New Zealand has a state and private education system up to secondary school level (16-18 years old). Formal schooling is compulsory for those aged 6 to 16 and is divided into primary, intermediate and secondary schooling.
Primary school is the first level. This caters for children from the age of five years (Year 0) to about 10 years old (Year 6). Children in Years 7 and 8 may either be in a separate intermediate school or part of a primary, secondary or composite/area school.
Secondary schools usually provide for students from about age 13 (Year 9) to 18 (Year 13). It is a legal requirement in New Zealand for young people to stay at school until they reach the age of 16.
Area/composite schools, which are usually based in rural areas, combine primary, intermediate and secondary schooling at one location.
At primary and intermediate level most schools are co-educational and both co-educational and single-sex schooling is available at secondary level. Intermediate and secondary schools are often zoned. However, students can sometimes secure a place at an out-of-zone school depending on rolls and the number of places available.
Schools in New Zealand are accorded a ‘decile’ rating. The decile system runs from 1 to 10, with 1 as the lowest decile. Decile ratings generally reflect the socio-economic status of the area. The decile rating does not directly relate to the quality of the education provided.
We recommend that you visit the Ministry of Education website (www.minedu.govt.nz) where you will find information on the New Zealand school system and the curriculum.
The National Secondary School qualification is the NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement). Visit the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea or freephone 0800 623 243 for information on New Zealand qualifications and equivalents.
The Education Review Office is a government body that independently assesses schools and educational centres throughout New Zealand. If you are interested in their most recent report on a particular school, you will find this on the website: www.ero.govt.nz.
www.tki.org.nz includes a listing of all schools in New Zealand with basic information about each school, such as number of pupils, website address and decile rating.
Preschool
There are a number of pre-school options in New Zealand, including privately run daycare centres and state-funded kindergartens. Visit early childhood development www.ecd.govt.nz for advice on early childhood services.
Kindergartens are located throughout the main centres and provide early childhood education to children between the age of three and five years old. Some have waiting lists which your child can join once they turn two. www.nzkindergarten.org.nz
Play Centres
These are run as parent cooperatives and parents have direct involvement with the running of the centre. www.playcentre.org.nz.
Not all pre-school educational services automatically receive state funding. As a general rule, state funding is provided only if the service is licensed and has a 'charter' that formally sets out educational policies. The Ministry of Education sets the licensing standards. Criteria include minimum ratios of staff to children and restrictions on class sizes.
State (Public) Schools
New Zealand state schools are fully funded by the Government. However there is an expectation that parents make a donation to support special programmes and services. You will also have to purchase your child’s stationery requirements and uniform, if one is worn. Meals are not provided. Snacks can generally be purchased from the school 'Tuck Shop', but many parents prefer to provide a packed lunch.
NOTE: International fees for schooling apply if a work permit is for less than two years.
Integrated Schools
The term 'integrated schools' generally refers to schools with a religious focus – often Roman Catholic in denomination – that used to operate as private institutions. In recent years, these schools have been integrated into the state system, and receive government funding. Although they follow the state curriculum requirements, they retain their special religious or philosophical character. Montessori or Rudolf Steiner schools are secular but also fall within the category of an integrated school. Integrated schools charge school fees but these are usually significantly lower than you would expect to pay at a private school.
Private Independent Schools
Private or independent schools receive only limited government funding and are almost entirely dependent on income derived from school fees. Each school determines its own fee scale which can be as much as $16,000 per child for a school year. Private schools must meet Government standards in order to be registered. They are also subject to the same Educational Review Office audits as state schools.
Boarding Schools
Currently 78 state and integrated schools and 24 private schools have boarding arrangements www.boarding.org.nz.
Tertiary Education
Tertiary education can be undertaken at a university, polytechnic or community college. New Zealand has eight universities situated around the country in the main cities. Fees vary depending on the institution, and many students choose to fund their studies through the Government student loan scheme which is interest free while you are studying.
NOTE: Those on Work to Residence and Student Visas are likely to incur international fees for tertiary education.
Polytechnics
New Zealand has 22 polytechnics offering a range of academic, vocational and professional courses. As well as three and four-year degrees, polytechnics also offer short full-time and part-time courses. Each polytechnic publishes an annual prospectus detailing the courses scheduled during the academic year. Fees and entry requirements are also included in the prospectus.
Universities:
- The University of Auckland (Auckland) Freephone: 0800 61 62 63
- Auckland University of Technology (Auckland) Freephone: 0800 288 864
- The University of Canterbury (Christchurch) Freephone: 0800 827 748
- Lincoln University (Christchurch) Freephone: 0800 10 60 10
- Massey University (Palmerston North) Freephone: 0800 627 739
- The University of Otago (Dunedin) Freephone: 0800 80 80 98
- Victoria University of Wellington (Wellington) Freephone: 0800 842 864
- The University of Waikato (Hamilton) Freephone: 0800 924 528
Colleges of Education:
- Auckland College of Education Freephone: 0800 223 266
- Christchurch College of Education Freephone: 0800 265 534
- Dunedin College of Education Freephone: 0800 868 322
- Wellington College of Education Freephone: 0800 16 88 16
Learning to Speak English
If you need help with learning to speak English, the local Citizens Advice Bureau is a good place to start. Bureau staff are trained to assist new migrants and will be able to refer you either to a local ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) or to a college or school in your area that provides English language tuition. For information on ESOL visit www.esolht.org.nz.
Skill New Zealand (www.tec.govt.nz) also produces an English Migrant Directory. You can obtain this by calling free in New Zealand on: 0800 376 569.