FernHub — New Zealand Guides

Factual comparison

State, state-integrated, and private schools

Side-by-side facts from the same school directory FernHub uses elsewhere. Figures are indicative; always confirm fees and policies with each school.

Reference only

FernHub presents publicly available information for reference only. This page does not constitute advice. Every family's situation is different - we recommend visiting schools directly and consulting the Ministry of Education for official guidance.

This page presents factual, publicly available data about NZ school types. FernHub does not recommend one school type over another. Figures shown are indicative ranges - contact individual schools for current fees and details.

Schools in NZ by sector (directory import)

Source: Ministry of Education Schools Directory (via FernHub dataset). Charter schools are counted with state schools in this view.

State

2,110

State-integrated

332

Private

80

At a glance

No ratings - only how these sectors typically differ in rules and data. Bars show relative scale within each row (not a quality score).

TopicStateState-integratedPrivate
Tuition feesFree (no tuition fees).Free tuition + compulsory attendance dues (varies by school; contact the school for the current amount).Fees set by each school independently (contact the school for current fees).
Fee noteFee information is sourced from individual school websites and enrolment materials where applicable. Always verify directly with the school.
Government fundingFully government funded.Government funded; attendance dues also apply as set out in integration agreements.Partial government funding per student; tuition fees also apply.
CurriculumThe New Zealand Curriculum.The New Zealand Curriculum.The New Zealand Curriculum; some schools also offer IB or Cambridge programmes.Source: NZQA / schools (programme offerings vary).
Special characterNone (as a sector-wide default).Yes - defined in each school's integration agreement (often religious or philosophical).Varies by school.
National average roll347.6National average from Ministry of Education directory data (FernHub import).299.4National average from Ministry of Education directory data (FernHub import).432.6National average from Ministry of Education directory data (FernHub import).
Schools in NZ (count)2,110Source: Ministry of Education Schools Directory332Source: Ministry of Education Schools Directory80Source: Ministry of Education Schools Directory
NCEA offeredYes (where Year 11-13 is offered).Yes (where Year 11-13 is offered).Most secondary private schools offer NCEA; some also offer IB or Cambridge. Check each school.Source: NZQA / school websites.

Browse schools by type

Filter directory data by authority. Each card links to the school profile.

2,110 state schools in NZ(Source: Ministry of Education Schools Directory via FernHub import)

  • Abbotsford SchoolPrimary School

    Karaka, Dunedin

    Authority: StateRoll: 304EQI: 438Enrolment: Zoned
  • Aberdeen SchoolPrimary School

    Dinsdale, Hamilton

    Authority: StateRoll: 756EQI: 451Enrolment: Zoned
  • Aberfeldy SchoolPrimary School

    Whanganui

    Authority: StateRoll: 13EQI: 568Enrolment: Open
  • Adventure SchoolPrimary School

    Whitby, Porirua

    Authority: StateRoll: 502EQI: 389Enrolment: Zoned
  • Ahipara SchoolPrimary School

    Ahipara

    Authority: StateRoll: 232EQI: 509Enrolment: Open
  • Ahititi SchoolPrimary School

    Ahititi, Urenui

    Authority: StateRoll: 15EQI: 521Enrolment: Open
  • Ahuroa SchoolPrimary School

    Ahuroa

    Authority: StateRoll: 64EQI: 455Enrolment: Open
  • Ahutoetoe SchoolPrimary School

    Wainui

    Authority: StateRoll: 313EQI: 384Enrolment: Zoned
  • Aka Aka SchoolPrimary School

    Aka Aka, Waiuku

    Authority: StateRoll: 63EQI: 488Enrolment: Open
  • Albany SchoolPrimary School

    Albany, Auckland

    Authority: StateRoll: 727EQI: 378Enrolment: Zoned
  • Albury SchoolPrimary School

    Albury

    Authority: StateRoll: 25EQI: 435Enrolment: Open
  • Alfredton SchoolPrimary School

    Alfredton, Eketahuna

    Authority: StateRoll: 32EQI: 434Enrolment: Open
  • Alfriston CollegeSecondary School

    Manurewa, Auckland

    Authority: StateRoll: 1,190EQI: 496Enrolment: Zoned
  • Alfriston SchoolPrimary School

    Manurewa, Auckland

    Authority: StateRoll: 394EQI: 396Enrolment: Zoned
  • Allandale SchoolPrimary School

    Kopeopeo, Whakatane

    Authority: StateRoll: 358EQI: 517Enrolment: Zoned

What these terms mean

Definitions only - not advice.

State school
A state school is owned and operated by the Crown. Attendance is free. All state schools follow The New Zealand Curriculum.
Source: Ministry of Education
State-integrated school
A state-integrated school was formerly a private school that has integrated into the state system. It retains its special character (often a religious or philosophical ethos) and may charge compulsory attendance dues. It follows The New Zealand Curriculum.
Source: Ministry of Education
Private school
A private school (also called an independent school) is not owned by the Crown. It sets its own fees and may offer programmes alongside the NZ Curriculum. Private schools receive some government funding per student.
Source: Ministry of Education

Questions worth asking at any school visit

Neutral prompts for your own conversations - not recommendations from FernHub.

  • What is the total cost per year including any activity fees, camps, and stationery?
  • What NCEA or other qualifications do you offer?
  • What is your current roll size and student-to-teacher ratio?
  • What support is available for students with additional learning needs?
  • What is your policy for students who need ESOL support?
  • What extracurricular activities are available and are there additional costs?
  • What is your uniform policy and estimated cost?

This checklist is provided as a reference only. FernHub does not endorse any particular school or school type.

Useful official links

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