Cohort Entry

Cohort Entry Confirmed for 2026

We are happy to confirm that from Term 1, 2026, Waiau Pā School will officially move to a Cohort Entry system.

This means that tamariki will begin school in groups at set entry points across the year, rather than on their fifth birthday. Cohort Entry helps create smoother transitions into school life, allowing children to start alongside peers and giving our teachers the opportunity to provide strong support for all new learners as they settle in.

You can find more detailed information about Cohort Entry on the Ministry of Education’s website here: MOE – Cohort Entry.

Please feel free to contact the school if you require more detailed information on how this pertains to your child.

2026 start dates:

Term 1 – 2 February or 9 March
Term 2 – 20 April or 2 June.
Term 3 – 20 July or 24 August.
Term 4 – 12 October or 16 November.

Please note: The start dates are set by the Minister of Education. Schools using cohort entry must use these dates and cannot change them.

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