Gloriavale Christian School registration cancelled following special ERO review
The New Zealand Ministry of Education has cancelled the registration of Gloriavale Christian School following a special review that raised concerns about student safety. The school is currently challenging the decision in court, while the ministry works to manage the transition for the 80 enrolled students.
Why it matters
The case highlights the tension between religious institutional autonomy and state-mandated child protection and educational standards.
The secretary for education has confirmed Gloriavale Christian School's registration as a private school will be cancelled, after considering the findings of a special Education Review Office review.
Secretary Ellen MacGregor-Reid told the school's leaders in December that she was cancelling its registration because of serious concerns the school was not a physically and emotionally safe place for students.
The school remains open as a result of a High Court challenge by the board, with a judicial review hearing set down for three days in October.
On Thursday, Education Services deputy secretary Geoff Short said the ministry had applied to the court to lift orders preventing the school's closure.
"The secretary for education has decided to cancel Gloriavale Christian School's registration as a private school after considering findings from a special review by the Education Review Office," he said.
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