Enrolment and access
Any local student can attend a charter school
Charter schools are public schools. With few exceptions, they must enrol and provide free education to New Zealand students.
If a state school converts to a charter school, all previously enrolled students will be able to attend the converted school.
Physical capacity constraints
If a school reaches its physical capacity, a number set out in its contract with the Charter School Agency, the school will prioritise its enrolments. The priority order is set out in law.
For schools that have converted from a state school the priority order is:
- Students who live in the old school zone
- Students accepted into a special programme (if the school has one)
- Brothers or sisters of current students
- Brothers or sisters of former students
- Children of former students
- Children of staff or sponsor members
- Everyone else.
For new charter schools (schools that were never formerly a state school) the order is:
- Brothers or sisters of current students
- Brothers or sisters of former students
- Everyone else.
If there are more students than places in any of these priority groups, the school must randomly draw names (a ballot).
If siblings apply at the same time, they are treated as one application in the ballot, so they stay together.
Distinguishing characteristics
Some charter schools have approved distinguishing characteristics. A distinguishing characteristic is a special feature or focus that sets the charter school apart from other charter schools.
Parents or caregivers must accept this characteristic when enrolling their child. If they don’t, that charter school can refuse enrolment.
Note that not every charter school has a designated characteristic. Designated characteristics are formally approved and documented in the school’s contract and in the New Zealand Gazette. We also publish where a school has a ‘distinguishing characteristic’ on each school’s listing.
Fees
Charter schools are free to attend, just like state schools. They cannot charge tuition fees.
If a charter school used to be a state‑integrated school, it may still charge a property maintenance fee (similar to attendance dues), if its contract allows it.
How to enrol
Each school manages its own enrolments. If you are interested in enrolling at a particular school, you should contact them directly.