Enrolment Information

St Mary's Catholic School enrols children from Year 1 to Year 6.

The maximum roll is 400, with preference given to those with a commitment to the Catholic Faith. Up to twenty students at any one time may be enrolled as 'non-preference'.

On enrolment, there is a Diocesan Catholic Preference form to complete, with a preference card to be signed by your Parish Priest. This form is what you will need to apply for a Catholic (preference) placement. Non-preference enrolments do not fill out this form.

Students may be enrolled at any age and may begin school on/after their 5th birthday. All children in New Zealand must attend school before their 6th birthday.  

St Mary's Ellerslie runs a new parent Orientation Morning once a term for the students who will commence school the following term. Some students may require additional class visits to assist their transition to school, this can be arranged through the school office.

Application for enrolment does not guarantee a place at St Mary's School. Enrolment applications must be emailed or dropped in to the school office. Enrolments are reviewed and places are offered to applicant families twice a term.  Depending on a number of factors, applicants may be offered a space on the  'Waiting List' rather than immediate acceptance.  

We recommend that you plan ahead and begin the application process well ahead of your child's 5th birthday.

Application Pack 

When you apply for a placement at St Mary's Ellerslie, you will need to email or bring to the school office the following paperwork:

• Enrolment Form (including Catholic Diocese page)

• Preference Form

• Baptism Certificate (original to copy)

• Birth Certificate or Passport (original to copy)

• Visa - if applicable (original to copy)

• Immunisation Certificate (or print out of immunisation records from your G.P.)

Please contact the office for an Enrolment Pack (admin@stmary.school.nz) or download the relevant documents below:

Cohort Entry

From 2026 St Mary's Catholic School will operate on a cohort entry system for new entrants. There are two entry points per term, one on the first day of a term and one at a mid-point during a term. 

Children start school in the next cohort after their 5th birthday. This means that children 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.

2026 Cohort Entry Dates 

The Ministry of Education (MOE) determines these entry dates.

Term 1 2026

Week 1: Wednesday 4 February

Week 6: Monday 9 March

Term 2 2026

Week 1: Monday 20 April

Week 7: Tuesday 2 June

Term 3 2026

Week 1: Monday 20 July

Week 6: Monday 24 August

Term 4 2026

Week 1: Monday 12 October

Week 6: Monday 16 November