline in UE achievement should not be seen as a negative thing.
''Students choosing different pathways is extremely positive, both for the students and for the country.
''Not all students should be going to university, and we don't want all students going to university. We want a variety of pathways and I think we are achieving that.''
He said vocational pathways included farming, agriculture and various trades academies.
''For the pathway in trades, it is extremely important that we get more young people, and all I would be asking is that the Government possibly be supporting apprenticeships in a more meaningful way than it is now, because we are going to need more young people going into our trades.''
Mr Wilson said the changes had had a major effect on lower decile and rural area schools around the country. But Otago's lower decile and rural area schools had actually improved.
''Dunedin schools have always batted far higher than the average in all educational statistics.''
