Preschools
An increasing number of Schools have preschools (for children aged 2 to 5 years).

Primary Schools
Years 1 to 8 (aged 5 to 12 years): Some primary schools may admit students only at Years 4 or 5 to Year 8.

Composite Schools
Composite Schools admit students at different levels (primary and secondary students). These may include preschool or Year 1 to Year 13, or Years 7 to 13.

Secondary Schools
Years 9 to 13 (aged 13 to 18 years)

New Zealand’s secondary school system is world class and secondary schooling commences from around the age of 12 or 13 and normally lasts for 5 years.

Most secondary schools in New Zealand are state owned although there are a few private schools with their own philosophical traditions. New Zealand’s secondary qualification is renowned internationally.

Secondary schooling is compulsory till the age of 16 in New Zealand. Most schools are owned by the government but there are a few private schools with their own rich philosophical and religious traditions. All secondary school offer secondary qualifications that meet New Zealand university entry requirements.


National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
This is the main New Zealand secondary qualification and it is studied at three levels - 1, 2 & 3. The levels pursued by individual students depend on their abilities in certain subjects and their aptitude.
The New Zealand secondary school assessment system does not run along the old lines of pass or fail. Rather, it highlights what the student is good at and their abilities rather than their weaknesses in particular areas.
The assessment grades are ’achieved’, ’merit’ and ’excellence’. ’Achieved’ is roughly the equivalent of a ’pass’ grade while the highest grade represents the pinnacle of achievement.

Day and Boarding Schools
Some schools are day schools only while others provide boarding facilities. These range from weekly boarding for those parents who wish to have their children home in the weekends, to full boarding for parents who wish their children to experience full boarding school life.

Single Sex and Coeducational Schools
Depending on the location, parents and children are able to choose an appropriate option to suit their child’s needs and preference. Some schools are co-ed with separate classes for boys and girls, others are co-ed at Years 12 and 13 only. There are several girls-only and boys-only independent secondary schools.