Popular schools use enrolment zones — living inside the zone guarantees a place. Schools without a zone accept anyone, and out-of-zone places may be decided by ballot. Your address must be where you actually live. Check your zone with 'Find your nearest school' on Education Counts. Children can usually start school from their 5th birthday, and school is compulsory from 6 to 16.

Bring passports and visas (usually a Dependent Child Student Visa; a visitor visa for under-5s) and proof of address. Immunisation records are optional — since 8 January 2026 primary schools no longer have to keep them, but bring an English certificate if the school asks.

Most children of work visa holders are domestic (fee-free) students. AEWV holders must meet skill-level and salary thresholds, and working holiday and seasonal work visas don't qualify. For parents on student visas, only some (such as PhD students) qualify. Always check with the school and Immigration NZ.