New Zealand Primary Enrollment
School enrollment, primary (% gross) SE.PRM.ENRR
New Zealand's primary enrollment was 95.93% in 2025, ranked 124th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
New Zealand's primary enrollment stood at 95.93% in 2025, a decline of +0.94pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 95.93% by 2025. New Zealand ranked 124th globally.
New Zealand’s primary school enrollment rate has fallen to 95.92 percent in 2025, placing the country 124th in the world and marking the lowest point in a 25‑year series that began at 98.77 percent in 2000. The decline follows a long‑standing high level, with the all‑time peak of 99.95 percent recorded in 2003, after which enrollment has gradually slipped despite sustained public investment in education. Relative to peers of similar rank, New Zealand trails Cyprus, which posted 96.18 percent, and Palau, which recorded 95.87 percent in the same year, suggesting that modest policy adjustments could restore a more competitive position. The downward trajectory coincides with demographic shifts, including a slowing birth rate and increased migration of families to urban centres where private schooling options are more prevalent. If the government strengthens early‑childhood outreach and aligns funding with regional population changes, the enrollment rate could stabilise and potentially reverse the recent trough.
Data & projection
| Year | Primary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 95.55% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 95.93% | - | - |
| 2025 | 95.93% | −0.94pp | #124 |
| 2023 | 96.87% | +0.31pp | #112 |
| 2022 | 96.56% | −1.36pp | #117 |
| 2021 | 97.92% | +0.38pp | #108 |
| 2020 | 97.54% | −0.72pp | #115 |
| 2019 | 98.25% | −0.30pp | #103 |
| 2018 | 98.55% | +0.07pp | #106 |
| 2017 | 98.48% | −0.10pp | #111 |
| 2016 | 98.58% | +0.05pp | #115 |
| 2015 | 98.54% | −0.11pp | #118 |
| 2014 | 98.65% | −0.22pp | #117 |
| 2013 | 98.88% | −0.01pp | #108 |
| 2012 | 98.88% | −0.19pp | #117 |
| 2011 | 99.07% | +0.04pp | #115 |
| 2010 | 99.03% | −0.03pp | #121 |
Analysis
New Zealand's primary enrollment was 95.93% in 2025, a decline of −0.94pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 95.93% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand's primary enrollment was 95.93% in 2025. Ranked 124th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
New Zealand's primary enrollment peaked at 99.95% in 2003.
The lowest primary enrollment in New Zealand was 95.93% in 2025.
New Zealand ranks 124th globally in primary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.PRM.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
New Zealand's primary enrollment is projected to reach 95.93% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The primary enrollment of New Zealand in 2025 was 95.93%. This ranks 124th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_new-zealand_primary-enrollment,
title = {New Zealand Primary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/new-zealand/primary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}