ACG Strathallan

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 nine or more students who are of or over the age of five 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 nine or more students who are of or over the age of five 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​​ 

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 

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that the 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 70 international students attending the school.  

International students are well cared for and experience opportunities to develop academically and socially. Students have access to very good schoolwide systems of pastoral and academic support. Students experience a wide range of extra curricula activities offered to them. Extra support, if needed, is provided to meet the needs of each student. Communication with parents is regular and timely with translation services available when required. Chinese speaking staff are available to both students and their caregivers. 

The school’s annual review of its provision for international students is regular and informs ongoing improvement. 

​​Sharon Kelly 
Director of Schools 

​​22 January 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