Information for charter schools
This section is designed to support existing charter schools.
You’ll find key dates, guidance, and resources to help you plan and meet your requirements.
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Key dates
Note: If a sponsor has negotiated different dates, those dates will be used instead of the ones listed below.
As a rule, sponsors should check the timelines provided by their performance monitor.
|
Date |
Action/requirement | To be completed by | Comment |
| 1 July 2026 | Quarter 3 funding paid to schools | The Charter School Agency | Based on June roll return |
| 8 July 2026 (or earlier) | 1 July roll return | All charter schools |
Submitted via the school’s SMS. Used for system wide analysis – not funding |
| 31 July 2026 | Interim Achievement Data Report | Charter schools in their first year | Completed via online form |
| 8 September 2026 (or earlier) | 1 September roll return | All charter schools | Submitted via the school’s SMS. Used for Q4 and Q1 funding |
| 30 September 2026 | Self-Audit Report | All charter schools except those that started after Term 1, 2026. | Completed by online form |
| 1 October 2026 | Quarter 4 funding paid to schools | The Charter School Agency | Based on September roll return |
| 18 December 2026 | Interim Achievement Data Report | Charter schools that started in Term 2 or 3 2026 | Completed by online form |
| January 2027 | Quarter 1 funding paid to schools | The Charter School Agency |
Based on September roll return and additional roll information provided by sponsor |
| 15 February 2027 |
End of year report |
All charter schools except those in their first year | Completed by online form |
| March 2027 | 1 March roll return | All charter schools | Submitted via the school’s SMS |
| April 2027 | Quarter 1 funding paid to schools | The Charter School Agency | Based on March roll return |
| 31 May 2027 |
Annual Public Report to be published |
Charter schools that opened in 2025 or 2026 |
To be published on school website or in a local newspaper |
Regular reporting requirements
Sponsors have various reporting requirements built into their contracts. The Agency and the Charter School Authorisation Board may also require sponsors to provide reporting and information outside the standard reports below.
You can expect that the information you provide to the Agency may be presented either in full or in summary form to the Authorisation Board. Reports to the Board may also be released in some form publicly.
If you have any concerns about meeting these obligations, contact your performance monitor.
Public Annual Report
Applies to: All charter schools
Due: 31 May each year
Requirements: Public Annual Report requirements
Interim Achievement Data Report
The Interim Achievement Data Report provides insights into student progress from entry testing to the end of the first six months. This gives the Agency assurance that systems and processes are in place to effectively monitor student progress and achievement
Applies to: Charter schools in their first year
Needs to cover:
- Years 0-2: a summary of developmental progress in foundational learning areas.
- Years 3-10: percentages of students at or above expected curriculum levels for their age in reading, writing and Maths Changes in student achievement since entry.
- Commentary on the broader context of student progress, including learning challenges or strategic supports for students who need this.
- Years 11-13: summary of any NCEA credits attained to date.
How it should be submitted: Via online form with supporting documentation attached.
Self-Audit Report
Applies to: All charter schools except those that started after Term 1, 2026.
Needs to cover: The Self-Audit Report should detail performance against the agreed outcome measures and include financial statements for the first six months of the year.
Refer to your Performance Plan for specific information regarding the scope and requirements of this report.
- Student outcomes – attendance and achievement measures
- Financial performance measures
- Operating surplus, Working capital ratio, Debt/Equity ratio, Operating cash, Enrolment variance
- Standard Minimum Compliance assurance
- Mid-Year Financial Statements
- Financial forecasting / budgets for the next 18 months
- Audited Financial Statements for the previous year
The information relating to the first 6 months of the year must be certified by the sponsor.
How it should be submitted: Via online form with supporting documentation attached.
End of year report
Applies to: All charter schools
Needs to cover: The End of Year Report should detail performance against the agreed outcome measures, including financial statements for the previous year and forecasts for the next 18 months
Refer to your Performance Plan for specific information regarding the scope and requirements of this report.
- Student outcomes – attendance and achievement measures
- Financial performance measures
- Operating surplus, Working capital ratio, Debt/Equity ratio, Operating cash, Enrolment variance
- Standard Minimum Compliance attestation
- Financial Statements for the previous year
- Financial forecasting / budgets 18mths
The information in this report must be certified by the sponsor.
How it should be submitted: Via online form with supporting documentation attached.