Schools could apply to the Ministry of Education for more funding to cover the costs of roll growth, but it took time for the money to come through, while others had implemented school zones to control growth, Mr Robertson said.
Mount Maunganui College principal Russell Gordon said its roll was 1324 students in March, but that had risen to 1347 by June 10. Its average class size was 26 and it had been able to accommodate the moderate increases across the levels. But if it had been an additional "say 30 students in one year level, that would have been problematic".
The zone system meant Otumoetai College had to close its roll to students who did not live within the area but its 1970 roll count was "pretty balanced," principal Dave Randell said.
However, its Year 11 classes were full.
"I am bursting at the seams, we predicted something like 425 and are up to 470 ."
Tauranga Girls' College principal Pauline Cowens said its Year 9 and Year 10 rolls had increased through terms one and two, "which is unusual compared to other years".
"The new enrollees are coming from out of town, from overseas, some families moving from Auckland and also a few from other smaller centres."
Tauranga Primary School principal Fiona Hawes said it balloted through the year and had not taken anyone from out of the zone, apart from siblings of current students.
Its roll was 456 but would go to 470 by the end of the year, she said.
"We have been tracking to get to this space and have always had a waiting list."
Papamoa Primary School principal Phil Friar said demand for jobs meant the workforce was more mobile and its roll was higher than expected.
"Our rolls have certainly gone up and we are above the ministry's expectations. We are sitting at 502 and originally our grading roll was 493."
Priority One projects manager Annie Hill said that in her experience working with people considering moving here including skilled migrants from overseas, the quality and range of schooling options was usually the first things they ask us about after employment opportunities.
"It is important that they can find the right fit of education in terms of co-ed, single sex, public and private options. In addition, the quality of teaching is very important, as this will lay the foundations for their children's future lives and work."
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce interim chief executive Toni Palmer said Tauranga was fortunate to have excellent schooling across the region.
"For those with school age children, this can be high priority in their decision-making and this helps us to attract the best people here and address the skill shortage."
Last month the Bay of Plenty was the strongest growing region in the country, according to the ANZ's Regional Trends report, which covered key areas including employment, internet job ads, house sales, section sales, rural real estate sales, new car registrations and commercial building permits.
The region's economy expanded 4.8 per cent from a year earlier, coming out on top of Canterbury (4.4 per cent), Auckland (4.3 per cent) and Southland (4 per cent) - nationally, annual growth was 3.5 per cent.
Life's a beach for students
Mount Maunganui College students Hayden Goodwin (13), from Christchurch, and Amy Coomebes (14), from Auckland, are among a growing number of school pupils who have moved to the region with their families.
The two teenagers have transitioned well into the school environment, although both admitted it had been slightly nerve-racking starting afresh.
However, they had quickly made new friends and were enjoying life in Tauranga.
A keen netball player, Amy was part of the college team which played on Saturday, while Hayden likes the warmer weather, scenery and friendly people and teachers.
Being close to the beach was another bonus.
