The academic year in New Zealand matches the calendar year.  Students are advised to start their application and enrolment process as early as they can, to allow plenty of time for visas and other arrangements.  Some qualifications in the last 3 years of secondary school are based on assessment of the whole year’s work, so it’s best if students can start early in the year..

There are four terms in the school year, with holidays between each term.  Holidays between Terms 1, 2 and 3 (in April, July and September) are usually 2 weeks long. 

The school year starts late January/early February and finishes in December.  Children then have a longer holiday until school starts the following year.(Some schools will start earlier in 2011 as holiday dates for that year have changed to allow for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.)

The Ministry of Education gives some flexibility to schools when choosing their individual start date to allow for local events, public holidays and teacher–only days.  However there are a mandatory number of days that must be completed in the school year.

School terms can be viewed at www.minedu.govt.nz – click on ‘School Terms & Holidays’.

Classes are held from Monday to Friday, from 9 – 3pm for primary school children, with 1 hour for lunch.  The secondary school day is usually a ½ hour longer.

Sport and other extra–curricular activities take place after school and on Saturday mornings.