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Schooling is compulsory for all children living in New Zealand from the ages of 6 years until 16 years, however most children begin school on their 5th birthday. Students can stay in school until 19 years of age. The Government meets the cost of public schooling, however parents are expected to pay some fees as well as the costs of materials, school outings, uniforms etc.
 They are various early childhood education services available to parents however these are not all funded by the government. Kindergartens are the most common form of early childhood education. Kindergarten’s generally ask for a donation towards attendance. Children can attend Kindergarten from the ages of 3-5 years. Children usually attend either morning of afternoon sessions and these are supervised by trained teachers and are focused on developing social skills and learning through play.
Education and care centres offer full day or sessional care (up to four hours per day). These centres usually charge higher fees and include specialist centres such as Rudolph Steiner and Montessori Schools.
Playcentres are also available for children and parents are closely involved with the running of the groups and working with the children during sessions, usually on a rostered system.
Nannies are available in New Zealand as is home based care for small groups of children.
It is not lawful to discriminate against a child with a disability in New Zealand. Special Education Services provide services to any child with a disability and the Early Intervention Service works with young children from birth until they begin attending school. Specialist educational services offer support throughout the child’s schooling history.
Children must be enrolled and attending primary school by their sixth birthday, however most begin attending on their fifth birthday. Many primary schools have waiting lists, therefore it is advisable to pre-enrol your children at the school you would like them to attend, prior to their fifth birthday.
In urban areas, children are likely to attend intermediate school between primary and secondary school.
Children attend secondary school from the age of 12/13 years through until the age of 17/18 years. Every student has the right to enrol in and attend the state school, closest to their home. State secondary schools do not charge fees, however parents are expected to make donations towards the cost of schooling.
The other options for secondary school education are integrated schools which generally refers to schools with a religious focus. Integrated schools previously operated as private schools, however have since been integrated into the state system.
There is also the option of private or independent schools. These schools receive limited funding from the Government and rely on income from the fees charged to students. Some private schools also have the option of boarding.
New Zealand has eight Universities and various other educational facilities referred to as Polytechnics, Institutes of Technology or training colleges. Students must gain entry to University through school exams. Entry to Polytechnic’s and training colleges vary in terms of their entry requirements.
The Government funds state tertiary institutions and meets a large amount of the cost of fees. Students are currently required to contribute a percentage towards the cost of their tertiary fees.
New Zealand’s Universities currently rank with some of the best in the world and they are internationally respected for their academic and research performance. Class sizes are smaller than international universities, giving a more one to one teaching opportunity. The education programmes are based on the British education system, however have a reputation around the world for also being practical, modern and desirable.
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