Nelson College (Prep.Dept.)

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

Refer to the conclusion - 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

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. 

In relation to the criteria that 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

A police vet for one support staff member had not been obtained under clause 12, Schedule 4 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The school management is required to obtain the police vet every 3 years.

Since the onsite review 

ERO has received evidence to show that the board have renewed police vets for all children’s workers.

On the basis of the information now received, ERO considers that Nelson College (Prep Dept) 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 three international students attending Nelson College (Prep Dept). 

The school has established coherent and effective review processes. These systems support ongoing compliance and ensure that international students receive appropriate pastoral care and educational support.

Planning within the International Students department is purposeful and well-structured, contributing to positive outcomes for students. Staff demonstrate a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, and there is a strong focus on continuous improvement.

Staff ensure younger students’ learning and pastoral needs are well met. Students report that they have a positive relationship with staff and that they develop a sense of belonging.

Provision for students in the school hostel 

The hostel manager and the hostel owner have attested in the Hostel Assurance Statement that they meet the requirements of the Hostel Regulations 2005.

At the time of this review there was one boarder attending Nelson College (Prep Dept).

Boarding facilities foster a physical and emotional environment that supports students learning.

Their wellbeing needs are positively met within a supportive and encouraging culture including regular feedback systems from both the boys and their families. Students spoken with appreciate the caring and approachable staff.

Students have access to a range of recreational facilities. They are well supported to participate in a wide range of sports and other activities within and beyond the school community. Students have opportunities to supplement their school learning within the boarding houses, including dedicated preparation time and individualised tutoring provided by senior students and boarding staff.

Sharon Kelly
Director of Schools

23 March 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