Grades: Secondary school in New Zealand typically begins at Year 9 for students aged 12 or 13 and continues through Year 13, lasting about five years.
School Year: The school year usually starts in late January or early February and ends in December. It is divided into four terms:
- Term 1: Late January/early February to April
- Term 2: Late April to late June
- Term 3: Mid-July to late September
- Term 4: Early October to mid/late December
School Hours : Most high schools run Monday to Friday, with classes starting around 9:00 a.m. and finishing at 3:30 p.m.
Curriculum : The curriculum includes core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Health & Physical Education. Students can also choose from a wide range of electives, including Art, Music, Drama, Design & Technology, Digital Technology, Languages ( French, Japanese, Te Reo Māori, Spanish, and others) and more.
School Holidays : High schools in New Zealand have scheduled school holidays throughout the year.
- Between each term (after Terms 1, 2, and 3), there is a short break of approximately two weeks.
- At the end of Term 4, following the conclusion of the school year in December, students enjoy a summer holiday lasting about 5-6 weeks
These breaks give students time to rest, spend time with family, and prepare for the next part of the school year.
Many schools also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills. Experience a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment while gaining a world-class education.