Diocesan School For Girls

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 Diocesan School for Girls 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 43 full-time international students attending the school. Diocesan School for Girls pastoral care systems successfully transition international students. Students know what support is available and appreciate the peer support opportunities. They value the adults who help them at school. 

Students can access many opportunities available to them, are encouraged to do so and to pursue their own interests. Parents are regularly informed about their child’s progress, achievement, and involvement in school life.

Provision for students in the school hostel

Background

The Chief Review Officer has the authority to carry out reviews (which may be general or in relation to particular matters) of the provision of a safe physical and emotional environment that supports learning for students accommodated in hostels under section 470 of the Education and Training Act 2020. This function is delegated to review officers who have the powers to enter and carry out review of hostels under section 472 of the Act.

Findings

The hostel manager and the hostel owner have attested in the Hostel Assurance Statement that they meet the requirements of the hostel regulations 2005. Internal review is supported by external review. Specific information from reviews is reported to the board. 

Diocesan School for Girls Innes House Boarding facilities are made up of four well-appointed homes across the road from the school. The facilities accommodate up to 57 boarders. Accommodation is age appropriate and promotes independence. Premises are secure. Boarders know and accept the expectations of the boarding facilities. 

Boarding students are integral members of the school’s culture. The students recognise and value the significance of the relationships they develop with each other and with staff. Pastoral care and access to wellbeing support are readily available, well understood and contribute to managing their safety and wellbeing.

Boarders spoken with by ERO said they feel safe, secure and are well supported by staff. They appreciate the family atmosphere the facilities provide. 

Sharon Kelly
Director of Schools

26 September 2025

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