Enrolments

Out-of-zone enrolments 

Each year the board will determine the number of places that are likely to be available in the following year for the enrolment of students who live outside the home zone. The board will publish this information by notice in a daily or community newspaper circulating in the area served by the school. The notice will indicate how applications are to be made and will specify a date by which all applications must be received. 

Applications for enrolment will be processed in the following order of priority:  

• First priority - this priority category is not applicable at this school because the school does not run a special programme approved by the Secretary.
• Second priority - must be given to applicants who are siblings of current students.  
• Third priority - must be given to applicants who are siblings of former students.  
• Fourth priority - must be given to any applicant who is a child of a former student of the school.  
• Fifth priority - must be given to any applicant who is either a child of an employee of the board of the school or a child of a member of the board of the school.
• Sixth priority - must be given to all other applicants.

If there are more applicants in priority groups (b)-(f) than there are places available, places must be allocated in priority order until a category is reached where the number of spaces available in that category is insufficient to accommodate the number of eligible students. Selection within that priority group must be by ballot conducted in accordance with instructions issued by the Secretary under Section 11G(1) of the Education Act 1989. Parents will be informed of the date of any ballot by notice in a daily or community newspaper circulating in the area served by the school. Applicants seeking second or third priority status may be required to give proof of a sibling relationship. 

Starting At 5 Years - Cohort Entry

Cohort entry is when new entrants start school in groups through the year rather than on their fifth birthday.

Sandspit Road School has adopted a policy of cohort entry, new entrants are able to start school in cohorts but only after they have turned five. There are two entry points per term, one on the first day of term, and one at a mid-point during a term. There are start dates at the beginning and middle of each school term.

2026 start dates:

• Term 1 – Between 26 January and 9 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.

2027 start dates:

• Term 1 – Between 28 January and 3 February or 8 March.
• Term 2 – 27 April or 31 May.
• Term 3 – 19 July or 23 August.
• Term 4 – 11 October or 15 November.

Home zone 

All students who live within the home zone described below (and shown on the attached map) shall be entitled to enrol at the school.

Starting at the intersection of Kohekohe-Karioitahi Rd and Kaihau Rd travel north east along Kaihau Rd. Travel north along Awhitu Rd to the intersection with McGowan Rd (excluded). Retract south along both sides of Awhitu Rd (Tahuna Pa Rd included) continuing along King St (both sides included). Travel south west along Constable Rd (Leonard St and Butchers Bridge Rd excluded). Continue along Karioitahi Rd (204-606 & 143-685 only. Honey Rd excluded) to meet the coast. Follow the coastline north cutting east to meet the end of Aldred Rd. Travel north along Kohekohe-Karioitahi Rd back to the starting point.

All residential addresses on included sides of boundary roads and all no exits roads off included sides of boundary roads are included in the zone unless otherwise stated. Proof of residence within the home zone will be required.  

Each year, applications for enrolment in the following year from in-zone students will be sought by a date that will be published in a daily or community newspaper circulating in the area served by the school. This will enable the board to assess the number of places that can be made available to students who live outside the home zone.