Your child at school – Parents.education.govt.nz – Practical information about education for parents and carers

Find your nearest school

You can search for a school using the Ministry's find a school tool. Learn about enrolling and starting at secondary school. Further information about enrolment schemes (zoning).

Enrolling and starting at secondary school

When should I enrol my child in secondary school?
How do I enrol my child?
What do they need when they start?
When should I enrol my child in secondary school?Students move on to secondary school when they have finished Year 8, usually when they are 13 (although some will be younger or…

Choosing subject areas

Years 9 and 10
Year 11 and beyond
Who can help
Years 9 and 10All year 9 and 10 students in English medium schools are required to study core subjects such as English, mathematics, science as well as health and physical education.

Making sure your child attends school

Every single day counts towards your child’s learning at secondary school and gives your child the best chance to gain qualifications and do well in life.

Things to know about your child's teacher

How are teachers regulated?
What are the quality control systems for teachers, and who manages them?
Do I have a say in who teaches my child?
Where can I check to see that my child’s teacher is safe to teach and properly trained?
Who employs teachers?
What should I do if I have a concern…

When your child is wagging school

Truancy - wagging or skipping school is a serious issue. Your child is less likely to succeed at school and more likely to leave without the education and qualifications they need to do well in life.

Boarding Allowances

Leaving school before the age of 16

By law children in New Zealand aged 6 to 16 years old must be enrolled in school. There are some situations where your 15 year old can get permission to leave school early. This could be to go on to other training or a job. To discuss this option contact the local Ministry of Education office.

Moving on from secondary school

There's a lot to think about when leaving school - going to university or polytechnic, getting started in a job, or doing an apprenticeship are just some of the options. Here are some websites and resources that can help with the decision making.

Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions, expulsions

If your child is stood down or suspended from a state school, state-integrated school, or kura find out what to do next and where to go to get advice and support.

School transport assistance

The Ministry provides school transport assistance to help parents overcome barriers to education and meet their responsibility to get their children to school. The Ministry may provide assistance where distance and/or accessibility is a barrier for students attending the closest school they can enrol at. Find out if your child is eligible for school transport assistance.

Physical restraint

Schools and kura should be places where the uniqueness and diversity of all ākonga is nurtured and valued. Physical restraint should only be used as a last resort. It is the school’s responsibility to work with you to understand and agree the best way to respond to your child or young person’s distress to minimise situations where physical restraint might be used.

Emergency Guide

A guide for parents, whānau and caregivers to prepare and plan for emergency events at an early learning service or school.