Student Numbers

The Ministry of Education carries out statistical collections (roll returns) from all schools in New Zealand at 1 March and 1 July each year, in line with the statutory requirements as detailed in the Education Act 1989.

The Ministry uses the data provided through these collection exercises in a number of ways: to fund and staff schools; to support policy analysis, development and decision making; to monitor the outcomes of the New Zealand education system; and for national and international reporting purposes.

The March data is mainly used for schools' resourcing purposes while the July data is used more for trend analysis as detailed information on age and ethnicity are collected at this time.

The data about student numbers included in these pages is based on the 1 July roll returns.

Related Pages on Education Counts

The July School Roll Return data collection page provides links to data, publications and indicators based on that collection.