International Students
Approval to accept International students is currently in process. Once finalised, further information will be updated here.
Ormiston Primary School warmly welcomes international students to join our vibrant learning community.
We are proud to offer a high-quality education delivered by a team of passionate and experienced educators who are committed to creating meaningful learning experiences for every learner.
International students are fully integrated into all aspects of school life and have access to our innovative and comprehensive learning programmes. Students learn alongside their peers in modern learning environments that encourage curiosity, collaboration and creativity.
At Ormiston Primary School, we believe that learning should be engaging, purposeful and inclusive. Our approach focuses on developing confident learners who are Collaborative, Curious, Capable and Connected.
A Connected Learning Pathway
Ormiston Primary School is part of the wider Ormiston Learning Community, offering students a seamless pathway through their education.
International students who begin their journey with us have the opportunity to continue their learning through:
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Ormiston Primary School (Years 1–6)
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Ormiston Junior College (Years 7–10)
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Ormiston Senior College (Years 11–13)
This pathway provides continuity of learning, strong community connections, and excellent academic opportunities through to senior secondary education.
Learning at Ormiston Primary School
Our curriculum is guided by the New Zealand Curriculum, with programmes designed to support both academic excellence and personal development.
Learning experiences at Ormiston Primary School typically include:
Inquiry-Based Learning – Students explore meaningful questions, investigate ideas, and develop solutions to real-world problems.
Balanced and Future-Focused Curriculum – Programmes encourage discovery, creativity, critical thinking and innovation.
Authentic Learning Experiences – Students apply knowledge in practical ways and see the relevance of learning beyond the classroom.
Personalised Learning – Teachers adapt programmes to meet the strengths, interests and needs of each learner.
Flexible and Responsive Teaching – Learning programmes allow teachers to capture teachable moments and nurture student curiosity.
Our philosophy places the whole learner at the centre. We support learners intellectually, socially, emotionally and personally, helping them grow as confident individuals and active members of their community.
English Language Learning Support
English is the language of instruction at Ormiston Primary School.
To ensure students are well supported, we ask for evidence of a student’s English language ability before enrolment. This may include:
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A recent school report translated into English
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A certificate from an English language institute
Where required, students receive English language learning support to help them develop confidence and succeed in the classroom.
Our goal is to ensure international students feel supported, included and able to fully participate in learning and school life.
A Rich and Balanced Curriculum
Students participate in programmes across all learning areas of the New Zealand Curriculum, including:
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English (oral, written and visual language)
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Mathematics and Statistics
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Science
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Social Sciences
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Health and Physical Education
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Digital Technologies
Learning is supported by modern digital technologies and collaborative learning environments.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
At Ormiston Primary School we believe learning extends beyond the classroom.
Students have opportunities to participate in a wide range of sporting, cultural and creative activities, including:
Sports
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Netball
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Soccer
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Touch
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Hockey
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Athletics
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Dance programmes
Cultural Activities
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Kapa haka
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Pasifika cultural groups
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Cultural celebrations and performing arts
Learning Experiences
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Education outside the classroom
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Outdoor learning
These opportunities help students build confidence, friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
School Environment and Facilities
Ormiston Primary School offers a safe and welcoming learning environment supported by excellent facilities.
Features of our school include:
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Modern learning spaces designed for collaborative learning
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Highly skilled and passionate teachers
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Strong pastoral care systems
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A well-resourced library
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Digital technologies integrated into learning
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Inclusive learning environments supporting all learners
We place strong emphasis on family and school partnerships, recognising that strong relationships help students thrive.
Uniform
Long-term international students are required to wear the Ormiston Primary School uniform.
Short-term visiting students may wear their own clothing.
Sun hats are compulsory during Terms 1 and 4 in accordance with our SunSmart policy.
Further information about the uniform is available on our school website.
Pastoral Care and Student Wellbeing
Ormiston Primary School is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021.
This means we are committed to ensuring international students are:
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Safe and well cared for while studying in New Zealand
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Supported academically and socially
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Fully informed about their rights and responsibilities
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Able to access support if concerns arise
Our pastoral care systems ensure students feel welcome, supported and connected to the school community.
Fees for International Students
International student tuition fees vary depending on the length of enrolment.
Fees generally include tuition and GST. Additional administration and Ministry of Education fees may apply.
| Relevant from July 2026 | Cost | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| One Calendar Year | $14,000 including GST | Plus Administration Fee (non refundable) Plus Ministry of Education Fees |
| One Term (10 weeks approx) | $4,000 including GST | Plus Administration Fee (non refundable) Plus Ministry of Education Fees |
| Two Terms (20 weeks) | $7,500 including GST | Plus Administration Fee (non refundable) Plus Ministry of Education Fees |
| Up to 10 Weeks | $525 per week including GST | $125 for first week and $50 per week thereafter Administration Fee (non refundable) $12 per week Ministry of Education Fees |
All tuition fees must be paid in advance, and a place at the school is not guaranteed until full payment has been received.
Detailed information about current fees is available from the school office.
Enrolment Process
Applications for international students require:
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Completed international student application form
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Student passport details
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Parent or caregiver contact details
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Medical and insurance information
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Previous school reports (in English)
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Evidence of English language ability
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Signed tuition agreement and refund policy
Once accepted:
A Letter of Offer will be issued to support visa applications.
Tuition fees must be paid before enrolment is confirmed.
On arrival, students are welcomed and introduced to their learning environment.
English language assessment and orientation support are provided if required.
Complaints and Support
If students or families have concerns, they are encouraged to first discuss them with the school so that issues can be resolved quickly.
If concerns relate to the Pastoral Care Code and cannot be resolved with the school, complaints may be made to:
New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
Phone: 0800 697 296
Email: schoolcode.enquiries@nzqa.govt.nz
International students can also seek support through iStudent Complaints, an independent service that assists students with resolving concerns.
Raising a complaint will not affect a student’s immigration status.

