School Selection Guide
Make confident school choices with the facts that matter. This guide breaks down what you need to know—from zones to academic measures to practical costs.
Over half of NZ schools (51%) now operate enrollment zones. Understanding how they work can save you stress.
The basics:
- In-zone = guaranteed place at school
- Out-of-zone = apply via ballot if spaces available
Ballot priority order:
- Special programme students
- Siblings of current students
- Siblings of former students
- Children of former students
- Children of staff
- All other applicants
Zones change regularly. Auckland saw 100 new schemes and 60 changes in 3 years. Always verify with the school directly.
NCEA basics:
- 3 levels: Year 11, 12, 13
- 80 credits needed per level
- University Entrance: Level 3 + 3 approved subjects + literacy/numeracy
EQI: The most misunderstood number
The Equity Index (344-569) measures socioeconomic barriers, NOT school quality.
Higher EQI = more funding needs, not a worse school. ERO confirms high-decile schools can underperform while low-decile schools can be outstanding.
Use ERO reviews:
The Education Review Office visits schools every ~3 years. Their reports give genuine insight into teaching quality and are free at ero.govt.nz.
School types & costs:
- State: Free (avg $148 voluntary donation)
- State-Integrated: $430-$2,300/year (special character)
- Private: $22,680-$34,190/year
Single-sex vs Co-ed:
NZ has 116 single-sex schools (most are state, not private). 2024 research found single-sex students performed better in maths and science.
Commute matters:
Only 43% enroll at their closest school. Walking distance under 2.25km adds 12 mins of daily exercise. Balance commute time against the school's benefits.
Quick Reference Numbers
51%
of NZ schools have enrollment zones
80 Credits
required for each NCEA level
335
state-integrated schools in NZ
Every 3 Years
ERO reviews each school
Ready to Start Your Search?
BoundFor brings together zone maps, academic data, and practical information so you can make informed decisions. Start your free school search today—or unlock detailed reports with catchment analysis and personalised recommendations.
Have questions? Check out our frequently asked questions or contact us.