Private schools must be registered with us under section 214 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Section 214 of the Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

A private school is initially only provisionally registered. Once the school is fully registered, it receives some government funding.

Criteria for registration#

If you usually provide tuition for 9 or more students aged between 5 and 16 years old, you must register as a private school. We must be satisfied that your premises, staffing, equipment and curriculum are suitable.

The criteria for registration are outlined in schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Schedule 7 Private schools of the Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

Apply to register a private school#

To register your school or proposed school, contact your regional office.

Regional offices

If you meet the criteria:

1. The Secretary of Education will provisionally register your school.
2. The Education Review Office (ERO) will inspect the school within 12 months.
3. ERO will advise us about whether the school is suitable for full registration.

ERO have information about how their inspection works.

Private and independent schools – Education Review Office

Private school property#

We do not own private school property. Your school manager is responsible for all property maintenance and modifications.

The school must comply with all building legislation including:

• the Building Act 2004
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

School buildings do not have to meet our design standards.

If your school moves to a different property or location, you must let your regional office know so we can arrange a property inspection.