New Zealand's Education System (Preschool and School)
In New Zealand, children go to school from the age of 5 to about 18. Education is free at public schools for New Zealand citizens and residents.
Let’s look at the main parts of the system:
1. Preschool / Early Childhood Education (ECE)
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Age: 0 to 5 years
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Type: Not compulsory (optional)
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Places: Kindergarten, daycare, playcentre, kōhanga reo (Māori-language preschools)
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Cost: Many children get 20 hours of free ECE each week from age 3 to 5
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Focus: Learning through play, social skills, communication
2. Primary School (Years 1–6)
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Age: 5 to 11 years old
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Starts: When the child turns 5 (can start on or after their 5th birthday)
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Subjects: Reading, writing, maths, art, P.E., science, Māori language and culture
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Focus: Basic literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, maths), learning to work with others
3. Intermediate School (Years 7–8)
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Age: 11 to 13 years old
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Type: Some schools are "full primary" (Years 1–8), others have a separate intermediate school
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Subjects: Same as primary, but more specialist teachers (e.g. technology, science)
4. Secondary School / High School (Years 9–13)
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Age: 13 to 18 years old
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Also called: College or high school
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Subjects: English, maths, science, social studies, health, P.E., arts, technology, languages
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Qualifications:
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NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement)
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Levels 1, 2, and 3 – taken in Years 11, 12, and 13
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Extra Notes for Indian Students
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There is no board exam like CBSE or ICSE at the end of every year, but students take NCEA exams in senior years.
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Students call teachers by their first name, not “sir” or “madam.”
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Schools are usually co-educational (boys and girls together).
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The school day is usually from 9 am to 3 pm.
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School uniforms are common in many schools, especially high schools.
🇳🇿 ESOL Worksheet: The Education System in New Zealand
Level: B2 (Upper Intermediate)
Topic: Preschool and School in New Zealand
Student Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
🔹 Part 1: Vocabulary Match
Match the words to their meaning.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Preschool | a. Tests you take to finish high school |
| 2. Literacy | b. School for children aged 5 to 11 |
| 3. Primary School | c. Learning to read and write |
| 4. Intermediate School | d. Education before the age of 5 |
| 5. NCEA | e. School for ages 11 to 13 |
🔹 Part 2: Reading
The Education System in New Zealand
Children in New Zealand can go to preschool from birth to age 5. This is called early childhood education. It is not compulsory, but many children go to preschool. From age 3, many children get 20 free hours of education each week.
At age 5, children start primary school (Years 1–6). They learn reading, writing, maths, art, and other subjects. After this, they go to intermediate school (Years 7–8), or they might stay in a full primary school.
Next is secondary school or high school (Years 9–13). Students study subjects like English, maths, science, and social studies. In Years 11–13, they take NCEA exams to finish school.
New Zealand schools usually start at 9 am and finish at 3 pm. Most schools have uniforms. Students call their teachers by their first name.
🔹 Part 3: Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions in full sentences.
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What age do children usually start school in New Zealand?
→ ______________________________________________________ -
Is preschool in New Zealand compulsory?
→ ______________________________________________________ -
What does NCEA stand for?
→ ______________________________________________________ -
What do students study in secondary school?
→ ______________________________________________________ -
Do students in New Zealand wear school uniforms?
→ ______________________________________________________
🔹 Part 4: Speaking / Discussion
Talk about these questions with your tutor.
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What is the difference between schools in your home country and New Zealand?
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Do you like the idea of calling teachers by their first name? Why or why not?
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Would you prefer to study in New Zealand or your home country? Why?
🇳🇿 ESOL Worksheet: The Education System in New Zealand Answers
Level: B2 (Upper Intermediate)
Topic: Preschool and School in New Zealand
Student Name: ______________________
Date: ______________________
🔹 Part 1: Vocabulary Match – ✅ Answers
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Preschool | d. Education before the age of 5 |
| 2. Literacy | c. Learning to read and write |
| 3. Primary School | b. School for children aged 5 to 11 |
| 4. Intermediate School | e. School for ages 11 to 13 |
| 5. NCEA | a. Tests you take to finish high school |
🔹 Part 2: Reading
(This section is for reading only – no answers needed here)
🔹 Part 3: Comprehension Questions – ✅ Suggested Answers
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What age do children usually start school in New Zealand?
→ Children usually start school at age 5 in New Zealand. -
Is preschool in New Zealand compulsory?
→ No, preschool is not compulsory in New Zealand. -
What does NCEA stand for?
→ NCEA stands for National Certificate of Educational Achievement. -
What do students study in secondary school?
→ Students study English, maths, science, social studies, and other subjects. -
Do students in New Zealand wear school uniforms?
→ Yes, most students in New Zealand wear school uniforms.
🔹 Part 4: Speaking / Discussion – ✅ (No written answers, but here are example responses for discussion)
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What is the difference between schools in India and New Zealand?
→ In India, students often have big exams every year. In New Zealand, students take NCEA only in the last 3 years. Students in New Zealand also call teachers by their first names. -
Do you like the idea of calling teachers by their first name? Why or why not?
→ Yes, I think it feels more friendly and relaxed. / No, I prefer to show more respect by saying "sir" or "madam." -
Would you prefer to study in New Zealand or India? Why?
→ I would prefer to study in New Zealand because the system is more relaxed and students have more choices. / I like India because I am used to the system and understand it well.