If you are unsure which school your child will go to you can use the following links to:
Search for schools in your area.
Check that you meet zoning requirements or ring the school to ask.
Please note, even though you may live close to a school, you may fall outside the enrolment zone. If you are unsure, it pays to double-check.
If you have a choice of schools, you can access the Education Review Office reports (ERO) on individual schools to assess the quality of education, range of opportunities offered and overall performance.
Costs
While there is no cost for your child to attend a state school, it is highly likely that you will be required to buy uniforms and stationery, and to pay for any extra-curricular activities such as field trips or cultural performances.
Special education
If your child has physical and/or intellectual impairments or difficulties with hearing or vision, they may be entitled to special education support. This support may also be available if your child struggles with learning and communicating, has behavioural or emotional difficulties or finds it hard to get along with others.
For more information and advice call the Special Education Information Line on 0800 622 222 .
You can also contact the local Christchurch Special Education office:
Ministry of Education
02 Champion Street
Richmond
Christchurch 8013
Phone: (03) 366 4644
School term dates
School terms and holidays are set by the Ministry of Education. Although some flexibility is allowed within the specified dates, the schedule applies across New Zealand.
Christchurch City Council runs holiday programmes, recreation classes and events such as KidsFest with the school terms in mind.
