Saint Kentigern College

Education institution number:
81
School type:
Secondary (Year 7-15)
School gender:
Co-Educational
Definition:
School with Boarding Facilities
Total roll:
2337
Telephone:
Address:

130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland

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St Kentigern College (Pakuranga) - 05/08/2019

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Saint Kentigern College 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

Saint Kentigern College is a fully registered co-educational school for Years 7 to 15 students. The Middle College caters for students in Years 7 to 10. The Senior College provides for students in Years 11 to 13 who are working towards qualifications in the school’s parallel pathways of National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. 

The college continues to provide students with suitable premises, staffing, equipment and curriculum. Students are being taught in very good quality learning environments, by teachers who are well qualified and experienced in the subjects for which they are responsible. Teaching programmes lead students towards meaningful qualifications that they choose.

The college curriculum reflects the principles and breadth of the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC). The Christian character and values of the school are clearly evident throughout the curriculum. Students are able to personalise their course of study to meet their aspirations regarding future study and career choices. The school curriculum includes both academic and vocational pathways. A varied co-curricular programme and a commitment to service complement the curriculum.

High academic achievement continues to be a feature of the school. A coordinated focus in the Middle College builds the skills and knowledge for students to achieve success in their chosen qualification pathway. Senior College students consistently achieve very well in the IB and NCEA at all levels, including Scholarship.

The school’s curriculum is well documented and shared with parents. The school’s online learning portal contains curriculum information for all learning areas ensuring that parents are informed about programmes and assessment requirements.

The social and emotional wellbeing of students is supported by a pastoral care system that reflects the school’s commitment to the value of respect for self and for others. By working together as a community, students are supported to develop a sense of empathy, personal responsibility and resilience that continues to benefit them throughout their time at school.

Standards of tuition remain high. Teachers have a wide range of curriculum strengths and interests. Staffing levels and small classes ensure that students receive personalised teaching. The breadth of the curriculum is supported by specialist teaching and additional learning support. The performance appraisal system supports teachers to reflect on and continue to improve their teaching practice.

A sound framework of policies and procedures guides the school’s operations. The buildings and grounds continue to be well presented and maintained. Spacious and well-resourced facilities ensure that all students have full access to the curriculum. A wide range of specialist facilities expands the learning opportunities available to students. Resources are used effectively for teaching and learning. Learning opportunities are extended through the thoughtful use of digital technologies.

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

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.

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 28 international students attending the school, 15 of whom are boarders at Bruce House. These students make appropriate progress through the curriculum and are integrated into the life of the school and its community.

The International Student team coordinates additional opportunities to enhance students’ experiences in New Zealand. An effective professional network supports the Head of International Students and the required self review processes.

Provision for students in the school hostel

The school hostel, Bruce House, accommodates 98 students, five percent of the school roll. It is owned by Saint Kentigern Trust Board. The hostel owner has attested that all the requirements of the Hostel Regulations are met.

Hostel students experience high levels of care and support for their physical and emotional wellbeing. The hostel is managed effectively. Students have appropriate responsibilities and participate fully in college life. They have rich opportunities for academic success and to form lasting friendships.

5 Conclusion

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

Steve Tanner

Director Review and Improvement Services Northern

Northern Region

5 August 2019

About the School

Location

Pakuranga, Auckland

Ministry of Education profile number

81

School type

Secondary (Years 7 to 15)

School roll

2,092

Number of international students

28

Gender composition

Boys 58% Girls 42%

Ethnic composition

Māori
NZ European/Pākehā
Chinese
other ethnic groups

5%
68%
14%
13%

Special Features

School Hostel, Bruce House

Review team on site

June 2019

Date of this report

5 August 2019

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review

September 2014
November 2009
April 2006

St Kentigern College (Pakuranga) - 29/09/2014

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Saint Kentigern College (Pakuranga) 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.

Saint Kentigern College in Pakuranga is a fully registered private school. It occupies an extensive site bordered by the Tamaki estuary and overlooking Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. The private coeducational College for students in Years 7 to 13 is operated by the Saint Kentigern Trust Board. The College chapel and religious education programmes provide a focus for the trust board’s Presbyterian values and mission, to inspire excellence and provide service.

In 2013 Saint Kentigern College celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding. The occasion was marked with the opening of the new administration and trust board building, the MacFarlan Centre. The College is the largest of the four schools operating on three separate sites that are administered by the Saint Kentigern Trust Board.

