Types of school
There’s a choice of three types of school in New Zealand - state schools (funded by the government), ‘state integrated’ schools and private schools.
State schools are the choice for the vast majority of New Zealand children (85%). Schooling is free at these schools, although parents are asked for a contribution to help cover costs of activities that are outside of the core curriculum. Typically this will be around NZ$250- $650. There will also be other charges for sports, school trips, special tuition, exam fees, and other course related costs.
‘State integrated’ schools are schools with a special character - they may be run by a particular religious faith e.g. Catholic or use specialist education methods like Steiner or Montessori. Just over 10% of students are enrolled at these schools. Education in state integrated schools is also funded by the government but the schools may charge fees for various facilities which are usually around NZ$1,500 a year.
Just under 5% of children go to private schools which charge around NZ$20,000 in fees a year.
There is a mix of co-educational and boys or girls-only schools, and some schools have ‘boarding’ facilities so students can live there during the term.