Early Learning and Schooling
Early learning
Early childhood education provides education and care for children before they are old enough to go to primary school. ECE is not compulsory.
Most children in New Zealand (95%) get some form of early childhood education, usually for 20-22 hours a week. All children aged 3 to 4 years old are entitled to free early childhood education for up to 6 hours per day, 20 hours per week. This free ECE is provided by licensed early learning centers and kindergartens.
Various government bodies set a national curriculum, ensure standards are maintained in every ECE centre, and control teacher quality.
Early childhood education in NZ
Auckland Kindergarten Association
Schooling
Schooling is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Children can start school on the day they turn 5 years old and most stay at school until they are around 17.
Education is free between the ages of 5 and 19 at our top-quality state schools for children who are a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident.
State schools are owned and funded by the government and the education is free for domestic students up to 19 years of age. Most children attend state schools (public schools).
In addition, there are State-integrated schools, which are government funded but may also charge compulsory fees. Just over 10% of students are enrolled in State-integrated schools (run by a particular religious faith, eg Catholic, or use specialist education methods, like Steiner and Montessori schools).
Independent (Private) schools charge set fees, receiving more limited government funding. Just under 5% of children attend private schools.
A small number of schools have boarding facilities so students can live there during the term.
The New Zealand National Curriculum is NCEA. Some schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme and Cambridge International Examination (CIE).
New Zealand’s Education Review Office reviews all schools and early childhood centres in the country. These reviews are comprehensive and publicly available. Searchable by region and suburb.
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