Compulsory education in New Zealand is divided into primary, intermediate and secondary schooling.

Primary schools are the first level. They cater for children from the age of five years - from entry to school - to the end of year 6 (usually age 10).

Children in years 7 and 8 (age 11 - 12) may either be in a separate intermediate school or part of a primary, secondary or composite/area school.

Secondary schools usually provide for students from year 9 (age 13) until the end of year 13 (age 17). Adult students who return to school enter in whichever year the majority of their subjects are in.

Area/composite schools, which are usually based in rural areas, combine primary, intermediate and secondary schooling at one location.

A child starting primary school for the first time between July (when the school roll is counted) and 31 December of a school year, and aged between five and six, will be classed as year 0.

Children who begin school for the first time between 1 January and before the July roll count will be classed as year 1.

Children most commonly start school when they turn five even though schooling is compulsory from age six. Where children start school for the first time after the age of six, they are placed in the same year as other children of the same age.

Most children attend the school closest to where they live. Parents and caregivers can apply to enrol their children at any state school of their choice. However, if a school has too many children wishing to enrol, the Ministry of Education may require a school to operate an enrolment scheme to prevent over-crowding. An enrolment scheme must contain a home zone with clearly defined boundaries. Students who live within the home zone have an absolute right to enrol at the school. Students living outside the zone can still apply to enrol, but if there are more applicants than places, a ballot will be held to determine who can enrol. Brothers and sisters of current and former students and children of board employees have a higher priority for the out-of-zone places.

Parents or caregivers can telephone the schools they are interested in and ask to visit. They can see the latest Education Review Office report, which is available to the public, or get a copy from the local Education Review Office or the Education Review Office’s web site: www.ero.govt.nz

Many schools have a prospectus or brochure that sets out their ideals and what the school offers its students. Schools also have a school charter and you can ask to see a copy.

Children can be enrolled in a New Zealand school from their fifth birthday. All children in New Zealand must attend school from their sixth birthday.

Once parents and caregivers have decided on a school they are encouraged to visit to fill in an enrolment form before the child’s first day. They are given information about school operating hours and how the school operates. Often this visit provides parents and caregivers with the opportunity to meet with the principal.

Once children are enrolled, they and their parents and caregivers become part of the school community and have many opportunities to be involved in school activities.

If a child needs to change schools it is important to let the present school know as soon as possible. Once the child is enrolled at a new school all their personal records may be sent from the previous school.

Children changing to a new level of schooling, such as intermediate or secondary, will have information sent home with them telling parents and caregivers what they need to do.

Where there is a choice of schools, information will be provided about each option. Sometimes an information evening is arranged by the present school to explain these options more fully. Most intermediate and secondary schools hold open days so students and their parents and caregivers can see what they have to offer.