The roll of the College has continued to grow since ERO’s 2009 review. Girls are now enrolled at all levels from Year 7 to 13 and comprise 38% of the roll. There are 112 boys and girls who live at the onsite boarding facility, Bruce House.

2 Criteria for Registration

There have been some major changes in the College since ERO’s 2009 review. In addition to the completion of new College buildings, significant curriculum developments have taken place. Under the leadership of the current Head of College, new teachers and curriculum leaders have been appointed, and approaches to teaching and learning have been reviewed. Programmes for students have been enhanced through the development of a learning support centre. The College management team has been extended to lead these innovations.

These changes are benefitting learners by providing greater access to the curriculum. Teachers are responding positively to the inclusive learning culture. They are making good use of achievement information and catering effectively for a more diverse range of student learning needs and styles. The College teaching and learning charter is guiding teachers’ professional practice and helping students to understand and engage with the process of learning.

The Trust Board provides high quality facilities and equipment to support the delivery of the curriculum. The digital network in particular is well used by teachers throughout the College to monitor student progress and achievement and share information. The College e-learning environment is strengthening partnerships and communication between student, teacher and parents. Students are individually supported and encouraged through a wide range of pastoral services and the small group tutoring system.

Since 2010 the achievement of students in both the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations has markedly improved. Many students attain NCEA Endorsement and Scholarship, and 95% of eligible students achieved University Entrance in 2013. College leaders analyse academic results, reporting on trends and achievement goals. Students also achieve well in sport, music, visual and performing arts, and in a range of appropriately selected community services.

The College's educational goals have a clear focus on student and parent involvement. Students and their families are well known and feedback is valued. The College welcomes its community and the college buildings and facilities, including the chapel, are well utilised. The leadership team is well organised, with clear roles and effective communication. They are supported by the Trust Board and provide a high level of accountability for the trust’s comprehensive policies and procedures.

A New Zealand context is reflected in College curriculum and mission statements. College leaders acknowledge the place of Māori as tangata whenua and express interest in strengthening the College's commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi through increased consultation and responsive practices.

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

3 Other Obligations

Good systems are in place for the College’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.

4 Other Matters

Provision for international students

Saint Kentigern College 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 25 international students attending the College, mainly from China and Korea. Some international students reside with family caregivers, but the majority live at the College boarding hostel, Bruce House.

The College provides a range of good services for international students. Staff responsible for student admissions, orientation, pastoral care and English language support work collaboratively to respond to the interests and needs of international students.

International students are supported individually to improve their English language skills. They make good progress and achieve well across all curriculum areas. International students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities and be involved in the wider life of the College.

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

Provision for students in the school hostel

The College hostel, Bruce House, is owned by Saint Kentigern College Trust Board. The hostel accommodates 115 students, including about 20 international students. Since ERO's 2009 review, new boarding facilities have been added for girls. Bruce House is set attractively in the college grounds, offering separate living areas for boys and girls and senior students, with shared dining and socialising spaces.

The boarding hostel is well organised and managed. The onsite location of the hostel provides easy access to College facilities. Students who have extensive sporting and performance commitments find the flexibility of hostel services supports their curriculum pursuits. The hostel is well managed by an experienced matron. Male and female staff and their families live onsite, and provide care and supervision for boys and girls.

The recent appointment of the College chaplain as the new hostel director is a well considered decision that has strengthened communication between the hostel, the trust board and the College. Policies and procedures are being reviewed to align with the College's expectations.

Hostel staff have training on supporting students living away from home. They have regular contact with parents and use surveys to help students share their feelings and concerns. The students spoken to as part of ERO’s investigation spoke highly of their hostel experiences. They enjoy the family like atmosphere, the good food, and the comfortable surroundings.

The Trust Board has attested that all the requirements of the Hostel Regulations are met. ERO’s investigations confirm that self review regarding hostel regulations is thorough.

5 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Saint Kentigern College (Pakuranga) meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Dale Bailey

National Manager Review Services Northern Region

29 September 2014

About the School

Location

Pakuranga, Auckland

Ministry of Education profile number

81

School type

Private: Fully Registered Secondary Year 7-15

School roll

1767

Number of international students

25

Gender composition

Boys 62%, Girls 38%

Ethnic composition

NZ European/Pākehā
NZ Māori
Chinese
Pacific
Indian
Korean
Asian
other

71%
4%
11%
3%
3%
2%
3%
3%

Special Features

School hostel, Bruce House

Review team on site

July 2014

Date of this report

29 September 2014

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review

November 2009
August 2006
August 2003