[NannyOgg]

I understand that kids go from primary school (5 - 10 Year Olds), then Intermediate Schools (11 - 13) then on to colleges (senior schools to you and me).
We have been focusing everything on going in August before our son starts senior school in September but now I wonder as he will be 11 in August and presumably the NZ new school year is January - will he still have to do 3 months at the primary school before going up to Intermediate?

OR as kids actually start school on their 5th birthday do they go on to Intermediate school on their 11th birthday? I am really confused by this system and wonder if anyone else can shed any light on it? It will make the difference between pushing for arrival in August or December for us.

Thanks

Nanny x

[Oregonkiwi]

Kids go on to the next "year" at the start of the school year in early February, not on their birthdays.
For school year dates see
http://www.minedu.govt.nz/index.cfm?layout=document&documentid=3767

[Carol]

It very much depends on the schools in your area.
Some of them are "full primary" and go right up to Year 8 from Year 1.

I currently teach Year 7s and 8s in a full primary.