Chilton Saint James School

Education institution number:
263
School type:
Composite
School gender:
Single Sex (Girls School)
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
262
Telephone:
Address:

124 Waterloo Road, Lower Hutt

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Chilton Saint James School

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

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 are fit and proper persons as described in clause 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020 to be managers of the school.

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 Chilton Saint James 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.

The school reviews its provision for international students and monitors student achievement and wellbeing.

A caring, personalised pastoral and academic programme is in place to support individual needs. Parents are well informed and involved in decision making about student progress and achievement goals. The school provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of different cultures.

Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools

11 September 2023

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

Chilton Saint James School

Private School Review Report

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

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 are fit and proper persons as described in clause 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020 to be managers of the school.

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 Chilton Saint James 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.

The school reviews its provision for international students and monitors student achievement and wellbeing.

A caring, personalised pastoral and academic programme is in place to support individual needs. Parents are well informed and involved in decision making about student progress and achievement goals. The school provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of different cultures.

Dr Lesley Patterson
Director Review and Improvement Services (Southern)

Southern Region - Te Tai Tini

30 August 2022

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

Chilton St James School - 01/08/2017

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Chilton Saint James 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. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

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.

Chilton Saint James is a long established private school that celebrates its centenary in 2018. It caters for girls from Year 1 to 13. At the time of this review the roll was 387. The school’s vision, values and motto are underpinned by its Anglican Christian special character.

Since the May 2013 ERO report, the staffing personnel have changed. A new principal was appointed at the end of 2015 and in 2016 a new leadership team was established. The school has been reorganised and is now separated into junior, middle and senior areas. The Chilton Saint James Preschool shares the same campus.

The school currently accommodates 13 international students.

2 Criteria for Registration

Suitable premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are suitable for purpose.

There are an appropriate range of classroom spaces and facilities to enable the successful delivery of the curriculum and to promote student engagement and learning. The school provides a well-ordered environment to support teaching and learning for students and staff.

Ongoing property development continues to improve the educational environment. Students have access to suitable facilities for science, technology and physical education. Music and the performing arts are well provided for. The school has a good range of outdoor facilities and grounds that are tidy and well maintained.

The board makes sound financial provision to support and resource teaching and learning across the school. Classrooms are generally well equipped. Greater provision for the use of digital devices to enhance learning is evident since the previous ERO review. Classrooms have internet access and data projectors. Students bring their own devices to support research and learning.

Suitable curriculum

Chilton Saint James School provides a balanced curriculum that reflects the principles of The New Zealand Curriculum, and is underpinned by Anglican values. The school is welcoming and inclusive. Classrooms visited had a calm and purposeful tone. Relationships between staff and students are respectful, friendly and productive.

Leaders have recently reviewed programmes of teaching and their assessment practices. Changes have been made to curriculum pathways to ensure more meaning and relevance to cater for an increasingly diverse range of girls' needs both within the school and beyond.

The primary school follows the International Baccalaureate programme integrated with The New Zealand Curriculum as its basis for teaching. There is a strong focus on developing literacy and numeracy skills. Students’ levels of achievement are assessed using a combination of standardised testing and formative achievement information in relation to National Standards.

Senior students have opportunities to achieve a range of nationally and internationally recognised qualifications including National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and the Cambridge International Examinations (at IGCSE and AS Level).

There is strong emphasis on and systems are in place to ensure a safe physical and emotional environment for the girls and staff. In line with its mission statement, the school clearly promotes its special character through all areas of school life and tuition. Students' transitions between the different areas of the school are well considered.

Staff are strengthening their use of data to promote achievement and progress, and are seeking ways to improve consistent and accurate assessment across the school. Leaders have identified that establishing greater consistency in the type of assessments used to track and monitor achievement and progress across the middle school (Years 7 to 10) is an area of ongoing development.

The school uses a range of appropriate and effective communication strategies to engage with parents. There are respectful and collaborative relationships among staff, and with leadership and staff, to improve outcomes for students.

Suitable staffing and tuition

Restructuring how the school is organised has resulted in some staff changing roles and new positions being created. The newly established leadership team works cohesively to support the strategic direction and improvement of the school.

Teachers are appropriately organised to cover all curriculum areas and specific age groups across the school. Students with additional learning needs are well catered for.

There are clear guidelines and expectations for teaching and learning. Teachers engage in both individual and collaborative team planning of experiences that promote active learning. Teachers set challenging and appropriate expectations for student learning.

