Can my child start school on their 5th birthday? What is cohort entry?
Yes, at most schools your child can start from their 5th birthday. Some schools use cohort entry instead. At these schools, children who have turned 5 start on one of 8 set dates each year. They cannot start before age 5 and must start before age 6. The Minister of Education sets these dates, and schools cannot change them. Ask the school whether it uses cohort entry.
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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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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