Secondary education

Most secondary schools operate between approximately 8.45am and 3.15pm. In secondary schools, students are usually grouped in form or home classes for administrative purposes, such as roll call. In years 9 and 10, students typically stay as a form or home class to study core subjects, but split into different classes for their options. At senior level students go to different teachers for each subject they study.

New Zealand families can choose between state and state-integrated schools funded by government, or private schools, which charge fees.

• A typical secondary school in New Zealand educates students from year 9 to year 13, an age range of 13 to 18
• Area or composite schools educate students from year 1 to year 13, age range 5 to 18
• Middle schools educate students from year 7 to year 10, age range 11 to 14.

More Māori and Māori-speaking teachers are needed in all schools, as are teachers from Pacific cultures. Demand for specialist teachers changes from year to year.

If you are considering a career as a secondary teacher click here to learn more and explore your study options.