What age do children start school in New Zealand, and when is school compulsory?
Most children start school from their 5th birthday, and school is compulsory from age 6 to 16. Between 6 and 16, children must go to school or be home educated. You can enrol your child with the school before they turn 5.
Official figures
- Starting age
- Most children start school from their 5th birthday. You can enrol your child with the school before they turn 5.1
- Compulsory school age
- Children aged 6 to 16 must go to school or be home educated (home education).1
- Free enrolment
- New Zealand citizens and permanent residents (domestic students) aged 5 to 19 can enrol and study at a state school for free.1
- Cohort entry
- At schools that use cohort entry, children who have turned 5 can start on one of 8 set dates each year. They cannot start before age 5 and must start before age 6.5
- 2026 Term 4 cohort entry dates
- 12 October or 16 November5
Official sources
- How to enrol your child at school in NZGovt.nz · govt.nz
- School zones and enrolment schemesMinistry of Education · education.govt.nz
- Types of primary and secondary educationMinistry of Education · education.govt.nz
- School costs and donationsMinistry of Education · education.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Starting school in New Zealand: school age and school zones →
People also ask
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- Do I have to pay the school donation?
- What is the difference between state, state-integrated and private schools, and what do they cost?
- If we move out of the school zone, can my child stay at the same school?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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