Pukerua Bay School is a happy place where our children thrive in a collaborative and positive learning enviroment. We are delighted to welcome you and your child into our school.

Cohort Entry

We implement a cohort entry for our 5 year old children. Cohort entry brings numerous benefits to our students and their families.

Cohort entry refers to the practice of having children in similar age groups start school together at set intervals throughout the year.  They no longer automatically start school on their fifth birthday.

Cohort Entry Dates for 2026

Term 1

Week 1 - 2 February

Week 6 - 9 March

Term 2

Week 1 - 20 April

Week 6 - 25 May

Term 3

Week 1 - 20 July 

Week 6 - 24 August

Term 4

Week 1 - 12 October

Week 6 - 16th November

What do you need to know?

• We offer two entry points at the start of each term.

• Children start school for the first time together with others who have also turned 5 during a similar time.

• Your 5 year old can only start on specified dates after they have turned 5.

• We have one entry during Week 1 and another midway, starting in Week 6.

• Once your child turns 5, they can start during Week 1 or Week 6 of that particular term.

By introducing cohort entry, we aim to provide a smoother transition for children entering school, promoting a sense of belonging (whanaungatanga) and familiarity within their peer group.  This approach offers a supportive environment for children to form friendships and build social connections with their classmates from the beginning of their educational journey.

Will my child be Year 1 or Year 0?

• Any child who starts school during Term 1 will be in Year 1 and will be moving to Year 2 the following year.

• Any child who starts school during Terms 2-4 are placed in Year 0.

• If your child has had three terms or less at school, they will be in Year 1 again for the following year.

• If you'd like to discuss your child's placement please feel free to have a chat with whaea Jess (our new entrant teacher). 

School Visits

We strongly encourage and welcome our new tamariki to have some transition visits. To organise school visits, please contact our office office@pukeruabay.school.nz or our new entrant teacher, Jess Whatford jessica@pukeruabay.school.nz

Please click on the following link to complete the online enrolment information

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Christine in the office on (04) 239 9744 or email at office@pukeruabay.school.nz

We look forward to meeting you and thank you for choosing Pukerua Bay School.