A CLOSER LOOK AT THE

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
OF NEW ZEALAND

EDUCATION IN NEW ZEALAND

World-class, modern and
responsive.
Combination of proven,
traditional principles of
education with innovation,
creativity and fresh thinking.

BASIC EDUCATION
Compulsory for all children from
age 6 to 16
Education is free for all New
Zealand citizens or residents
Average number of students to a
teacher is 18 to 1 in primary
schooling and 15 to 1 in secondary
schooling in state schools.
Three (3) types of schools:
- state-funded
- state integrated
- private

BASIC EDUCATION
National curriculum is set out as a learning
requirements for all state schools.
Core subjects:
English
Science
Health and
Social Science
Physical education
Technology
Language
The Arts
Mathematics and
Statistics

BASIC EDUCATION
Secondary school may add subjects such
as:
Accounting
Art history
Media studies
Specialized science
Language studies.

BASIC EDUCATION
Five (5) competencies covered by National
Curriculum:
1.Thinking
2.Using language, symbols, and textsdifferent ways
3.Managing self can do attitude
4.Relating to others
5.Participating and Contributing

BASIC EDUCATION
National curriculum includes a vision for the young
people to be confident, lifelong earners.
Importance of different cultures to value:
Excellence
Innovation, inquiry and curiosity
Diversity
Respect
Equity
Community and participation
Ecological sustainability
Integrity

BASIC EDUCATION
NEW ZEALAND LEVELS OF EDUCATION
SCHOOLING
LEVEL
Early Childhood

YEARS/GRAD
ES
Pre-School

Primary School
Intermediate
School
Secondary
School
Tertiary

Years 1 - 8
Years 7 - 8
Years 7 - 13
University or

AGE
Birth 5
years
5 - 13
11 - 13
11 17 or
18
17 onwards

BASIC EDUCATION
Primary Schools New Zealand law
requires all children aged six years and
over to be in schools.
Secondary Schools students progress
through five levels and must stay until age
17 18.
Grades 9 and 10 students learn:
- English
- Social
Studies
- Math
- Arts
- Science and
- Physical and

BASIC EDUCATION
National Certificate in Educational
Achievement (NCEA) is the national
qualification for secondary schools
students.
Three NCEA qualifications: Level 1, Level
2, Level 3

BASIC EDUCATION
School Term
School year is divided into four terms for primary,
intermediate, and secondary schools.
Six week summer holiday break and three twobreaks between each of the four terms.
The terms are:
- Term 1 Early February until mid-April
- Term 2 Late April until the beginning of July
- Term 3 Mid July until later September
- Term 4 Mid October until Mid - December

HIGHER EDUCATION
UNIVERSITIES IN NEW ZEALAND
There are eight government- funded
universities and all have internationally
respected academic and research standards.
Open to anyone who meets the common
standards prescribed by the New Zealand
Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Students work towards bachelors, masters
and doctoral degrees as well as diplomas at
various levels.

HIGHER EDUCATION
INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY AND
POLYTECHNICS
State-owned
Offer courses that are equivalent in merit
to those who offered as degrees in
universities.
20 polytechnic and technology institutes
in the country.
Offer short term courses that may be
begin any time of the year.

HIGHER EDUCATION
Colleges of Education in most cases are
merged with regional universities.
Short term courses are being offered for
the professional development of teachers.
Colleges of Education have extended their
services to public schools in their areas.
Public teachers also in the development of
pre service teachers by acting as mentor
during their teaching practicum.

HIGHER EDUCATION
Private Training Institutions and English
Language Programs
800 private education providers in the
country, many of which are offering shortterm English language courses.
Offer courses in specific areas like
business, computing and design.
Private training institutions are registered
and accredited by NZQA.