Schools in New Zealand

Gross enrolment overall: 105.6%* (2012)

Primary female–male ratio: 1.00:1 (2012)

Secondary female–male ratio: 1.05:1 (2012)

Primary pupil–teacher ratio: 14.6:1 (2012)

Secondary pupil–teacher ratio: 14.4:1 (2012)

There are 12 years of compulsory education starting at the age of five. Primary school comprises six years and secondary seven, with cycles of four and three years. The school year starts in January.

*The GER may be greater than 100 per cent when students younger or older than the official age for a given level of education are enrolled in that level.

Independent and private schools can be found throughout the country mainly located in larger urban centers. The Independent Schools Education Association represents teachers and support staff of independent schools in the country. Notably Kristin School in Auckland was the first of the country’s independent schools to offer the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate. Other internationally recognized qualifications, such as A-levels and the International GCSE, are also offered by independent schools in the country.