The majority of school education in New Zealand is government funded. All children aged five to sixteen in New Zealand must attend school, with most attending schools closest to where they live. Primary and intermediate schools, of which the majority are co-educational, include levels 0 to 8 (ages 5 to 12). Secondary schools include levels 9 to 13 (ages 13 to 19). There are a variety of school types and teaching philosophies for you to choose from to best suit your child's educational needs.

Public-State education institutions are government funded, and use the approved New Zealand curriculum. Integrated schools were private in the past, but are now public and state funded, retaining a unique teaching method and/or philosophy while integrating aspects of the New Zealand curriculum. The majority of integrated schools are Roman Catholic, though many are also Montessori and secular. Private education institutions are not government funded, and depend on private student fees. For these, independent boards provide the curriculum for students which are more often than not in line with the New Zealand curriculum. Private schools in New Zealand are both single sex and co-educational, with most requiring uniforms.


READ MORE