New Zealand's First Intermediate School

Kowhai Intermediate School was established in October 1922, the first intermediate school in the country. Originally called Kowhai Junior High School, it catered for Forms 1 to 4 and was based on an American model. In the 1920s primary schooling was the end point for many children so the Junior High School was designed to help students explore their 'aptitudes, abilities and interests' with a view to continuing in secondary schooling or taking up a 'suitable career'. By the 1950s, New Zealand had defined its own approach to middle schooling and Kowhai was designated an 'Intermediate School', catering for Forms 1 and 2 only.