Education Minister Hekia Parata is preparing for an embarrassing drop in New Zealand's education rankings in an international survey next week.

Primary and intermediate school teachers are being overworked and some subjects are prioritised at the expense of others, says a study into National Standards.

The Government is providing $10.5 million in extra school funding to improve student achievement in maths and science.

Teachers of students as young as 5 will soon have access to new sexuality education guidelines addressing issues such as identity and relationships.

Every New Zealand classroom will soon have access to digital devices - opening up huge learning opportunities, but also a risk of another "digital divide".

New Zealand is among the top 10 best places to be a woman, according to a worldwide report on gender equality.

Of the kids who start at Takanini School each year, only 20 per cent have had early childhood education experience.

Contrary to the claims of your columnist Rodney Hide last weekend, the self-described anti-theist, I don't believe prayer to be hocus-pocus.

When Tristan Cosio started school a fortnight ago he was ready and prepped. New school bag? Yes. New lunch box? You bet. Ministry of Health B4 School Check? No.

Primary school students spend nearly an hour each night doing homework, a national survey says, but some parents and teachers question the value of after-school study.

Acting Secretary for Education Peter Hughes has been appointed head of the Ministry of Education.

A pay deal has been signed between the union representing primary and intermediate teachers and the Govt to introduce an allowance for 800 expert teachers worth $4 million.

The report plans for the creation of a "Finishing School for New Zealand Political Aspirants - the Cabbage Boat Academy", writes Toby Manhire.

School children are being taught how to read and write by watching Hollywood blockbusters with subtitles.

There won't be any changes to legislation around the controversial partnership schools despite opposition parties continuing their objections to elements of the bill.

Backers of a controversial scheme to fast-track trainee teachers into classrooms are claiming initial success, with all 16 inaugural graduates passing their first three months as teachers.

The Government will invest $80.5 million of operating funding over four years to lift educational achievement, including funding for behaviour programmes.

The number of children seriously hurt while riding push scooters has skyrocketed with their popularity. More than 6000 under-14s were injured last year.

It's exam time for applicants hoping to run charter schools, the Act Party's competitive prod at state schools which are said to be failing too many Maori, Pacific and other "disadvantaged" kids.

United Future leader Peter Dunne has said he won't support a bill to introduce charter schools. However, the bill will go ahead with National, Act and Maori Party support.

There are no plans to replicate the way Christchurch schools have been rationalised elsewhere in the country, Education Minister Hekia Parata has assured primary school principals.

The 23 children in the classroom at Richmond Road School in Ponsonby are sitting on the mat, just like the kids in any other primary class.

Education Minister Hekia Parata has corrected an answer to Parliament about the resignation of Education Secretary Lesley Longstone.