Authorisation Board Welcomes First Partnership Schools

17 September 2013

Authorisation Board Welcomes First Partnership Schools

Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua Authorisation Board Chair Catherine Isaac welcomed the announcement of the first five Partnership Schools.

“The announcement marks a very significant step in the development of educational opportunities in New Zealand. The Board believes these schools will make a life-changing difference for some of New Zealand’s most disadvantaged students, many of whom are under-served by the current system.”

“The schools have demonstrated they have the ability to work with their local communities and have the capability, capacity and drive to improve results for priority students including Maori, Pasifika and those from low socio-economic backgrounds,” said Ms Isaac.

She said the schools selected had willingly adopted a rigorous performance regime, including the achievement of specific educational results and improvement across a range of other performance indicators.

“The application process, which attracted 35 applicants, was thorough and robust. Those selected had to demonstrate in writing and through interviews and other investigation that their school would be strong academically, well run and connected with their communities.”

The Authorisation Board provided advice to the Minister of Education, Hon Hekia Parata, on which schools she should consider to proceed through to contract negotiations.

The Board will also oversee the monitoring of the success of the schools, along with the Education Review Office (ERO) and the Ministry of Education.

The first Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua will open at the start of the next school year, in February 2014.

ENDS

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