Teacher Education
The School of Education at Laidlaw College prepares future teachers to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people. Combining professional teacher education, practical classroom experience, Christian faith integration, and bicultural learning, our programmes equip graduates for teaching careers across Aotearoa New Zealand
Teacher Education
Te Puna Waiora Āwhinao
Get more information
He kōrero anō
Your Future Starts Here
To begin your application process to study at Laidlaw simply create an account in our student portal and begin your application.
Teacher Education Te Puna Waiora Āwhina
As an NZQA Category 1 provider, Laidlaw delivers teacher education of the highest quality, preparing graduates to teach in state, integrated, and private schools. We believe education has the power to shape individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more hopeful future.
Whether you are beginning your journey into teaching or already hold a degree and want to become a secondary teacher, Laidlaw offers pathways that prepare you for professional registration and classroom success.
- BECOME A TEACHER
- In 2027 with
ZERO FEES*
* Terms & Conditions apply.
Zero Tuition Fees for Eligible Students
Eligible domestic students can access significant tuition support through our Initial Teacher Education programmes.
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Eligible students receive a tuition fee waiver for their first year of study.
Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
Eligible students receive a tuition fee waiver for the full one-year programme.
Student Services Fees and other associated costs may still apply.
Our Programmes
The Bachelor of Education (Primary) is a three-year professional teaching degree that prepares graduates to teach in primary, intermediate, middle, and area schools throughout New Zealand.
Programme Highlights
- Level 7 qualification
- 360 credits
- Three years full-time study
- Part-time study available
- 135 days of professional practice in schools
Eligibility for provisional teacher registration upon graduation
This programme develops confident, reflective teachers who are prepared to create high-quality learning experiences for diverse learners.
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) is a one-year professional teaching qualification for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
Programme Highlights
- Level 7 qualification
- 135 credits
- One year full-time study
- February intake
- Extensive school-based learning
- Preparation for teaching in intermediate, middle, and secondary schools
Eligibility for teacher registration pathways
The programme combines educational theory, subject expertise, and practical teaching experience to prepare graduates for contemporary classrooms.
- I moved to Christchurch to train to be a teacher
"I moved from Geraldine to Christchurch to train as a teacher at Laidlaw, and I've loved being immersed in Christian fellowship here. It's crazy how much the Bible is woven into everything we learn, and the friendships I've made feel like family."
Shilah-May Bradshaw | Bachelor of Education Student
Why study Teaching at Laidlaw?
Professional Qualifications That Lead to Registration
Our programmes are approved teacher education pathways that prepare graduates for registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
A Relational Approach to Education
We believe learning happens through relationships. Students are equipped to understand and support the diverse needs of learners while creating inclusive and engaging learning environments.
Christian Faith Integration
Laidlaw draws on a rich tradition of Christian thought to help students explore how faith, values, and professional practice can work together to support the flourishing of children, young people, and communities.
Experienced Teacher Educators
Students learn from experienced educators and academic staff who bring classroom expertise, educational leadership, and theological reflection into the learning environment.
Practical Learning from Day One
Professional practice is integrated throughout each programme, enabling students to connect educational theory with real classroom experience.
Professional Practice and School Placements
Practical experience is at the heart of teacher education at Laidlaw.
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
Students complete 135 days of professional learning experiences across a variety of school settings. Practicum experiences gradually build from observation and reflective practice to full teaching responsibility.
Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary)
Students spend a minimum of 16 weeks in schools through a praxis model that integrates classroom experience with academic learning.
The Viva Assessment
The final assessment in both programmes is the Viva, an oral examination that requires students to demonstrate their professional competence through authentic teaching scenarios and evidence aligned with the Standards for the Teaching Profession.
- "It's so practical — I take what I learn straight into the classroom."
"Coming straight from Year 12, I felt called to work with kids — and I needed a place grounded in Christian values to shape how I'd teach. At Laidlaw, everything I learn moves straight from lecture halls into real classrooms with real kids."
Jack Austin | Bachelor of Education Student
Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Laidlaw is committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and preparing teachers to work confidently within the bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Noho Marae Experience
All education students participate in an annual noho marae experience that supports cultural understanding, relationship-building, and engagement with tikanga Māori.
Te Reo Māori Development
Students are supported to develop the te reo Māori competencies required of New Zealand teachers and to incorporate culturally responsive practices into their teaching.
Bicultural Learning
Throughout the programme, students engage with mātauranga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and culturally sustaining approaches to teaching and learning.
Career Opportunities
Graduates pursue teaching careers across a range of educational settings, including:
- Primary schools
- Intermediate schools
- Middle schools
- Secondary schools
- Area schools
- State schools
- State-integrated schools
- Independent schools
- Christian schools
- Educational leadership pathways
Many graduates also move into specialised educational roles, pastoral care, curriculum development, and further postgraduate study.
Graduate Profile
Graduates of the School of Education are:
Professionally Prepared
Equipped with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required for contemporary teaching practice.
Relational Practitioners
Able to build positive learning relationships that support student wellbeing, engagement, and achievement.
Critically Reflective
Committed to ongoing learning, professional growth, and reflective practice.
Hope-Filled Educators
Prepared to contribute positively to schools, communities, and the lives of children and young people through thoughtful and purposeful teaching.
- I moved to Christchurch to train to be a teacher
"I moved from Geraldine to Christchurch to train as a teacher at Laidlaw, and I've loved being immersed in Christian fellowship here. It's crazy how much the Bible is woven into everything we learn, and the friendships I've made feel like family."
Shilah-May Bradshaw | Bachelor of Education Student
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.
Was this content helpful?
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!
Am I Eligible for Zero Tuition Fees?
If you are a New Zealand citizen residing in New Zealand you may be eligible for Zero Tuition Fees in 2026* for the Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) or the first year of the Bachelor of Education (Primary). If you are a New Zealand Permanent Resident or Resident you may also be eligible if you have held your resident visa for more than three years and have resided in New Zealand for more than three years.*
*Terms and Conditions apply: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/assets/2026-Zero-Fees-Terms-and-Conditions-1.pdf
Please note this excludes Student Services Fees.
Please see the 2026 Fee Schedule for more information: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz/fees/
Can I do practicums part-time?
No. Placements require a full-time commitment, usually from 8.30am-4pm but the school may require you to attend extra meetings outside this time.
What year levels will I be able to teach?
If you graduate from our Bachelor of Education (Primary), you will be qualified to teach years 0-10.
If you graduate from our Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) then you will be qualified to teach years 7-13.
Employment is at the discretion of Principals, so it is possible to teach outside these year groups.
Ready to Deepen Your Understaning and Discover Your Calling?
Whether you are preparing for ministry, exploring theology for personal growth, pursuing Christian leadership, or considering advanced theological research, Laidlaw College offers flexible pathways that combine academic excellence, spiritual formation, and practical application. Join a community committed to thoughtful faith, lifelong learning, and meaningful service. Apply today or experience life at Laidlaw by becoming a Student for a Day.