Education and schooling in New Zealand

Enjoy world-class education in New Zealand

Many people decide to move to New Zealand to give their children better chances in life. Indeed, we have some of the best schools and universities in the world (top 20 countries according to a 2016 OECD survey). The government ensures everyone gets a fair treatment and chance for great achievements and education outcomes. The adult (15+) literacy rate in New Zealand is 99%.

Pre-school and kindergarten

Early Childhood Education (ECE) covers all education facilities available to children from birth to 5. Most children (95%) attend an ECE centre at some stage, though many start at age 3, when the first 20 hours are government funded (for citizens, residents, and also dependent children of work visa holders). Prices vary greatly depending on the type of centre, and the attendance of the child. There is a national curriculum in New Zealand that guarantees certain teaching standards and outcomes, even at pre-school level, and most teachers are registered by the New Zealand Education/Teachers Council. It is important to note that amongst the 5,000 childcare establishments nationwide, some are led by Teachers (kindergartens, education services, home-based services), while others are led by parents (playcentres, playgroups, Puna kōhungahunga –Māori-focused playgroups–, Pacific Island-focused playgroups). Many centres focus on learning outcomes and the children's achievements are shared with parents on a regular basis. It is common to obtain from the centre a periodical photo album or portfolio ('learning stories') that detail your child's progress, and parents' involvement is encouraged. In accordance with our founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, the Te Whāriki sets out the curriculum in New Zealand early learning services, taking into account key Māori principles, and provides guidance on how to implement it.

Te Whāriki is underpinned by a vision for children who are competent and confident learners and communicators, healthy in mind, body and spirit, secure in their sense of belonging and in the knowledge that they make a valued contribution to society.

Primary and secondary school in New Zealand

All children from 6 to 16 must attend school or home-based education, with most children starting school on their 5th birthday or within that year. The New Zealand school system has 13 'grades', or school years. The first year at primary school is year 1 with a year 0 to transition from kindergarten depending which half of the year your child starts at. Children attend primary –year 1 to 6/8–, (intermediate –year 7/8), and secondary (high) –year 9 to 13– school.

As a migrant/newcomer, your child may start school at any time of the year.

The curriculum is balanced between practical and theoretical though methods vary greatly from one school to another. Technology is well established in the class as a learning tool, and sports activities are designed to make the most of our great outdoors.

Types of school in New Zealand

There are three types of schools in new Zealand:

• State or public schools (schools owned and funded by the government with usually a very small donation encouraged)
• State integrated schools (schools with a special character), and
• Private schools (schools that charge set fees for a term or year)

Home schooling is also possible, though not without the Ministry of Education's approval.

State schools

Most Kiwi kids attend public schools, which are funded by the government. The school is free for 'domestic students' until the age of 19. Most school ask for a very small donation and a set uniform may be required, along with stationery, and other course-related costs.

State integrated schools

Covering about 10% of Kiwi students, these schools have a 'special character' in that they may be run by a particular faith or education method (Steiner, Montessori, etc.). These schools are partly funded, though in most instances parents must pay a fee of around NZ$1,500 per year.

Private schools

Just 5% of New Zealand children attend private schools. There is a mix of co-educational and single sex schools throughout the country, with certain education providers having boarding facilities too. Because these schools are not funded, they apply a compulsory fee of around NZ$15,000 to NZ$20,000 per year.

Will I have to pay for my children's school and tuition fees?

A student who is not a New Zealand citizen is treated either as a domestic student or an international student depending on the documents they hold giving them the right to reside in New Zealand.

Your child can attend public school for free as a domestic student if they are a New Zealand resident, permanent resident or citizen, or if they hold a student visa based on your temporary work visa (Skill level 1, 2, 3 work visa holders). If your child is not eligible for a 'domestic fee-paying student visa', they may be eligible for an 'international student visa', in which case fees apply.

What are typical school terms in New Zealand?

School in New Zealand starts at 9am and the day usually finishes around 3-3.30pm. The school year is broken into four terms, with the year starting in January.

• Term 1: Late January to early April (2 week break)
• Term 2: May to early July (2 week break)
• Term 3: Late July to late September (2 week break)
• Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December (6 week summer break)