Schooling and Education
Find out what to expect from the school system in New Zealand...
In New Zealand it is compulsory to attend school from the age of six to 16. Most children start school on, or soon after, their fifth birthday. Teaching is predominantly in English but some schools teach in Māori. All children have the right to attend a state school from their fifth birthday until the January after they turn 19.
State schools are free but may ask for donations towards the running of the school. Schools in New Zealand are self-governing and set their own rules, policies and teaching programmes. There are many different types of school including state schools, bilingual schools, private schools and schools for children with special educational needs.
- For information on the different types of schools from the Ministry of Education: Click here
Parents are legally required to ensure that their child attends school every day. Parents or carers can be prosecuted if their child is between the age of six and 16 and is absent without a good reason.
The New Zealand Curriculum is taught in all English-language state schools. The curriculum includes key competencies and values and has eight learning areas:
- English
- Statistics
- Science
- The arts
- Learning languages
- Social sciences
- Technology
- Health and Physical Education.
- To find out more about the New Zealand Curriculum: Click here
There are also schools in New Zealand which teach the International Baccalaureate. A list of these schools and more information can be found on the International Baccalaureate Schools of New Zealand website.