New Zealand has been rated by the Legatum Prosperity Index (www.prosperity.com) as having the best education system in the world. 82% of people surveyed in the report said they were satisfied wit the quality of education in New Zealand. The annual prosperity index is produced by the Legatum Institute, the survey analyses data from 142 countries around the world.
So why does New Zealand have the best education system?
- The country’s education system has a low pupil to teacher ratio. At a ratio of 1:15, this is one of the lowest in the world.
Based on 2012 results, 9 out of 10 children have the opportunity to learn (compared to a global average of 7 out of 10). High rates of secondary and tertiary education are also prevalent.
- High public expenditure on education.
‘Top Performing’ Education System
New Zealand was also rated highly by the OECD 2013 Better Life Index. The country’s education system was described as ‘top performing’ by the report. In terms of the important skills of literacy, maths and science, New Zealand students scored higher than average on the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). New Zealand students skills were rated as 524, compared to the OECD average of 497.
Schooling Options
Schooling is available via three options: free state school and state integrated religious schools are available as well as private schooling. Most schools offer an extensive range of outdoor activities for children to participate in.
Higher Level Education in New Zealand
In addition, New Zealand has a number of top universities including the University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury and the University of Waikato among others. Seven of New Zealand’s eight universities feature in the QS World University Rankings for 2012 / 2013.
