What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?
State education is free and of high standard. Dunedin has a range of semi-private education facilities available to children of all ages. Though the city no longer has an International School, it does have a variety of smaller schools, both parochial (such as St Joseph's Primary or Kavagnah College) or without religious affiliations.

Schooling is available to children from age 5 and is compulsory from ages 6 to 16. Average teacher: student classroom ratios range from 1:19 to 1:24 across the various year levels and school types. Both single-sex and coeducational schooling options are available and state (public) schools are secular.

Primary education starts at Year 1 and continues until Year 8, with Years 7 and 8 mostly offered at either a primary or separate intermediate school. Secondary education (high school/college) covers Years 9 to 13 (during which students are generally ages 13 to 17).
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What are some examples of these schools?
Columba College (semi-private girl’s school with mixed classes for primary school) is Dunedin's most highly rated educational college and is popular with the expatriate population. John McGlashan College (boys only) provides boarding facilities, as do St Hilda's Collegiate (girls only), King's High School and Queen's High School. Logan Park is particularly known for sporting successes.
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Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?
Yes, Dunedin has very strict zoning rules for public schools. Zoning is an area surrounding a school where pupils have to reside to be eligible to attend. Zoning areas should be checked with each individual school.

Although zoning rules do not apply to private schools, these schools have only limited spaces and you may be placed on a waiting list. It is important that you begin the application process as soon as possible.

If you require assistance with school search, please contact Crown Global Mobility Services, which provides a school search program.
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Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?
There is a vast range of pre-schools, including Montessori. Public kindergartens have waiting lists but there is a wide range of childcare facilities in most suburbs; these are listed in the local telephone book or the Yellow Pages telephone directory under Childcare facilities.
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How are most kids transported to and from school?
Many parents drive their children to school, especially at the primary level (Years 1- 6). Most intermediate and high schools provide bus transport.
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When does the typical school year start and end?
The scholastic year is divided into 4 terms. Term one runs from January to April; term two from April to July; term three from July to September and term four from September to December.
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Is there anything else I should know about local schools?
Information about any school in New Zealand can be obtained from the Educational Review Office at the website listed below.

The Ministry of Education uses a decile rating system for school funding purposes. Schools in decile one have the highest proportion of students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Schools in decile ten have the lowest proportions of these students. In New Zealand, schools are given a rating depending on the income of the people in the surrounding areas. The decile rating, ranges from 1 (lowest income districts) to 10 (highest income district).

For any other questions, please contact Crown Dunedin.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.