Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today that Christchurch will host New Zealand’s first new charter school, set to open in term one of 2025.

The school, Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki, is part of a broader government initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes by offering families and students more choice.

“This announcement is a significant step in lifting educational achievement in New Zealand,” said Seymour. “Charter schools will make our education system more flexible and responsive to family and student needs.”

Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki will be a partner school of Mastery Schools Australia (MSA), an organisation that has shown success in engaging students who have struggled in mainstream education. MSA has opened five campuses since 2021 and achieved notable results in student progress. According to their most recent data, students advanced an average of 1.6 years in reading, 1.5 years in mathematics, and 1.5 years in spelling within a single school year.

“Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki is a fantastic example of how we can provide meaningful educational choices and support to students who need it most,” said Seymour.

Seymour credited the Charter School Agency and the independent Authorisation Board for managing what he described as a “robust and fair” application process, which saw 78 applications in its first round.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “I hope to see many more charter schools opening and even state and state-integrated schools converting to charter schools. The huge demand highlights the need and the commitment to offering diverse educational opportunities for young New Zealanders.”

Charter schools, Seymour said, will be granted greater autonomy to innovate and meet diverse student needs but will face higher standards and increased accountability compared to state schools.

Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki will cater to Year 1-8 students with learning difficulties who are disengaged from traditional schooling. Discussions are ongoing for more charter schools, with additional announcements expected in the coming weeks. Schools that are not selected in this initial round may be reconsidered next year.

Seymour said, “Positive education outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, job stability, and greater community participation. These opportunities are what every student deserves.”

About Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki:

A partner school of Mastery Schools Australia, Mastery Schools New Zealand – Arapaki will provide full-time education for students with various learning challenges. MSA has demonstrated significant success with its innovative approach to education, achieving accelerated academic progress and maintaining an 82% average attendance rate across its campuses.

Key statistics from MSA’s 2023 data:

•Reading: 1.6 years’ progress in one year

•Mathematics: 1.5 years’ progress in one year

•Spelling: 1.5 years’ growth in one year

•Attendance: 82% average across campuses