In New Zealand, all tamariki (children) aged 6 to 16 must be enrolled in school or educated at home, though many tamariki start school at age 5. Families can typically enrol their tamariki at their local "home zone" school.
Some schools accept out-of-zone enrolments, using a ballot system to ensure fairness. However, if a school is at capacity and cannot accept more students, they may ask whaanau to consider other options.
If your tamariki requires extra support—whether due to learning difficulties, disabilities, or specific health needs—it’s essential to contact the school early. Schools can provide specialist services such as teacher aides, speech therapists, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs), which are designed to meet your child’s learning needs. The school may also work with external support agencies for more specialised assistance.
For tamariki who require more intensive support, Waikato has two specialist schools: Hamilton North School and Patricia Avenue School. These specialist schools cater to students with significant learning or physical disabilities and offer tailored educational programmes in smaller, more supportive environments. To attend one of these specialist schools, aakonga are required to have successfully approved ORS (Ongoing Resourcing Scheme) funding. Once this funding is approved, whānau can contact a specialist school directly, or a referral can be made through the child’s current school or a professional.
Specialist schools may also have enrolment limits, and in some cases, they may reach capacity. If this happens, whānau can:
Contact other specialist schools in the area: There may be other nearby options that can accommodate your tamariki .
Speak to the Ministry of Education: They can provide advice on accessing appropriate schooling options and may help find a solution, such as additional support at a mainstream school if a specialist school isn’t available.
Whānau are encouraged to reach out to schools early and explore all options for extra support, whether in mainstream or specialist education.
Enrolling your Child at School
Questions answered include:
When should I enrol my child to go to school?
How do I enrol my child? What paperwork do I need to provide?
Can I enrol my child at any school I like?
What if a school refuses to enrol my child?
How can I help my child get ready for school?
Checklists for starting school and getting settled.
Un-enrolling 5 year olds.
ORS Funding
IEP