Schools in Palmerston North
Schooling
School is compulsory from age 6-16.
In Palmerston North most children:
- start school at age 5
- spend the first 6 school years at primary school, then 2 years at intermediate school and up to 5 years at high school
- attend publicly funded schools, known as state schools.
Use links to:
- search for schools in your area
- find out whether you meet their zoning requirements (if they have any)
- assess the quality of schools.
Immigration Department's education guide for migrants (external website)
Ministry of Education: Schooling in New Zealand – a guide (external website)
Schedule of New Zealand school terms and holidays (external website)
New Zealand Qualifications Authority explains the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) (external website)
Schools in Palmerston North
Finding information about schools in Palmerston North
Schoolzones: find schools' type, contact details, location, roll and zoning (external website)
Te Kete Ipurangi: Find school details including the roll, decile and Education Review Office report (external website)
FAQs about enrolment schemes and zoning (external website)
Read Education Review Office reports on schools (external website)
What is a school decile and why is it relevant? (external website)
Sportsfields, playgrounds and swimming pools
Palmerston North schools have abundant space for sports. Children are free to play outside during breaks and lunchtimes. Most schools have swimming pools and teach students to swim.
School safety in Palmerston North
Before and after school, adults and children patrol pedestrian crosswalks to ensure students can safely cross the road. Local police take an interest in school safety and work cooperatively with schools.
School costs in Palmerston North: ask the school!
Food
You must provide your child a daily lunch to take to school. Many students also bring a drink and morning snack. Some schools have canteens that sell food.
Fees
Most schools charge school and activity fees. Field trips may cost extra. Schools may provide stationary (exercise books, pencils, etc.) or give you a list of stationary items to purchase.
Uniforms
Many schools, especially intermediate and high schools, require uniforms. Enquire about buying second-hand uniforms.
Transportation
Many students in Palmerston North walk, bicycle or bus to school. Some parents drive their children to school. Some schools provide special buses, or arrange for groups of children to walk together with an adult.
Get involved in your child's education
Palmerston North schools welcome parents' involvement in education
Your time and skills are needed! Ask schools if you can:
- join a parent organisation or board of trustees
- help with sports coaching or fundraising
- help with projects, for example on healthy eating or environmental action.
Team Up website – encouraging parental involvement in education (external website)
Schedule of school terms and holidays (external website)