Round two of applications are now open for both new schools and state schools wanting to convert to charter schools, David Seymour says.
Last year, the Associate Minister of Education announced seven publicly-funded, privately owned schools would open their doors in 2025 as part of the first round.
These were Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki; Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao, Ecole Francaise Internationale Auckland, Tipene, The Busy School, North West Creative Arts College and Christchurch North College.
The Charter School Agency and an independent Authorisation Board processed 78 applications to open charter schools in the Government’s first round of the process.
In a statement today, Seymour said round two of the charter school application process was now open.
“Both new schools and state schools wanting to convert to charter school status will now be able to submit their expressions of interest to the Charter School Agency (CSA),” he said.
He said demand for charter schools in round one of the application processes “exceeded even my expectations”.
“During the first round we saw the CSA receive 78 applications to open new charter schools, or to convert existing state schools to charter schools.”
He said the schools provide educators with greater autonomy, and create diversity in New Zealand’s education system.
The privately run and publicly funded academies were introduced by the coalition Government. (Source: 1News)
Seymour said “charter schools are here to stay. We have already seen the opening of seven diverse schools delivering to a range of communities.
“There are also more schools from the first round of charter schools who are currently in contract negotiations.”
Charter School Agency chief executive Jane Lee said competition for opening new charter schools was “very strong”.
“We have already seen the opening of seven diverse schools delivering to a range of communities. Our aim is to build a lasting network of schools that will support and improve the state school system.”
She said state schools wanting to convert in 2026 had until April 11 to complete EOI documents.
“New application dates would be released each term for schools who want to apply to convert to state schools at a later date.
“New school applicants must complete the EOI forms by March 24, 2025.”
Lee said to expand this network, the Authorisation Board – which approves new charter school sponsors – would consider factors including community needs, school size, location, and type. It would also welcome applications from charter schools offering distance or online education.
Previously, Seymour has said: “This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools”.
The re-introduction of charter schools has been controversial, with some praising the move for bringing diversity to the education system, while others were concerned about the independent schools being able to set their own curriculum, hours, and staff pay rates.
