Schooling in NZ – Parents.education.govt.nz – Practical information about education for parents and carers

Primary and intermediate schooling in NZ

As your child approaches school age you may have questions about how schooling works in NZ these days.

Different types of primary and intermediate schools

Here are many types of primary and intermediary schools available in New Zealand.

Home education

Home education (sometimes called homeschooling) is an option in New Zealand. Parents and caregivers who want to educate their child at home need to first get approval from their local Ministry of Education office.

Children unlawfully in NZ

A good education is part of Kiwi life and children usually go to school between the ages of 5 and 19. By law children between the ages of 6 and 16 must go to school. Parents and/or carers of a child living unlawfully in New Zealand can apply for their children to go to school as a New Zealand student.

This section looks at:

Enrolment schemes (school zones)

School enrolment zones stop schools from getting overcrowded, and give children who live in the school area (the zone) a guarantee that they can go to their local school.

Ministry funding deciles

Schools no longer use deciles to determine equity funding. Funding is determined by the Equity Index.

Costs and financial assistance

Education is free in New Zealand state schools and kura, but you should be prepared to pay for school uniforms, stationery supplies and extra activities. Some state-integrated schools also charge fees, as do private schools. It pays to check all the costs before you enrol.