PRIMARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION
From schooling with a parent or homestay to long-term study. We guide schools and daily life to suit your child.
Explore school programmesEnglish lessons are the starting point. School life in New Zealand can offer opportunities to think independently, explore new areas and learn with different people. Discover six aspects below.
New Zealand education values questioning, problem-solving and explaining ideas alongside subject knowledge. Depending on the school and year level, students may present research or compare different solutions with classmates.
Alongside core subjects, students can explore art, design and technology, music and sport. Discovering what they enjoy and do well can inform later subject and career choices.
Schools may connect learning with nature visits, field trips, outdoor education and sport. Students can broaden their experience by observing and trying what they have studied.
Students learn with classmates from different backgrounds and can join group activities and school events. English becomes a way to share ideas and manage daily life, as well as a subject.
Schools enrolling international students must follow New Zealand's Code of Practice. Schools have duties relating to wellbeing, safety and accommodation; specific staff and support arrangements should be checked with each school.
Secondary students choose subjects around their interests and study goals. NCEA is currently the national qualification, and some schools offer IB or Cambridge. National qualification changes are scheduled to begin in stages from 2028.
Teaching, subjects, outdoor activities, international support and qualifications vary by school and year. Check what each school actually offers before choosing.
Schooling runs from Year 1 to Year 13; the year levels offered vary by school.
Primary education
Age in New Zealand Approximately 5–10
Traditional Korean counting age Approximately 6–12
Approximate Korean school stage Kindergarten to primary Year 4
Intermediate education
Age in New Zealand Approximately 11–12
Traditional Korean counting age Approximately 12–14
Approximate Korean school stage Primary Years 5–6
Secondary education
Age in New Zealand Approximately 13–18
Traditional Korean counting age Approximately 14–20
Approximate Korean school stage Middle school Year 1 to high school Year 3
Korean ages and school stages are approximate comparisons only. Traditional Korean counting age differs from official age and may be one or two years higher depending on birthdays. Korea starts its school year in March; New Zealand usually starts in January or February, so year levels cannot be directly converted. Some primary schools run to Year 8. Actual placement depends on age, prior schooling and the school's decision. National secondary qualification changes are scheduled to begin in stages from 2028so check the current requirements for the year your child will enter.
Compare staying with a parent, living in homestay and planning longer-term schooling.
Children attend local classes while parents explore accommodation, travel to school and nearby amenities.
Students live with a homestay family and attend a local school. Shalom checks school and accommodation enquiries locally and communicates with parents.
Find a school suited to the student's year level, English and preferred subjects, and check its university pathways such as NCEA or IB.
Schooling with a parent and schooling with homestay describe living arrangements, and either may also be used for long-term study. Two to four weeks is an example of a preferred duration; not every school accepts short stays. Confirm actual start dates and minimum duration with the school.
Browse photos of Intermediate and College schools. Select a school to open its year levels, location, learning options and application considerations.
School information is based on public material from August 2026. It does not imply rankings or partnerships. Current availability is checked when you enquire.
Official Ministry of Education dates for New Zealand state and state-integrated schools. Use term and holiday dates to plan a preferred study period.
| Term | Teaching period | Following holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Starts between 28 January and 3 February – 9 April | 10 April – 26 April |
| Term 2 | 27 April – 2 July | 3 July – 18 July |
| Term 3 | 19 July – 24 September | 25 September – 10 October |
| Term 4 | 11 October – no later than 17 December | Summer holiday begins after each school's final day |
See what to confirm during consultation and how enrolment preparation progresses.
Confirm age, year level, English, preferred duration and subjects.
Confirm minimum duration, places, year levels and start dates with official school contacts.
Arrange student homestay or family accommodation and guide transport, insurance and visa preparation.
Explain first-day travel and orientation and support communication about daily life.
If students wish to extend or continue long-term, check school and progression requirements.
Some schools do not accept short stays. For minors, check insurance, visas, accommodation and guardian requirements with the school and relevant authorities.
Ministry of Education guidance ↗06 / STUDY CONSULTATION
Tell us the student's age, year level, preferred dates and duration. We will check suitable schools and accommodation together.
Discuss school study ↗