Education is an exciting, dynamic and fulfilling field to be in. The employment pathways and opportunities within education are vast and include, but are not limited to, teaching in primary and secondary school, and church settings both in New Zealand and overseas. Teachers are in high demand in Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s a great time to become a teacher!

If you enjoy working with young people to inspire in them a love of learning, check out the details below and find out what Laidlaw College can offer through our education programmes.

We are delighted to announce

Zero Tuition Fees* for our Initial Teacher Education programmes in 2027!

The Zero Fees Tuition waiver is applicable to the first year of the the Bachelor of Education (Primary) and the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) programmes at our Auckland and Christchurch campuses in 2027.  

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is a Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand approved three-year professional degree. This programme prepares graduates to meet the Code and Standards for the Teaching Profession. Such graduates have a robust understanding of curriculum, teaching and learning, reflection and research as a teacher.

Graduating students of the Bachelor of Education (Primary) are outstanding and sought-after teachers. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and can be found in primary, intermediate, middle and area schools and state, state-integrated and private schools throughout New Zealand and around the world.  

Discover more about the Bachelor of Education (Primary) through the link below.

Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)

The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) is a one-year professional graduate diploma (level 7) and prepares graduates to meet the Code and Standards for the Teaching Profession. Such graduates have a robust understanding of secondary teaching and learning, reflection and research as a teacher. 

This qualification will suit people who are excited by the idea of working alongside teenaged students, who show a disposition to teach, and already have a Bachelor’s degree qualification or higher.

Discover more about the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) through the link below.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does training to become a teacher at Laidlaw give you the same qualification as any other major university in NZ?

Yes. At Laidlaw you will graduate with the same qualification as any other tertiary provider and be able to become a registered teacher able to teach in any school - state, private, special character - across the country. The benefit at Laidlaw is that you will have far more support and interaction with tutors and lecturers. You are more than a number.

Do you have to teach at a Christian school if you train for teaching at Laidlaw?

No. We are training teachers to become qualified to teach in schools across the country - public state schools, private schools, as well as Christian and special character schools. Your placements also happen in a broad spectrum of schools to give you skills and experience in teaching in different contexts. 

But. If you are passionate about Christian education and want to teach in faith based schools - Laidlaw is an excellent place to study to do so! 

Do I have to be a Christian and attend church to study teaching at Laidlaw?

No. We have people studying with us from a wide range of backgrounds and anyone is welcome to apply to study at Laidlaw. You do need to know that Christian thought and theology is woven into the framework of our teacher training - which we believe helps form and equip students to become excellent teachers!

Why study Education at Laidlaw?

Integrated faith and theology

Our courses are taught by experienced teachers and by theologians, who will help you ground your professional practice in the Gospel of faith, hope and love, and to engage with children and youth as people made in the image of God.

Practical and socially-engaged

Our students spend more time in classroom contexts, and we maintain strong partnerships with a wide variety of schools, as well as offering opportunities to expand your horizons through teaching placements with overseas missions organisations.

Covering all areas of the NZ curriculum

Explore a wide range of subjects - Mathematics, English, Science, the Arts (Drama, Dance, Music and Visual Arts), Health and Physical Education, Social Sciences, Technology and Learning Languages - including integrating te reo and tikanga Māori into teaching practice.

Supportive learning

As a provider of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and other education qualifications, we offer smaller classes and a more relational style of learning than a university. You will build lifelong connections with peers and mentors who can help you develop your career as a teacher.

Not sure whether Laidlaw is for you?

Become a Student for the Day at either our Henderson or Christchurch campus! This opportunity is available March-June, August-October when the College is in full swing. Outside of these months please feel free to book in a time to meet with one of our staff to discuss your options.