LIVING IN NEW ZEALAND

EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand prides itself on its education system. All children aged between 6 and 16 years must attend school, however, most children start school once they turn five years old. A range of post-secondary options are available for people to further their education and training, from Industry Training Organisations to world-class universities.

OVERVIEW OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

• Early childhood education and care (ECE) services – These are non-compulsory “pre-school” services which include kindergarten, education and care services, creches, playcentres and playgroups. They cater for children up to 5 or 6 years of age, providing them with early learning opportunities.
• Primary / Intermediate – Enrolment into Primary School is not compulsory until age 6 but most children begin schooling at age 5. Primary school is for children from Year 1 to Year 6 (or Year 8). In larger cities, children may attend a separate Intermediate school for Year 7 and Year 8. Most primary schools are public, although some private schools are also available for children in years 1 to 8;
• Secondary - Students are generally 13-17 years old and from Year 9 to Year 13. Most of the secondary school students in New Zealand attend Government-funded schools, typically called ‘high school’ or ‘college’. There are also private and state-integrated (part-private) high schools or colleges. Both single sex and co-educational schooling is available; and
• Tertiary - Students have the option of furthering their studies by attending a university, polytechnic, private training establishment, Wananga, or Industry Training Organisation. New Zealand has 36 public tertiary institutions, including eight (8) universities which are among the world’s best, particularly for research.