The New Zealand school system
A flexible, supportive pathway that gives students the skills and qualifications to succeed anywhere in the world.
See where you fit in
Ages 5-10
Primary
Build a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy and a broad and balanced curriculum.
Ages 11-12
Intermediate
Introduction to specialist subjects in preparation for secondary school. Learn a broad, balanced curriculum and develop individual thought.
Ages 13-18
Secondary
Focus on subject-based learning, with growing opportunities to specialise as the student progresses.
Qualifications that open new futures
New Zealand offers a great range of education qualifications that are internationally recognised and easily transferable.
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
New Zealand's main national schools qualification. Can also include the University Entrance qualification and is recognised by many countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia when attained at NCEA level 3.
The Cambridge Examinations
Approximately 60 New Zealand secondary schools offer this qualification. It can be attained at three levels in either year 11, 12 or 13 and uses a range of assessment methods with the emphasis on external exams. Coursework and internal assessment are also part of many subjects.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Developed in Geneva, the IB is designed to provide an internationally accepted qualification for entry to higher education. There are 21 World Schools in New Zealand offering one or more of the three IB programmes.