Authorisation Board Welcomes New Partnership Schools

Authorisation Board Welcomes New Partnership Schools

Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua Authorisation Board Chair Catherine Isaac has welcomed the announcement of a further four new Partnership Schools.

“The five current schools opened in February and now have combined rolls of 350. This is testament to the fact that the schools are fulfilling a demand for many young people and their parents.

“These schools can make a life-changing difference for some of New Zealand’s most disadvantaged students, many of whom have not been able to succeed in the current system.

“All of the schools, both current and new, have demonstrated a commitment to work with their local communities and can drive improved results for priority students including Maori, Pasifika and those from low socio-economic backgrounds,” said Ms Isaac.

All Partnership Schools are subject to a rigorous performance regime, including the achievement of specific educational results and improvement across a range of other performance indicators.

“The second application process, which attracted 19 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,” Ms Isaac said.

The Authorisation Board recommends to the Education Minister which schools should be considered to proceed through to contract negotiations.

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

The new Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua will open at the start of the next school year, in February 2015.

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