Year 1 to Year 8School tests in New Zealand
Since 2026, every state primary and intermediate school in New Zealand assesses children in Years 3 to 8 twice a year in reading, writing and maths, with a nationally consistent tool. New entrants have a phonics check after 20 and 40 weeks at school. Results go into the two written reports you get each year. None of these tests decide school places.
Which test in which school year?
From Year 1 to Year 8. Tap a row for the guide.
Reading, writing and maths, in the middle and at the end of the year.
year 3 7–8; year 4 8–9; year 5 9–10; year 6 10–11; year 7 11–12; year 8 12–13- Written reports
Twice a year, with progress against the curriculum.
year 1 age 5–6; year 2 6–7; year 3 7–8; year 4 8–9; year 5 9–10; year 6 10–11; year 7 11–12; year 8 12–13 - Curriculum Insights and Progress Study
A national study for a sample of schools.
year 3 7–8; year 6 10–11; year 8 12–13
The test guide
What the phonics check and the twice-yearly tests cover, and how results are reported.
The school year
The school year follows the calendar year, in four terms. Schools set their own test dates. Exact dates are shown only where checked against the official timetable; other periods are indicative. Confirm local arrangements with your school.
- After 20 and 40 weeks at school
New entrants · the date depends on when your child started
- Term 4 2026 (indicative; check locally)
Years 3 to 8 · reading, writing and maths
- December 2026 (indicative; check locally)End-of-year report
All years
- Late January – early February 2027 (indicative; check locally)New school year
Term 1 · schools set the exact start
- Term 2 2027 (indicative; check locally)
Years 3 to 8 · reading, writing and maths
- July 2027 (indicative; check locally)Mid-year report
All years
After Year 6 and Year 8
Some children go to an intermediate school for Years 7 and 8. Others stay at a full primary school until Year 8. Secondary school starts in Year 9.
In-zone school
- Year 8
- Year 9
Then: Secondary school to Year 13
Schools with an enrolment scheme must take children who live in their zone. Test results do not decide places.
Out-of-zone place
- Apply
- Ballot
Then: Or your in-zone school
Popular schools fill spare places by ballot. Check the school's dates, often in Term 3 of Year 8.
More in the guide:
Sources
- Tāhūrangi: reporting to parents and whānau guidance (opens in a new tab)
- The New Zealand Curriculum: reporting to parents and whānau (opens in a new tab)
- Beehive: new assessment tool for Years 3–10 (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Education (opens in a new tab)
Updated on 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.