Tauranga students are among hundreds of thousands huddled around the computer checking their NCEA results released online today.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority released NCEA results this morning to the relief of 163,000 students across the country.

Papamoa College student Imogen Durkan checks her NCEA results online.

It will also be a relief for Papamoa College receiving its first ever NCEA results today.

The college opened to Year 7 to 9 students in 2011 and last year its first set of 140 Year 11 students sat NCEA Level 1 exams. These students will move through to Year 12 this year, and next year the school will have a full set of year groups.

It is understood the college is one of the only schools in the country to have sat NCEA for the first time in 2013.

Papamoa College principal Steve Lindsey has high hopes for the results.

"It's something we've been working quite hard towards, not just last year, but in previous years, and in the set-up of the school,” says Steve.

Although the college itself was brand new to NCEA, the teaching staff are experienced in NCEA from previous schools, says Steve.

"[The teachers have] had these students right from day one, so they've been preparing them for this introduction of NCEA in the whole school.

"I would say there would be some cautious anticipation."

Papamoa College student Imogen Durkan is relaxed ahead of today's results.

'Me and my best friend will be looking at our results together online,” says Imogen.

'It's pretty scary [sitting exams for the first time] but we are all such a close knit school that we help each other out.”

The 16-year-old, who has aspirations for a career in events management and public relations, sat five exams this year – maths, English, science, geography and media studies – and is relatively pleased with the level she applied herself.

She is happy with whatever the results are, as long as she passes.

'I just hope to get through them because it was my first year and I was pretty nervous. I will be happy with achieved and merit.

'It's a bit hard because we don't know what we need to study. I would hope I do well because I spent a bit of time in at school during the study break with the teachers.”

Bethlehem College student Tom Rutherford is not anxious as he awaits his results, but is hoping for a Level 2 with excellence.

'I'm about 12 credits off level two with excellence so need to pick up those extra 12,” says Tom.

'I'm not anxious about it but seeing the results is a good opportunity to wrap the year up in some ways.”

Sitting five exams last year – English, drama, statistics, economics and Level 3 accounting – the 17-year-old credits the teaching staff for their help.

He is looking for a career in broadcasting or politics with one year to go at college.

'I thought my preparation was good. I was very lucky that a lot of the teachers are willing to give up their time to help out.”