Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

Introduction

ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020. 

Clause 9, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Secretary for Education on whether each school meets the criteria for registration. 

More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website Private and independent schools | Education Review Office (ero.govt.nz)

The criteria for registration are that the school —

1. has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and
2. usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years [clause 2(b), Schedule 7); and
3. has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school (clause 2(c), Schedule 7; and
4. has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and
5. has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
6. has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
7. has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and
8. is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).

When an ERO report identifies an area within the criteria for registration that is not meeting the criteria at the time of the ERO review, that will be reported, the Ministry will be informed, and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school. 

ERO’s Judgement

a) The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7

Meeting

b) The school usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years

Meeting

c) The school has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school

Meeting

d) The school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school

Meeting

e) The school has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents

Meeting

f) The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7

Meeting

g) The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)

Meeting – Refer to the conclusion

h) The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students

A safe place is one in which risks to student safety are regularly assessed and evaluated with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, harm. A safe place is one where clear policies exist and are acted upon to eliminate or minimise harm.

ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures. 

The school has regularly reviewed policies and procedures to provide for a physically and emotionally safe place for students.

Conclusion

During the onsite phase of the review process

ERO identified an action that the school was required to undertake, in order to meet the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education & Training Act 2020. 

g) In relation to the criteria that the school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)              

• To ensure that all managers of the school board have been approved by the Ministry of Education as fit and proper persons of a private school. 

Since the onsite review 

ERO has received from the school evidence of the approved assessments completed by the Ministry of Education that school managers meet the criteria as fit and proper persons of a private school.

On the basis of the information now received, ERO considers that Samuel Marsden Collegiate School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Other Matters

Provision for international students 

The school is a signatory provider to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code and has completed an annual self-review of its implementation of the Code. At the time of this review there were 11 international students attending the school, and no exchange students.

The International Department at Samuel Marsden Collegiate has a strategic focus for growth, aligned with the school’s current direction. International students are fully integrated across academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular programs, well supported by a dedicated team.

The department facilitates events and initiatives that promote academic achievement, wellbeing, and inclusion. Students spoken to by ERO describe the school as safe, respectful, and welcoming. Strong relational trust fosters meaningful connections amongst students and staff. Orientation programs and buddy systems support smooth transitions. 

Academic and pastoral support is readily available through teachers, Deans, and the school portal. Parents are kept informed via regular reports and interviews. Academic support includes homework clubs, subject-specific clinics, and clear pathways for subject selection and university preparation.

Leadership opportunities and cultural celebrations encourage diversity and student engagement. Regular feedback through surveys and direct communication reflects high levels of student satisfaction in both wellbeing and learning. 

Sharon Kelly
Director of Schools

25 February 2026

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home