Huntley School (Marton)

Education institution number:
4111
School type:
Full Primary
School gender:
Co-Educational
Definition:
School with Boarding Facilities
Total roll:
167
Telephone:
Address:

Wanganui Road, Marton

View on map

Huntley School (Marton) - 11/02/2021

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Huntley 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.

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 https://www.ero.govt.nz/how-ero-reviews/ero-reviews-of-schools-and-kura/private-and-independent-schools/.

The criteria for registration are that the school —

a) has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and
b) 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
c) 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
d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and
e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and
h) 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

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) 

The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions as described in clause 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020 in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.

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 Huntley 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 International Students) Code of Practice 2016 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 the school.

International students are well supported. The school ensures a personalised approach to pastoral care and learning. English language support is tailored to individual needs. Students enjoy the wider life of the school, particularly the sporting and music opportunities. Students are achieving academically alongside their peers.

The school’s annual self-review process for international students is suitable.

Provision for students in the school hostel

The school hostel, Huntley School Hostel, accommodates 90 students, two-thirds of the school roll. It is owned by the Huntley School Board of Trustees. The hostel owner has attested that all the requirements of the Hostel Regulations are met.

The culture and traditions of the school flow seamlessly into the school’s hostel. A family-like atmosphere helps to ensure close and trusting relationships are formed and sustained. Children are well-known by the duty masters who are also teachers at the school.

Children report that they enjoy the vast range of opportunities that are offered.

The hostel sits within attractive grounds that include an extensive range of facilities. Children are kept busy and are well attuned to the rhythms and routines of the hostel.

There are opportunities for children to develop socially, physically, academically and spiritually.

Phil Cowie

Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)

Central Region - Te Tai Pūtahi Nui

11 February 2021

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement.

Huntley School (Marton) - 02/07/2015

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Huntley School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

1 Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

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 section 35C of the Education Act.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. 

The criteria for registration are that the school —

a) has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and

b) 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; and

c) 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; and

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

e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and

f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and

g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

Huntley School is an independent preparatory school for Years 3 to 8 boys and girls. Huntley, located at Marton, was established in 1896.

The school comes under the auspices of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. The school promotes Christian values as part of its special character.

Since the November 2011 ERO report, the school has become co-educational. A new headmaster and deputy headmaster were appointed at the beginning of 2015.

2 Criteria for Registration

The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.

Suitable premises and equipment

The premises and equipment are suitable.

The spacious grounds and facilities are well maintained. The board has a carefully considered approach to planning the upgrading of facilities and ensuring earthquake strengthening.

Suitable equipment is provided to support curriculum delivery.

The chapel is the cornerstone of the school and is a physical statement of the school’s special character.

Suitable staffing and tuition standards

The school has suitable staffing. Teachers are qualified and registered. Specialist subjects are taught by teachers with appropriate skills and knowledge. Teachers have high expectations for student achievement.

Teachers participate in a regular appraisal process that is robust, supportive and developmental.

Appropriate policies and procedures provide useful guidelines for teaching and meeting the board’s expectations.

Suitable tuition standards are evident in this school. Teachers use a wide range of teaching practices to promote high levels of student learning and engagement.

Students are confident, articulate and show genuine enjoyment in all aspects of school life.

Relationships between students and staff are positive, respectful and friendly. Opportunities for students to work cooperatively and to share their learning with each other are provided. These contribute to supportive classroom environments that are conducive to learning.

Suitable curriculum

The curriculum is suitable for teaching, learning and assessment.

The curriculum, based on The New Zealand Curriculum, is supported by statements that cover the range of learning areas. Documented guidelines are due for review to be more consistent with the values, special character and the intended modern learning approach.

School values and key competencies are strong components of the curriculum. The special character is evident in everyday practice.

All students participate fully in a range of academic, cultural, social, spiritual and sporting experiences.

There are high expectations for all students to make progress and achieve. Success is celebrated.

English language learners and students who require extra support are well catered for by specialist teachers. Students with special abilities are challenged to reach their potential.

3 Other Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met. Some policies and procedures require further review to be consistent with current practice.

4 Other Matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. At the time of this review there were seven international boys from Thailand attending the school.

The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

Students are well supported by the International Student Coordinator who provides English language tuition. They are achieving academically.

The school hostel provides clear boundaries for conduct and good levels of support. The students are fully involved in school activities and enjoy opportunities for home-stays on weekends and holidays.

The school’s self-review process for international students is suitable.

Provision for students in the school hostel

The Huntley School hostel is owned and administered by the board. It is licensed for 124 students. At the time of the review there were 60 boys and 18 girls boarding. The 78 boarders make up 57% of the school roll.

The boarding accommodation is of a high standard. Dormitories are attractive, warm and spacious. The students personalise their own spaces and take responsibility for maintaining them in a clean and tidy condition. There is good provision for study and recreation.

Boarding at the school provides students with a range of opportunities for leadership and social skills development. Clear routines and boundaries promote good student conduct and self management.

Supervision and health and safety matters are well organised. Students spoken to by ERO feel happy and well cared for.

There are formal opportunities for students to give feedback about their boarding experience. The board receives regular reports to inform decision making.

5 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Huntley School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Joyce Gebbie

Deputy Chief Review Officer Central

2 July 2015

About the School

Location

Marton

Ministry of Education profile number

4111

School type

Registered Private School (Years 3 to 8)

School roll

136

Number of international students

7

Gender composition

Male 75%, Female 25%

Ethnic composition

NZ European/Pākehā

Māori

Asian

Other European

Pacific

84%

5%

6%

4%

1%

Special Features

Boarding hostel

Review team on site

May 2015

Date of this report

2 July 2015

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review

Private School Review

Private School Review

November 2011

July 2008

May 2005