Public vs private schools in New Zealand

It might feel like just yesterday that you were trying to decide where to send them to kindy, and now it’s suddenly time to consider high schools.  

One big question is whether to opt for a co-ed or a single sex school, but another important one is the choice between a public or private school. 

Decisions, decisions. Here are a few things to consider when making them.  

What’s the difference between public and private schools?

The vast majority of schools in New Zealand are public (sometimes known as state) schools. The main thing is that they are funded by the government (although parents will still need to cover everything from uniforms and stationery to general school costs like excursions and school camps) and will teach the national curriculum. 

On the other hand, private schools can receive some funding from the government, but are usually funded by charging parents school fees. For example, one of the country’s top schools charges $33,000 per year. And that’s on top of the extra curriculars.

Also, private schools do not have to stick to the national curriculum, so therefore they can develop their own learning systems.

In our Kiwi Education Report, we found that one in four Kiwi parents prefer private schools – but one in three prefer public schools, showing that public is the more popular option.

Pros and cons of public schools

What are the benefits of public schools?

Naturally, the key benefit for parents when it comes to public schooling is the lower cost. Even though uniforms, school camps, and annual ‘donations’ can add up, they are significantly lower than the costs of a private education. 

Back to our Kiwi Education Report, we found that parents perceived that public schools offer greater opportunities for socialising (63%), which in turn can better prepare kids for the real world (57%). 

Not to mention, one study in Australia found that the academic outcomes between public and private schools showed no differences, after accounting for socio-economic backgrounds. 

What are of public schools

They may not have the same material resources, high teacher-student ratios, and discipline as private schools. Additionally, if you prefer your child to learn in a religious environment, a private school may be better suited.

Pros and cons of private schools

What are the benefits of private schools

One in four Kiwi parents would prefer private schooling over public, according to our Kiwi Education Report. 

The main reason for this preference was academic results, with 49% of parents stating that’s why they’d prefer to send their kids to a private school. Additionally, parents cited the standard of facilities and the smaller class sizes as key benefits to private schooling. 

According to Independent Schools of New Zealand, other benefits include private schools’ choice of qualifications (so students can do the International Baccalaureate, or the Cambridge Pathway for achievements widely recognised overseas), and the high quality of teaching. 

What are of private schools?

The main downside to private schools is the cost. Spending five figures on each child’s schooling per year may not be possible for many Kiwi families. At 68%, cost was the number one perceived disadvantage of private schools, according to our Kiwi Education Report.

Furthermore, 56% said it was the ‘social pressure to keep up with the Joneses’, and 47% said it was ‘exclusivity and elitism’.

The cost of education in New Zealand Is private school worth it?

So, if you are, you might want to see some stats around how a private education is worth the cost.

Academic performance

Academically, students at private schools in New Zealand perform better than their public‑school peers. 

Here’s one more thing to keep in mind when choosing a school for your child!    

University admission

One metric used to compare private and public schools is the percentage of students who are accepted into university following their studies.

A New Zealand court case compared the 94.1% university acceptance rate at St Cuthbert’s College, a private school, with a local public school’s rate of 50%.

That said, it’s important to factor in that some students will forgo university to go straight into workplaces, apprenticeships, and other pathways.

Social development and extra-curricular opportunities

On one hand, private schools offer better facilities and programs to support extra-curricular activities, such as on-site pools, gyms, theatres, and art workshops.

On the other hand, our Kiwi Education Report found that parents believe public schools offer greater opportunities to socialise (63%). 

How to choose the right school for your child

Making a choice between public and private school won’t necessarily be an easy decision. You’ll need to weigh up the pros and cons as a parent, and the pros and cons for your child. You’ll also need to consider other factors such as single-sex vs co-ed, yours and/or your child’s potential commute to and from school, and even their social life if your choice would separate them from all their mates. 

Of course, older students (those approaching high school level) will no doubt have their own opinions as well. 

Once you have created a shortlist of options, take the time to visit each school on the list. Explore the grounds, talk to the teachers, learn about the extra-curricular activities available, and see if you can push any school to the top of the list (or at least, take one or two out of contention). 

Ultimately, it’s going to come down to everything from budget to personal preference, so it’s a choice that only you can make as a family. 

Private vs public schools FAQ

How much does private school cost in New Zealand?

Private schools charge different rates, but as an example, one of the country’s top private schools charges $33,000 per student per year. There are usually also fees for uniforms, extra-curriculars, and other costs.

Can you get scholarships for private schools?

Yes, there are scholarships available for private schools. Some are from the schools themselves, while others may be available through government programs or community groups.

Are public schools free in New Zealand?

Public schools are technically free in New Zealand however, many schools will ask for a voluntary donation to help with costs. There may also be costs for things like uniforms, stationery, school trips, and extra-curriculars.

What are the different types of private schools?

The types of private schools in New Zealand include:

Can you transfer from public to private during the year?

Yes, a student can transfer between public and private schools during the year. However, you will need to ensure the new school has the capacity to take in the student and receive confirmation before withdrawing from the old school. 

When thinking about education, it’s natural to also consider how to support your family’s future. One reason many Kiwis take out life insurance is to help their loved ones cover ongoing costs, including schooling or tertiary education, if something unexpected happens. If private schooling or future study is part of your family's plan, OneChoice Life Insurance could be an option worth considering. Request a quote today to find out more.


19 Dec 2025