All children over the age 6 must attend school by law, with most parents choosing to enroll their children as 5 year olds. In New Zealand children start school all through the year, on or very close to their fifth birthday - you don’t need to wait until the beginning of a term or school year.

Schooling is compulsory in New Zealand for all children from six to sixteen and funded by the government.

There are two main levels of schooling – primary and secondary. Sometimes secondary schools are called high schools or colleges. A child who had just begun primary school is called “Year 1” and the last year of secondary school is “Year 13.” All schools operate around a national curriculum including English, science, mathematics and social studies.

How the Schooling System Works

Primary School: School for pupils aged 6 years to 11 years. The junior class is J 1, pupils move to J 4 over a 2 year period, then to Standard 1 through Standard 4 spending a year in each class.

Intermediate School: School for pupils aged 11 to 13. There are two classes, Form 1 and Form 2. The schools prepare pupils for entry into Secondary education.

Sometimes these are integrated with primary schools, and in rural areas can be integrated with secondary schools.

Secondary School: Pupils attend from aged 13 to aged 17, progressing from Form 3 to Form 7. University Entrance examinations are taken in Form 6, with most pupils electing to return to Form 7 as year in which to prepare for University. You can gain access to University on passing the examination in Form 6, though this is not encouraged.

School Zoning

Schools operate compulsory home 'zones' and are not obliged to take students from outside that geographic area. They are obliged to take students who live inside those zones.

There are a number of private primary and secondary schools conducted by religious bodies or private individuals. Many offer boarding facilities. Fees vary according to the school, however as a guide private day fees can range between $600 to $1800 per 13 week term for day pupils to $2000 to $3000 per term for boarders.

Children with Special Needs

Wherever possible, handicapped children are enrolled with other children at primary and secondary schools, where buildings are modified or constructed to handle those with physical disabilities. Where it is not possible for students to attend class, Department of Education psychologists and Inspectors assess needs and advise on suitable teaching programmes that will best suit and meet an individuals particular needs.

All children over the age 6 must attend school by law, with most parents choosing to enroll their children as 5 year olds. In New Zealand children start school all through the year, on or very close to their fifth birthday - you don’t need to wait until the beginning of a term or school year.

There are two main levels of schooling – primary and secondary. Sometimes secondary schools are called high schools or colleges. A child who had just begun primary school is called “Year 1” and the last year of secondary school is “Year 13.” All schools operate around a national curriculum including English, science, mathematics and social studies.

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