School Education

Schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Your child can start school on the day they turn 5 years old (they do not have to wait until the start of a new school year). Most children stay at school until they are around 17.

The education system for schools is made up of 13 year levels. Your child’s primary education starts at Year 1 and goes to Year 8 (around 5 to 12 years of age). Your child’s secondary education goes from Year 9 to Year 13 (around 13 to 17 years of age).
Most schools in New Zealand are owned and funded by the state. They teach the national curriculum and are secular (non-religious).
There are 2 other types of schools - state-integrated and private. These are schools with a special character. 

Schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Your child can start school on the day they turn 5 years old (they do not have to wait until the start of a new school year). Most children stay at school until they are around 17.


The education system for schools is made up of 13 year levels. Your child’s primary education starts at Year 1 and goes to Year 8 (around 5 to 12 years of age). Your child’s secondary education goes from Year 9 to Year 13 (around 13 to 17 years of age).


Most schools in New Zealand are owned and funded by the state. They teach the national curriculum and are secular (non-religious).


There are 2 other types of schools - state-integrated and private. These are schools with a special character. 

The national curriculum covers subjects that are taught at primary and secondary schools and the standards students should reach in each subject.


Your child’s primary education will focus on foundation learning across a range of subjects and competencies but especially in literacy and numeracy. At secondary school they will learn a broad and balanced curriculum, with some specialisation possible in Years 11 to 13.


The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the national senior secondary school qualification. Your child will usually be assessed during their last three years at school (Years 11 to 13). They can achieve NCEA at 3 levels in a wide range of courses and subjects.

 

Further education includes higher and vocational education. Courses range from programmes to help students into work, to certificates and diplomas, to postgraduate study and research. Full and part time distance learning options are also available from some further education providers.