Oversight of charter schools
Charter schools are accountable to a range of independent organisations and government agencies.
Like state schools, charter schools are subject to oversight from the Education Review Office (ERO), the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), and the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Charter schools are also accountable to the Charter School Authorisation Board and are monitored by the Charter School Agency through their charter school contract.
Together, these organisations oversee educational quality, student achievement, teacher registration, qualifications, legal compliance, and school performance.
Who oversees charter schools?
ERO
ERO independently reviews charter schools to make sure they meet required standards and provide a quality education for students. Reviews take place before a new school opens, one year after opening, and then every three years like state schools.
Read more about how ERO reviews charter schools.
NZQA
NZQA checks schools meet national requirements before they can assess students for NCEA and other qualifications. Each charter school has the same regular inspections of assessment practice, rigour and validity as state schools. This helps maintain the quality and credibility of qualifications awarded by charter schools.
Teaching Council
The Teaching Council makes sure teachers are registered and have the right approvals to teach, including Limited Authority to Teach (LAT). This helps make sure charter schools employ qualified and authorised teaching staff. All teachers are subject to the Code of Professional Responsibility | Ngā Tikanga Matatika.
Ministry of Education
The Ministry oversees the wider education system and makes sure education laws are followed. It also provides services to charter schools, such as learning support, transport assistance, and school property management.
Local councils and property requirements
Charter schools must comply with local council requirements relating to their property and school operations. This may include building, health and safety, zoning, and resource consent requirements.
The Charter School Authorisation Board
The Charter School Authorisation Board is responsible for assessing and approving applications to establish new charter schools.
The Board also oversees charter school performance and acts when a sponsor is not meeting its contractual obligations or performance requirements.
Learn more about the Charter School Authorisation Board and its role
Charter School Agency
The Charter School Agency manages charter school contracts and funding arrangements. It monitors school performance, reports on whether sponsors are meeting their contractual obligations, and provides advice to the Authorisation Board.
The Agency supports the Board's oversight role and helps make sure charter schools are meeting the requirements set out in their contracts.