New Zealand has a compulsory education system for children. Children can start school at age five, but it is not compulsory until the child is six years old. The school system is divided into three sections; primary, intermediate and secondary.

Primary school caters for children starting from age five and covers year 1 to year 6.

Intermediate school covers years 7 and 8. An intermediate school may be a school independent of a primary or secondary school, or may be combined with one of them depending on location and resources in that area.

Secondary school covers year 9 to year 13. 

What types of schools are available in New Zealand?

• State schools
• Kura kaupapa Maori
• Special schools
• Integrated schools
• Designated Character schools
• Independent (or private) schools
• Boarding schools
• The Correspondence School
• Home-based schooling

How do I find out how good a school is?

You can ask the school to show you their ERO (Education Review Office) report. This report is available to the public and you can get a copy from your local Education Review Office or at their website www.ero.govt.nz. You can also ask other parents in the area whose judgement you trust.

How do I enrol my child?

Once you have decided on the school you would like your child to attend, the next step is to enrol them. You will need to arrange your child's enrolment with the school, prior to your child attending. If your child will be starting straight after a school holiday period, you will need to contact the school before the holiday starts. 

The school should provide you with an enrolment pack and we advise a school visit for new pupils. A school visit will give your child a chance to see the class and meet the teacher they will have, before they start.