What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?
State education is free and considered high standard. There are no international colleges in Tauranga.

The area has four public secondary schools and two semi-private Christian secondary schools. Schooling is available to children from age 5 and is compulsory from age 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; state (public) schools are secular.

Primary education starts at Year 1 and continues until Year 8, with Years 7 and 8 usually offered at either a primary or separate intermediate school. Secondary education (high school/college) covers Years 9 to 13 (generally ages 13 to 17).
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What are some examples of these schools?
Private schools:
Wickham Primary School (co-ed school for pre-schoolers to year 8)

  • Bethlehem College (co-ed Christian school for pre-schoolers to year 13)
  • Aquinus College (co-ed Catholic school for years 7–13)
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Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?
Yes, Tauranga has strict zoning rules for many of its 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 limited spaces and you may be placed on a waiting list. It is important that you apply as soon as possible.
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Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?
There is a range of pre-schools, including private and public, such as Montessori and Rudolf Steiner.
Many public kindergartens have waiting lists.
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How are most kids transported to and from school?
Tauranga is not renowned for public transport so 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 four 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).

School hours are generally from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. School hours may vary for primary, intermediate and high schools.

For any other questions, please contact Crown Tauranga.
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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.