Enrolments
Cohort Entry
Cohort Entry refers to an enrolment policy that allows new entrant children to start school in groups on predetermined dates, set by the Ministry of Education, rather than individually on their fifth birthday. Schools in New Zealand that adopt cohort entry offer two start dates per term ensuring that children begin school with their peers. This approach supports emotional, social and academic wellbeing by fostering a sense of community among students starting together.
2026 Cohort Entry Dates
A 2026 Cohort Entry Examples
“My child turns 5 on Sunday 22nd of February. Under the old system, I wanted their start date to be Monday 23rd February. Under the new cohort entry system, their start date will be with Cohort 2 on Monday 9th March.”
“My child turns 5 on Sunday 25th May but I want them to start school at the start of Term 3. Their start date will be with Cohort 5 on Monday 20th July.”
“My child turns 5 on Wednesday 2nd December. Under the old system, I wanted them to start on their birthday. Under the new cohort entry system, their start date will be with Cohort 1 in February 2027.”
Enrolment Interviews
Our Deputy Principal will be in touch to organise a time for you and your child to come to school for an enrolment interview. These interviews are a good time for us to find out more about you and your child and share information you may need to know. It is also a time for you to ask any questions you may have, especially if you need extra clarification around what cohort entry means for you and your child.
School Visits
To make the transition to school as smooth as it can be for you and your child, we offer two school visits. The dates for these visits will be shared with you at the enrolment meeting.
As cohort entry means that your child will be starting school as part of a group, so will you. We want to maximise the opportunities you have to connect with school and other parents to ensure that your child’s transition to school runs as smoothly as it can. We are currently updating and improving how we do this ready for Cohort No.1.
We look forward to your child starting their learning journey here with us at Murrays Bay Primary School.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To enrol your child please click on the link below to complete our Enrolment. Please note you will need the supporting documents scanned ready to upload to complete the online enrolment.
Click HERE to complete the Online Enrolment Form
This is a provisional enrolment form based on the following supporting documents being emailed to enrolments@murraysbay.school.nz
- Proof of residence (where you live) – two of the following options:
- a purchase or rental agreement (signed by both parties)
- power bill*
- water bill*
- rates notice*
- flat/room share agreement – signed by a Justice of the Peace*
- Child’s immunisation certificate.
- Child’s NZ Birth Certificate or Passport.
- Child’s domestic student visa (if not a NZ passport).
* – must be dated within one month of enrolment
We will contact you to arrange an enrolment interview once the Online Enrolment has been processed.
If you haven’t heard from us after 10 working days** please phone the school office on 09 478 6239 or email enrolments@murraysbay.school.nz
No enrolment will be processed until all supporting documents are provided and an enrolment meeting is held with one of our Deputy Principals.
** Any enrolments received after 16 December 2025 will be processed when the office re-opens on 29 January 2026
Geographical Zone
In order for us to cater to the educational needs of the students within our area, we have an Enrolment Scheme in place. Please click on the link below to download this information.
All students who live within
Murrays Bay Primary School Zone Map
Starting at Rosedale Road and the Northern Motorway, travel east along Rosedale Road (121, 124 and below included) to East Coast Road (523-391 and 614-520 included). Travel north along East Coast Road, East and North along Browns Bay Road (101, 102 and above included), east along Beach Road (679-413, 608-358 included) and east along Montgomery Avenue to the coastline. Follow the coastline south to Sidmouth Street and travel west to the roundabout. Travel north along Beach Road and west along Hastings Road to East Coast Road. Travel north to and south along Noel Williams Place, along the southern boundary of Rangitoto College and the Millennium Centre to the intersection of Apollo Drive and Antares Place (included). Travel north along Apollo Drive (59, 50 and above included) and west along Arrenway Drive to the Northern Motorway. Travel north along the Northern Motorway, back to the starting point.
Check your address on the Ministry of Education’s website HERE
Proof of residence within home zone will be required.
ENROLMENTS 2025/2026
Enrolment at Murrays Bay School is governed by an enrolment scheme. The enrolment of out of zone students is governed by the provisions of the Education Act 1989.
The Board of Trustees will not be accepting out-of-zone enrolments for 2025/2026 therefore no ballot will be held.
If you have a child turning 5 years old during 2025/2026 or know of any children in our zone turning 5 years old during 2025/2026 we encourage you to complete the application process as soon as possible.
Please contact the office on 09 478 6239 if you have any enquiries regarding enrolments or email the School Office: enrolments@murraysbay.school.nz