[shakyle2906]

Hi

Toying with idea of going over to NZ

Any info on schooling over there ?

My little one is 4 1/2 and we are concerned as to his schooling ? I believe they start over there one they are 5 ?

We are wondering our options of coming over there, EOI, just go over there, different visas, etc but wondered where we stood as to my little ones education, is it free, do we pay, etc

We really dont want him to suffer, it will be a big enough change for him as it stands

Sharon
x

[tigerlily]

My understanding is that they start on their 5th birthday (or as late as their 6th birthday if you want to wait). If you are on a visitor's visa, you have to pay international student fees. Work visa I'm not sure of. I'd bet someone here will answer that one for you though.

[veronica]

if you do a forum search on education masses will come up, its a topic that is often on here with lots of opposing views. my own is that the best education your kids will get is what they get from you.

[Hannah]

yep, work permit gives free schooling, although when we went to NZ (on visitor visa) we wanted children to start school asap to free us up to look for work. Not all schools take international students so you need to check with each school.

As for it being an upheaval, both my children found it a breeze - they loved it and made friends on day 1. Its amazing how quickly children adapt and just get on with it, it's us adults that find it so hard! I remember thinking years ago, when i was unhappy with my son's school (he was 5, and in year one) that i couldn't move him as it would be such an upheaval. After doing 6 months in NZ (daughter in year two and son in year five) i realise just how easy it would have been for him to move schools in year one!!!

There are lots of posts on here about schooling - remember that what some people love about schooling in NZ (e.g. lack of academic pressure) will also be what some people hate. It depends on what your children are like, what you expect/want from a school etc. I think if your child hasn't even started school yet then these differences might not seem so acute as you have nothing to compare it to, so again it's well worth a read around on this site to get yourself up to speed with the main differences between NZ and other countries schools.

all the best,hannah