Starting School

Click on the above picture to learn more about starting at Mountview school

Cohort Entry

Mountview School has adopted a cohort entry as we believe it would benefit new entrants and their whānau.

Cohort entry supports

• the emotional wellbeing of young children as they start school in groups, sometimes with friends from early learning. For some children, this means they felt like they already belong at school, were less anxious, and settle quickly into school routines

• learning for new children as teachers can teach without the constant interruption of new students arriving any time during the year

• it helps whānau connect with other whānau and the school as school visits and activities can be scheduled so whānau can come together in groups

• it helps key teaching staff to plan children’s transitions from early childhood to school, making the experience better for children and whānau.

Cohort Entry Dates for 2025 / 2026

Parents will continue to have the option of not starting their child in school until their 6th birthday. It is a legal requirement that a child enrols at a registered school from age 6. Therefore, if not already enrolled, a child can start school on their 6th birthday regardless of a school’s cohort entry policy, but must start school no later than their 6th birthday.

For further information please read the Guide for Parents sending their child to a cohort entry school