Hon Bill English
National Party Education Spokesman

23 May 2006

Manukau parents should be offered single-sex option

Parents in Manukau should be asked if they want single-sex schools, says National’s Education spokesman, Bill English.

He is responding to the Government’s announcement that seven new schools will be built in the area over the next 15 years.

“Parental demand for single-sex schools around the country is strong and it’s unlikely to be any different in Manukau,”says Mr English.

“Girls in girls’ schools do better than girls in co-ed schools, and boys in boys’ schools do better than boys in co-ed schools, but the state has not opened a single-sex school in more than 40 years.

“Parents who want co-educational schools will always have that choice, but the Minister should ask Manukau parents if they want a single-sex option.

“The educational establishment is strongly opposed to single-sex schools but parents know what’s best for their children and if they decide that’s single-sex education then it should be offered.”

ENDS

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