Scots College

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 

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 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 

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

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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 

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

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

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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 

At the time of the onsite review, there were some police vets that had expired. Following the onsite phase, the school has addressed this matter.  

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that ​Scots College​ 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 65 international students attending the school.  

Scots College offers high quality pastoral, academic and extra-curricular provisions to support the best possible outcomes for international students. Students experience a positive induction into the Scots College community and can participate fully in school sporting, music, art and learning opportunities. The school’s strategic planning supports the provisions and outcomes for international students and internal review processes are well established to further strengthen systems and processes to support student wellbeing and academic success. 

Provision for students in the school hostel  

The hostel manager and the hostel owner has attested in the Hostel Assurance Statement that they met the requirements of the hostel regulations 2005. 

Gibb House is owned by the Scots College Board. It accommodates up to 120 boarders in a co-educational, 7 day a week, boarding facility. Since the last report, provision has been made to accommodate girls at the hostel. 

Boarders are supported to live and learn in modern and comfortable surroundings. Student wellbeing is central to the care, staffing and provision provided to boarders. Boarders are provided with a safe physical and emotional environment that supports their learning.  

School systems align with those at Gibb House to support a consistency of expectations and operation across the school and hostel. Policies are regularly shared, reviewed, and implemented to support the provision of a safe physical and emotional environment for boarders. Continual improvements are supported by internal review that includes student voice. 

Boarders are encouraged and supported to pursue their personal, cultural, academic, and sporting aspirations. Boarders report that they appreciate the range of opportunities that boarding offers, the camaraderie they experience and the adult support they receive. 

Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools 

​​9 April 2024​ 

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