The principal has introduced a structured appraisal system focused on clear processes and expectations that align with the strategic plan and registration requirements. This is at an early stage of implementation. The next steps are to build teachers' understanding of effective appraisal and fully implement the revised system. Leaders are focused on strengthening how well teachers inquire into the effectiveness of their practice should further support improved outcomes.

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.

3 Other Obligations

There are suitable systems in place to ensure that the board’s obligations are met. Policies and procedures are detailed and provide good guidance for the successful operation and management of the school. Established practices and procedures are well used to ensure students’ physical and emotional safety.

There is good communication to inform the board’s decision making through detailed principal reports about the school events, activities and curriculum delivery.

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

At the time of this review there were 13 international students attending the school.

Systems and processes that guide provision for international students are suitable. Students have access to very good quality learning experiences, enjoy participation in co-curricular activities and are well supported by effective pastoral care systems. Student wellbeing, academic progress and achievement are appropriately monitored. The school identifies that reporting this information to the board of trustees is a next step.

5 Conclusion

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

Patricia Davey

Deputy Chief Review Officer Central (Acting)

1 August 2017

About the School

Location

Lower Hutt

Ministry of Education profile number

263

School type

Private Composite (Years 1 to 13)

School roll

387

Number of international students

13

Gender composition

Female 100%

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Pacific

5%
94%
1%

Special features

Anglican

Review team on site

May 2017

Date of this report

1 August 2017

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review
Education Review
Education Review

May 2013
December 2009
November 2006

 

Chilton St James School - 27/05/2013

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Chilton St James 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. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

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.

2 Criteria for Registration

Chilton St James School is an established girls’ school, offering education for students to Year 13. Onsite preschool provision for children from two years of age is incorporated into the junior school which caters for students from Years 1 to 6. The junior school’s curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and The New Zealand Curriculum (NZC). The senior school caters for students from Years 7-13 throughNZC, offering National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and scholarship qualifications. Girls are supported to participate in a wide range of cultural, sporting, social and community-based activities.

A range of well-maintained facilities supports curriculum delivery. The board and managers regularly attend to property management to enhance teaching and learning and school operations. The school’s heritage and traditions are celebrated and retained through reallocation of space within existing buildings. Some purpose built spaces, including the library and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) suites, provide high quality learning environments. Classrooms are well-resourced. ICT is well integrated as a tool for learning throughout the school.

The school is appropriately staffed to deliver the curriculum. Teachers participate in professional development linked to identified needs and strategic priorities. The performance management system offers opportunities for teachers to meet with senior staff to discuss strengths and areas for future focus. Senior leaders promote the use of Registered Teacher Criteria to help teachers reflect on their practice. Increased use of focused observations, along with a wider scope of evidence, should assist teachers to review their own practice and provide leaders with robust information to evaluate progress towards goals.

The school philosophy is evident in curriculum statements and delivery. Students learn in small classes. A wide range of standardised assessment tools is used to track individual and cohort progress and achievement over time. Student achievement information shows value added, and a significant number of students, including Māori and Pacific, show very good progress as they move through the school. The majority of students experience high levels of success in NCEA qualifications. On-going development of curriculum review and evaluation should enhance the school’s ability to respond to evidence gathered for decision-making and to drive improvement.

A strong focus on learning is evident in classrooms. Students are well supported to take risks and be confident and competent in their learning. They work collaboratively to support each other in their learning. Teachers encourage students to be inquisitive and clarify their understandings, and they respond positively to students’ ideas and questions. Teachers support and demonstrate positive, respectful relationships and affirm students’ successes.

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. The school has effective procedures for monitoring student's health and safety. The current review of the policy framework and supporting procedures is likely to provide up-to-date, relevant and useful guidance for staff and management.

3 Other Statutory Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are being met.

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 four international students attending the school, from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Japan.

The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code. ERO’s investigations confirmed that the school’s self-review process for international students is thorough.

5 Conclusion

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

Joyce Gebbie

National Manager Review Services Central Region (Acting)

27 May 2013

About the School

Location

Lower Hutt

Ministry of Education profile number

263

School type

Composite (Year 1 to 15)

School roll

420

Number of international students

4

Gender composition

Female 100%

Ethnic composition

NZ European/Pākehā

Asian

Other European

Māori

Indian

Pacific

Other ethnic groups

62%

11%

9%

6%

5%

3%

4%

Special Features

Onsite Early Childhood Centre

Review team on site

March 2013

Date of this report

27 May 2013

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review

Private School Review

Private School Review

December 2009

November 2006

December 2003