Leaving school checklist, Rārangi arowhai mō te wehenga i te kura
Updated 27 Feb 2025
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before leaving school and taking your next step.
Before leaving schoolI mua i te wehenga i te kura,
To leave school in New Zealand you need to:
- be at least 16 years old. Sometimes you can leave before you’re 16, but you’ll need permission from the Ministry of Education
- talk to your whānau, teacher or career adviser about your plan to leave school.
Make a planHanga mahere,
It’s important to think about and plan what you want to do after you leave school. Then you will need to prepare for your next step. For example, you may want to study, do an apprenticeship or get a job.
It’s a good idea to create or update your CV so you’re ready for your next step – use our CV examples and templates as a guide.
Prepare for leaving schoolTe takatū mō te wehe atu i te kura,
Check that you have:
- your record of achievement, NCEA results notice and NSN (national student number)
- school reports and any portfolios of work
- any school certificates, medals or awards
- references or testimonials from your current teachers, deans, principal or school support staff.
Prepare for study and trainingTe takatū mō te ako me te whakangungu,
Check that you have:
- completed the NCEA credits you need to get into your chosen study programme
- explored study and training options and enrolled in a study programme
- an NSN (national student number)
- explored scholarships to cover your study costs
- applied for a student loan or allowance (if you need it)
- applied for student accommodation or found a flat (if you need it)
- an up-to-date CV
- a bank account
- a budget for study costs, food, rent, travel and entertainment
- registered with Student Job Search if you want to do part-time work
- noted orientation and study programme start dates.
Prepare for work-based training and apprenticeshipsTe takatū mō te whakangungu ā-wāhi mahi me ngā piatanga,
Check that you have:
- completed the NCEA credits you need to get into your chosen training programme
- contacted the relevant training organisation and asked about their entry requirements
- found a job in the industry you’re interested in (if you need to)
- an up-to-date CV
- an IRD number (tax number)
- a bank account
- a birth certificate or passport as ID
- interview and work clothes
- a driver licence (if you need it).
Prepare for workTe takatū mō te mahi,
Check that you have:
- an up-to-date CV
- an IRD number (tax number)
- a bank account
- a birth certificate or passport as ID
- interview and work clothes
- a driver licence (if you need it).