Choosing a school and enrolling

Every child who lives in New Zealand has the right to a free education at any state school between the ages of five and 19.

Under New Zealand law it is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 16 to be enrolled at and attend a registered school. An application for exemption can be made to the Ministry of Education. They will need to be satisfied that the child will be taught at least as regularly and as well as at a registered school. 15 year olds can also be exempt because of conduct or education problems. Starting school is a major milestone in a child's life. It can be a challenge for both children and parents or caregivers and may be the first time your child enters the wider community. You will find on this page basic guidance on choosing a school and enrolling.
 

Choosing a school

Deciding which school to send your child to is an important decision. You may want to start looking at schools early to give enough time to check them out. This may also be important if you want your child to go to a school outside your 'zone' or local area with limited places. When choosing a school, focus on what may suit your child best. You may want to consider the following:

  • Where is the school located? How far is it to travel to and how safe is it travel to and home again? Is there a school bus?
  • Do older brothers and sisters or friends already attend?
  • How is teaching and learning managed? How is the class organised on a day-to-day basis?
  • How many children are there in a class?
  • How many teachers are there, how long have they taught at the school and what training and experience do they have?
  • Does the school follow a particular philosophy or approach to behaviour management?
  • Will the school be sensitive to your cultural or religious needs?
  • Does the school have good facilities, e.g., computers, sports equipment?
  • What extra curriculum activities are organised, e.g., sport, music, dance, arts and crafts, days out?
  • Is there an Out of School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) programme available?

Make an appointment for you and your child to visit the school first, meet the principal and class teacher. Imagine your child there - will they be happy and likely to learn in the school's particular environment? Many schools have a prospectus or brochure that sets out their ideals and what they offer. Schools also have a school charter that states their aims, purpose and objectives. Ask for copies. You can also ask to see the latest report on the school from the Education Review Office - they are responsible for monitoring school performance. You can get a copy from the school or from the Education Review Office. If you want to school your child at home, you will have to apply for an exemption from enrolment from the Ministry of Education. You must satisfy them that your child will be taught as well and as regularly as if at school. You may be required to enrol your child at the Correspondence School.
 

Enrolling at school

Once you have decided which school is best for your child, you will need to enrol - get an enrolment form from the school, fill it in and return it before your child's first day. Parents and caregivers who do not enrol their child can be fined up to $1,000. Some schools have enrolment schemes to prevent overcrowding and to make sure all schools in an area are put to best use. These schemes must:

  • Only exclude enough students to prevent overcrowding
  • Make sure the way they choose students is fair and open
  • Enable students to attend a reasonably convenient school
  • As far as possible, not exclude local students.

Enrolment schemes must have a 'home zone' with clear boundaries. Children living within this zone have a right to enrol at the school. But this must be where they usually live - if you give a false address so your child can go to a particular school, you child's enrolment can be cancelled.If you live out of the home zone, you can still apply to enrol your child for any places available for out-of-zone students. These places must be allocated in order of these priorities:

  • Students accepted for any special programme run by the school
  • Children whose brothers or sisters already attend
  • Children whose siblings previously went to the school
  • Children of board members
  • All other students.

Make sure the school you enrol your child at is told about any special needs or circumstances, such as allergies, medical conditions, or special diet. Tell them the name
of your child's GP. You will also need to show your child's immunisation certificate if your child was born after January 1995. It is also important to make sure the school and your child's teacher knows:

  • If there is anyone who is not allowed access to your child,
  • If there are any protection or restraining orders in place, and
  • Who has your permission to collect your child from school.


Changing schools

If you need to change your child's school, tell the current school as soon as possible. Once your child is enrolled at the new school, their personal records will be requested and sent on from the old school. When your child moves up to a new schooling level such as intermediate or secondary, your child's present school will tell you what you need to do. If a choice of schools is available, you will be given information on each option. Your school may organise an information evening. Most intermediate and secondary schools hold open days for prospective students, parents and caregivers.
 

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