The quality of New Zealand schools is monitored by a dedicated government agency - the Education Review Office (ERO). The ERO has a searchable website where you can obtain detailed information of a specific school's perfomance. As their reports will be in english, ask us for help if you are having trouble accessing the information.
Our education system values both academic and practical, skill-based achievements. Young people are encouraged to be questioning, flexible and to seek their own answers. Add in a healthy dose of outdoor recreation and sport plus a safe learning environment, and you've got a great recipe for producing resourceful and confident young adults.
Like the rest of New Zealand, schools are peaceful, relaxed places and discipline is good. Pupils are made to feel comfortable in their learning environment and there's less pressure. It's an environment where young people can stress less and learn more.
You can choose between state funded schools, 'state integrated' schools based on religion (particularly Catholic) and private schools. Schooling is free at state and state-integrated schools although parents are expected to meet some minor costs including school books, stationery and uniforms. Private school fees range from $4,000 to $14,000 a year. Schooling is compulsory for all children in New Zealand aged 6 to 16. Children go to primary school from 5-13 years old, then secondary school (also known as college, high school or grammar school). There are also some intermediate schools for children in their final primary school years from 11-13 years old. Generally, children go to the state school that serves their particular geographic zone. See school zones for more details. Houses in the zones of particularly well thought of state schools can be more expensive to buy or rent.
This is a very personal decision that only you can make.
Boarding schools provide wrap around 24 hour care for your child and it is easier for your child to have extra tuition e.g. extra english, music lessons, etc.. Day schools means that private accommodation needs to be found.
There are several options. You can make initial contact with the school via their website. At some stage you might want to visit the school with your child to get a detailed impression and have the opportunity to ask your detailed questions. We can assist with a visit, so let us know at an early stage of your wishes and concerns.
School usually starts at 9am and runs to 3pm or 3:30pm. There are four school terms (also sometimes called semesters) running from late January to mid-December with two-week breaks between them and a six-week summer break at the end of the year.
Term 1: February to mid-April - Two week break (Depending on when Easter falls, there may be an additional Easter break.)
Term 2: Late April to early July - Two week break
Term 3: Mid-July to late September - Two week break
Term 4: Mid-October to mid-December - Six week summer holiday (Exams are generally held at the end of the 4th term.)
Just ask us, we can help you.
For more information on schooling in New Zealand.