Northland is the northernmost region of New Zealand. It contains numerous rural primary schools, some small town primary and secondary schools, and a small number of city schools. Area schools in isolated areas provide complete education from primary to secondary level. Intermediate schools exist in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Dargaville, Whangārei and Kamo.
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All schools are coeducational except for Whangārei Boys' and Girls' High Schools in Whangārei. The only private schools are Springbank School in Kerikeri and Otamatea Christian School in Maungaturoto.
Several Kura Kaupapa Māori schools exist in the region, all but one in the Far North District. These schools teach solely or principally in the Māori language. [1] The name "Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o (placename)" can be translated as "The Kaupapa Māori School of (placename)".
In New Zealand schools, students begin formal education in Year 1 at the age of five. [2] Year 13 is the final year of secondary education. Years 14 and 15 refer to adult education facilities.
State schools are those fully funded by the government and at which no fees can be charged, although a donation is commonly requested. [3] A state integrated school is a state school with a special character based on a religious or philosophical belief. A private school, also known as an independent school, charges fees to its students. [4]
The equity index (EQI) is a measure of the average socioeconomic status of the school's roll: the higher the number, the more socioeconomic barriers students face to achievement. For statistical purposes, schools are banded into seven bands based on their EQI and the barriers faced: fewest, few, below average, average, above average, many, and most. The EQI and band given here are based on figures from 2025. [5] The roll of each school changes frequently as students start school for the first time, move between schools, and graduate. The rolls given here are those provided by the Ministry of Education, based on figures from October 2025. [6] The Ministry of Education institution number, given in the last column, links to the Education Counts page for each school.