Enrolling at our Kura / School
Cohort Entry - when can my child start school? (for 5 year olds - New Entrants)
At Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau, we are dedicated to creating an environment where our core values of Manaakitanga (Nurturing), Whanaungatanga (Belonging), and Kotahitanga (Unity) are central to every child’s learning journey.
We are deeply committed to ensuring tamariki have the best possible start to school life, and experience a positive transition from Early Childhood Education. As part of this commitment, we are introducing a cohort entry system for new entrant children starting in Term 1, 1 February 2027.
What is Cohort Entry?
Cohort entry is when new entrants start school in groups throughout the year rather than on their fifth birthday. There are two entry points per term.
Cohort dates are assigned by the Ministry of Education and there are eight Cohort intakes throughout the year, one at the beginning of each term and one halfway through the term.
After a child turns 5, their school start date is the first day of the next cohort entry date.
Key Benefits of Cohort Entry
Helps children adjust more smoothly and supports a seamless transition into the school environment.
Starting school alongside other children helps children build relationships while benefiting their social and emotional well-being.
Supports learning for new children as teachers can teach without the constant interruption of new students arriving any time during the year.
Helps whānau connect with other whānau and the school as school visits and activities can be scheduled so parents can come together in groups.
Helps schools to plan children’s transitions from early childhood to school, making the experience better for children and whānau.
What This Means for Your Child
If your child turns 5 before a cohort entry date: They will be eligible to start school on that upcoming cohort date.
If your child turns 5 after a cohort entry date: They will start at the next scheduled cohort entry point.
Note: Under New Zealand law, school attendance remains compulsory from a child's 6th birthday.
Frequently asked questions
Q: My child turns 5 after a cohort entry date. Can they start school on their birthday?
A: Unfortunately, no. Children can only start school on the next scheduled cohort entry date, not on their individual birthdays
Q: My child turns 5 the day after a cohort entry date. Can they start a day earlier with the cohort?
A: Unfortunately, no. Children in New Zealand must be 5 years old before starting school and can only begin on the designated cohort entry date.
Q: Will this affect my Early Childhood Education (ECE) funding (20 free hours)?
A: No, your child can continue attending their early learning centre until the cohort entry date following their fifth birthday, and they will continue to receive funding until they officially start school. Please make sure to communicate your child’s school start date with your early learning provider.
Q: When is the latest my child can start school?
A: In New Zealand, all children must start school by their 6th birthday. Please ensure that your child is enrolled before this date.
Q: My child is 5 and has been enrolled at another New Zealand school under a non-cohort entry policy. We’re transferring to Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. Do we need to wait for the next cohort entry date?
A: No, as your child has already been enrolled in another New Zealand school, they can start immediately at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau.
Our Pre-Enrolment Process
1. Check school enrolment zone: Please check that your child lives within our school enrolment zone (refer to map of enrolment zone). All children living within our home zone and wanting to enrol are guaranteed a place at our school. If you are uncertain whether your home is in-zone, please contact the school directly.
Please enrol your child no sooner than 6 months prior to the intended start date.
2. Contact the school office: enrolment@kawarau.school.nz to request an online pre enrolment application form. This enrolment information is asked for to ensure that we can best cater for your child’s learning journey at Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau. Please only complete this once. Please use a seperate/individual email for each parent/caregiver in the contacts section of the application form. This information is stored securely.
3. Attend enrolment confirmation meeting: When your child’s enrolment is submitted, you will be invited to an enrolment confirmation meeting with a member of our senior leadership team. Ensure that you have the documentation required to confirm and process your enrolment (NZ or Australian Passport or NZ Birth Certificate, or current resident permit or student). This meeting is to welcome you and your child to our school as well as provide you with important information about our school.
Out-of-Zone Enrolments
The Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau Board of Trustees are unable to accept any out of zone enrolments at this stage.
International Students
We are unable to enrol international fee paying students. We are unable to enrol children on visitors visas. Please apply for the relevant student visa via Immigration NZ.
If you require any assistance please feel free to send an email to office@kawarau.school.nz