Support for schools
Note the below page provides information on the support available to applicants for both converting and new charter schools. We aren't currently accepting applications for new schools but, for transparency, have shared information on support for new schools.
Opening a new charter school or converting an existing state or state-integrated school can be complex.
To support you through this process, Crown-funded assistance is available at key stages, from early planning through to your first months of operation.
This funding is for support partner assistance. Support partners can help you build a strong application, establish your school effectively, and operate successfully from day one.
We vet and approve support partners to make sure they have the expertise required to deliver appropriate support.
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Available support
If you’re interested in opening or converting a charter school, you can receive structured support in three areas:
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Application
Help to prepare a strong, realistic proposal -
Establishment
Support to set up your school once approved.
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First 6 months of operation
Practical, day-to-day support as your school begins operating.
What support covers
Support partners can provide expert advice and practical assistance across a wide range of areas.
Governance and operations
- Governance structures and board capability
- Financial management
- Property planning and management
- Employment agreements
School setup and systems
- Student management systems
- Digital systems and tools
- School policies and implementation
Planning and performance
- Performance management and data use
- Business and financial planning
- Long-term sustainability
Community and people
- Community engagement and consultation
- Inter-cultural competence
- Staff transfer (for converting schools)
Applications and structural change
- Preparing and reviewing charter school applications
- Establishing new schools
- Opening, closing, or merging schools
Support is provided independently of the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board.
What support does NOT cover
Support partners cannot provide:
- Legal advice
- Support to sponsors who are already established including any sponsor under intervention by the Authorisation Board
Converting schools
Application support
Converting a school isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all process. Each application is tailored to reflect the school’s current situation and its community.
Support partners will guide you through the process and help you engage with staff and the wider community. They can also give practical advice on things like property arrangements and reviewing school assets.
Support during conversion
You won’t have to navigate the process alone. Support partners work alongside you to explain the requirements, answer questions, and help manage the transition step by step.
At the same time, the existing state school board will be supported separately by a Ministry of Education change manager and residual agent to help them meet their own transition responsibilities.
Support in the first six months
Because converting schools already have systems and processes in place, they typically need less extra support during the first six months. However, guidance will still be available if needed to help you settle into the new model.
How support is funded
Converting schools
We pay approved support partners up to $8,000 to help with converting school applications.
Contracted sponsors of converting schools can be reimbursed for up to:
- $25,000 to assist with the conversion process
- $2,000 to support them in their first six months of operation
New schools
We are not currently accepting application for new charter schools.
If that changes the current policy is to pay approved support partners up to $2,000 to help with new school applications. Contracted sponsors of new schools would be reimbursed for up to:
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- $50,000 to provide establishment support
- $8,000 to support them in the first six months of operation.
Next steps
Questions? agency@charterschools.govt.nz