Kaitoke School, in collaboration with the Aotea Learning Hub, has received notification from the Charter School Establishment Board that they have been approved to advance to Stage 2 in their bid to become a composite charter school. This initiative aims to provide seamless education for students aged 5 to 18 years.

Charter schools are essentially state-funded schools that operate independently from the traditional education system. They receive bulk funding, allowing them greater flexibility in resource allocation, staffing, and curriculum design to meet the unique needs of their students and communities.

Driven by recommendations from the Ministry of Education, the Board of Trustees for Kaitoke School and the Aotea Education Trust Learning Hub, alongside management, staff, and parents, we have agreed to progress this application.

Kaitoke School, Levi’s Pump Track & Aotea Learning Hub

Importantly, it has been confirmed by the Charter School Establishment Board that transitioning to a charter model will not affect the financial assistance available to families choosing to send their children off-island for secondary education. Consequently, all trustees of the Kaitoke Board and four members of the Aotea Education Trust Board have agreed to support this proposal as sponsors.

Substantial work is still underway in the Stage 2 application process, with the Charter School Establishment Board actively refining the required policies, processes, and government legislation.

While we anticipate updates on successful applications in early November, we must also prepare for the possibility that our application may not be approved.

Kaitoke School and the Learning Hub have experienced fluctuations in funding and enrolments over the past year, making it challenging to maintain consistent staffing and resourcing.

In response, the Ministry of Education extended the Learning Hub’s funding agreement on a short-term basis until March 2025, leaving it vulnerable to closure. After exploring various funding options, the Ministry suggested that a charter model might suit our unique circumstances. Following thorough investigation, we found this approach to be both viable and promising. If approved, the establishment of a composite charter school will be a significant milestone for the island, introducing secondary education and enhancing opportunities for local students.

While the day-to-day operations of Kaitoke School will largely remain the same, the transition to a charter model will allow for more learning opportunities, including the retention of current staff and fully registered teachers. It also opens the possibility of employing additional staff to deliver specialist subjects like Te Reo, The Arts, and Physical Education.

As students advance to the senior school, individual learning pathways will be developed, focusing on delivering the New Zealand Curriculum alongside the necessary NCEA unit standards. This will include an increased emphasis on both academic and hands-on learning experiences relevant to students’ chosen career pathways and passions.

By prioritising the strategic use of bulk funding, under a strong management and governing sponsor team, Kaitoke School aims to enhance its educational offerings, better address unique challenges, and prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. This model empowers us to create a responsive and effective learning environment for the best possible outcomes for its students.