Cohort entry is where children start school for the first time in groups on set dates, rather than on or after their fifth birthday.
From the start of the 2026 school year, Russell Street School will be adopting a cohort entry approach for all children starting school for the first time.
The start dates are set by the Minister of Education. Schools using cohort entry must use these dates and cannot change them.
2026 start dates:
- Term 1 – 2 February (TBC) 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 – 28 January (TBC) or 8 March.
- Term 2 – 27 April or 31 May.
- Term 3 – 19 July or 23 August.
- Term 4 – 11 October or 15 November.
2028 start dates:
- Term 1 – 1 February (TBC) or 13 March.
- Term 2 – 1 May or 6 June.
- Term 3 – 24 July or 28 August.
- Term 4 – 16 October or 13 November.
When your enrolment at Russell Street School is confirmed you will be asked to also confirm a start date from the dates above.
For more information please see the Ministry of Education’s website.