Fitzroy School is a co-educational, state primary school catering for Years 1 to 6, located on Barriball Street in the coastal suburb of Fitzroy, New Plymouth, in the Taranaki region of New Zealand’s North Island. Established in 1882, Fitzroy School is one of the oldest primary schools in Taranaki, having celebrated its 125th jubilee in 2007.

The school currently has a roll of approximately 440 students across 17 classes (as of March 2026), reflecting steady growth over recent years that has prompted property developments, including new classrooms. The school community is built around the concept of the “Fitzroy Family” — a shared identity bringing together students, staff, and the supportive parent and community body.

School Values and Identity

Fitzroy School’s values centre on excellence, integrity, respect, and resilience, reflected in the school’s Māori whakataukī (proverb): “Ma pango ma whero, ka oti te mahi” — “With the black and the red together we achieve.” The school utilises its beautiful coastal surroundings to provide a place-based curriculum rich in local learning experiences, with a strong focus on literacy, mathematics, and the holistic development of every child.

Cultural values including manaakitanga (hospitality) and ako (learning and teaching) are integrated into daily school life, supporting a diverse community that includes Māori, Pākehā, and Pacific and Asian students.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

Fitzroy School prioritises:

• Literacy and mathematics, with personalised support through small-group teaching and independent activities
• Inquiry-based, place-based learning, drawing on the school’s coastal New Plymouth location
• Student leadership opportunities, building confidence and responsibility among learners
• Te reo Māori and tikanga Māori, supporting cultural diversity and respect across the school community

Teachers at Fitzroy School are encouraged to pursue ongoing professional learning, with recent focus areas including literacy, mathematics, te reo me ngā tikanga Māori, and modern learning practices.

Contact Information

Fitzroy School Term Dates 2026

New Zealand state and state-integrated schools follow a four-term academic year. Terms 2 and 3 have fixed nationwide dates set by the Ministry of Education, while individual schools — including Fitzroy School — have some flexibility in choosing their exact Term 1 start and Term 4 finish dates, within a Ministry-specified window.

Fitzroy School Term Dates 2027

Note: New Zealand primary schools must be open for instruction a minimum of half-days each year (382 half-days in 2026), which determines exact term-break lengths. Always confirm Fitzroy School’s specific start/end dates directly, as these can vary by up to two weeks from other NZ schools within the Ministry-specified window.

Last verified: 27 June 2026. Official source: New Zealand Ministry of Education — School Terms and Holidays

How Families Can Use This Calendar

Knowing the Fitzroy School calendar in advance helps families:

• Confirm the exact Term 1 start and Term 4 finish dates directly with the school, since these vary within the Ministry’s specified window
• Plan around fixed Term 2 and Term 3 dates, which are consistent nationwide
• Be aware of regional and national public holidays that fall within term time, including Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, King’s Birthday, Matariki, and Labour Day
• Plan for the long summer break, which typically runs from mid-December to late January or early February

Enrolment

Fitzroy School welcomes new enrolments throughout the year and encourages families to visit the school to learn more about its programmes and community. Due to the school’s enrolment zone (a result of steady roll growth), priority is given to students living within the designated zone, though out-of-zone applications may be considered based on available space. Families are encouraged to contact the school directly for specific enrolment dates, documentation requirements, and to arrange a school tour.

Health and Safety

Fitzroy School prioritises the health and safety of all students, staff, and visitors through regular safety drills, well-maintained facilities, and health education and support services. Staff are trained in first aid and emergency procedures, with clear policies addressing bullying prevention, illness management, and accident prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Fitzroy School?

Fitzroy School was established in 1882, making it one of the oldest primary schools in Taranaki.

What does “Fitzroy Family” mean?

It is the school’s community concept, bringing together students, staff, and the wider parent and community body under shared values of excellence, integrity, respect, and resilience.

Why do New Zealand school term dates vary by school?

The Ministry of Education sets fixed dates for Terms 2 and 3 nationally, but allows schools flexibility in choosing exact Term 1 start and Term 4 finish dates within a specified window, partly to align with Easter and accommodate local events.

How many students attend Fitzroy School?

As of March 2026, the school has a roll of approximately 440 students across 17 classes.

Who do I contact for enrolment or school-specific queries?

Contact Fitzroy School at +64 6 758 3084 or office@fitzroy.school.nz.