Many expat families opt to place their children in one of New Zealand’s excellent public or private schools.
There are more than 20 schools in New Zealand, most in the Auckland area, that offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Some are private and some are state-sponsored. More than a dozen schools offer the Primary Years Programme, one school offers the Middle Years Programme, and 12 schools offer the Diploma Programme. Scots College in Wellington offers all three IB programmes.
New Zealand schools have a fine international reputation. They are divided into public and private systems. The vast majority of New Zealand children are educated in the public system. Private-school education is generally regarded as superior to public, but there are many exceptions. Places in private schools can be difficult to secure. Expats may send their children to public schools, private schools, or church schools.
Private schools are generally segregated by sex