Preference Certificates
If you are a member of our Catholic Church, we are pleased to offer you a preference certificate that allows you to enroll in one of our schools. This certificate gives you priority status in the admissions process and increases your chances of securing a spot in one of our Catholic Schools
Why preference?
State-integrated schools are permitted to give enrolment preference to students who, either themselves or through their parents, identify with the school’s special character. A Catholic school may legally enrol up to 5% of non-preference students, but only if places are available. ​​​​
To establish preference, parents are required to:
1
Either reside within the parish boundary or be actively involved in the life of the parish , which allows the parish to build a relationship with the family.
Please check which parish boundary you reside in before applying.
2
Obtain a Preference Certificate from their Parish Priest.
Guidelines
Guidelines for granting preference of enrolment in New Zealand Catholic Schools aim to assist agents of the Bishops who have responsibility for granting of preference. It is hoped that the guidelines will assist you in interpreting the preference criteria and understanding our vision of the significant role parishes and schools have in working cooperatively on the evangelisation and faith formation of students and parents.
Eligibility flowchart
Check your child's eligibility for a preference certificate before submitting your application
Catholic Primary School
Ring the school first and check whether there is space for them to accept any new enrolments, and then, if there is available space, please apply below.
Please note: A Catholic school can legally enrol a maximum of 5% non-preference students if, and only if, there are spaces available.
Catholic Secondary School
Ring the school first and check whether there is space for them to accept any new enrolments, and then, if there is available space, please apply below.
Please note: Applications with preference certificates do not guarantee acceptance. All schools have an enrolment scheme. See their website for further details.