BREAKING NEWS
Half of Applications Rejected for David Seymour’s Charter Schools as Government Prepares for Up to 15 New Schools to Open Next Year
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Wellington, New Zealand – In a surprise move, the New Zealand Government has announced that it has received a record number of applications for its charter school initiative, with over 30 applications submitted by the deadline. However, in a shock revelation, it has emerged that half of these applications have been rejected, sparking concerns among education experts and parents.
The charter school initiative, led by Education Minister David Seymour, aims to establish up to 15 new schools in English next year, with the first schools expected to open in 2024. The program has been touted as a game-changer for education in New Zealand, promising more autonomy and flexibility for schools and teachers.
However, the rejection of half of the applications has raised concerns about the viability of the program. Many of the rejected applications came from small, independent schools and organizations, which are now facing uncertainty about their future.
"This is a huge disappointment for many schools and organizations that have worked tirelessly to develop their applications," said a spokesperson for the Charter School Association. "We urge the Government to provide more clarity on the criteria used to reject these applications and to offer support to those affected."
The Government has defended the rejection rate, citing the need for high-quality applications that meet the program’s strict criteria. "We are committed to establishing high-performing charter schools that will benefit students and families across New Zealand," said a Government spokesperson. "We expect a high level of competition for these schools, and we are pleased with the interest shown by applicants."
The charter school initiative has been controversial, with some critics arguing that it will divert funding from existing schools and create a two-tier education system. Others have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the program.
Despite these concerns, the Government remains committed to the charter school initiative, with Education Minister David Seymour describing it as a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to transform education in New Zealand.
"We are determined to make this program a success, and we will work closely with successful applicants to ensure that they have the support and resources they need to thrive," said Seymour.
The rejection of half of the applications has sparked renewed debate about the charter school initiative, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the program. As the Government prepares to announce the successful applicants in the coming weeks, it remains to be seen how this controversy will play out.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story
David Seymour’s charter schools: Half of applications rejected so far as Govt preps for up to 15 news schools to open next year
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>Seymour said the 15 new schools could open for term one next year if they were ready, but it was more likely they would open for 2026.
>He said the authorisation board, which approves or declines charter school applications, has preliminarily assessed the 78 applications and so far rejected around half of them.
>The remaining 40-odd applications would now be assessed again.
>The charter school legislation includes a provision that the Government could force an underperforming state school to convert to a charter school.
>Seymour told Q+A with Jack Tame this could include schools that were already facing intervention from the Ministry of Education.
>Asked how many charter schools he thinks could operate in New Zealand in the future, Seymour referenced the United Kingdom where 80 percent of secondary schools were charter schools, saying “anything the Brits can do, we can do”.
So they’re going to open some as soon as NEXT YEAR, but OIAs as to what’s actually on the list have been declined – saying they will consider a proactive release in October AFTER the schools have been selected and approved, because only at THAT point when its already been decided will the community will get to have a say. And he wants this to be the case for the majority of schools in NZ… Fantastic…
I wonder if the “it’s democracy” crowd will feel the same way if greens form a coalition government with 8% of the vote and start abolishing prisons.
Crazy they make a standardised education system but then make it optional.
Don’t see why every school wouldn’t want to try become a charter school and then do what they want.
Why do National have a hard on for charter schools?