Guides

Moving with Children to New Zealand? Here’s how to find the perfect School

If you’re moving to New Zealand, finding a new school can be daunting. Follow our guide to get the best option for you.

It’s the land made famous by Lord of the Rings – sweeping landscapes, outstanding scenery and plenty to do outdoors – no wonder so many people are making the international move to New Zealand. Many are doing so with children, which of course, raises the questions of finding the best school.

About the New Zealand School system
Education is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen and comes in three tiers – primary, secondary and tertiary. It is possible to home-school children, but for this you’ll need a special certificate of exemption.

Most children stay on at school beyond 16 and move onto years 12 and 13 where they will acquire the New Zealand equivalent of an A Lever – the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). It’s an internationally regarded qualification and will be recognised by universities around the world.

The school year runs from January to December, rather than September to June in the UK. State schools are free for New Zealanders, but foreign nationals will have to obtain a student’s Visa and pay a fee. However, these are generally not too high.

Types of schools
New Zealand has many of the same types of schools that we have in the UK: namely state schools, private schools and faith schools, as well as some specialist international schools. State Schools are backed by the Government and are free to people from New Zealand. However, foreigners will have to pay a fee which contributes towards the national education system.

In general, you will be expected to attend the state school closest to you, so when choosing where to live you should consider the reputation of the local schools. New Zealand’s education system is one of the best in the world, but standards inevitably vary from place to place. Do a little research to see what people are saying about the local schools to decide if it’s for you.

Private schools generally provide a very high level of education, although this can always vary. They are partly subsidised by the state which takes some of the sting out of the fees.

Whether you go private or public will depend on your own finances, and what you’re looking to get from a school. Many expats will choose a private school or an international school for their children as this may seem to be an easier and more comfortable option.

However, choosing a state school can be a better way to fit in with the local community. In general the state system is extremely good in New Zealand, and the fees affordable. One option could be to start at an international school, but if the local state education is good move your child once you’re a little more settled. You can expect a warm welcome in most state schools and, with no language barrier, should find it easy to fit in.

To find out more about international removals to New Zealand check out our ultimate guide to moving to New Zealand.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Accreditations

As one of the leading providers of overseas removal services on a national and international scale, we pride ourselves on providing a professional and friendly service from our highly trained and competent team. We have been recognised as one of the leading international moving companies by the networks below, and we are, therefore, proud of our credentials and the quality standard they represent. In 2023, we became the most trusted moving company in the UK.

Some of our Customer Reviews

The packers were careful, quick and courteous. I highly recommend this company and would definitely use them again! Efficient, polite, punctual: could not ask for more.

Hertfordshire, UK to Virginia, USA - March 2023

From start with Michelle to finish with Gill the level of service was excellent. John Mason and its international partners handled my move from Devon to Australia seemingly effortlessly. I couldn't ask for better.

Devon, UK to Perth, Australia –April 2023

Absolutely one of the best movers I have worked with. Pleasant helpful admin staff and the delivery drivers were absolute angels sorting and moving the boxes where I asked them to. Arrived exactly when they said it would.

Yorkshire, UK to Sydney, Australia - March 2023

Read more independent reviews about us on TrustPilot