Key Takeaways
- The Gloriavale Christian School will have its registration cancelled in January 2026 due to non-compliance with key requirements.
- The Ministry of Education cited concerns over the physical and emotional safety of students, as well as insufficient evidence of progress in addressing these issues.
- The school’s board has expressed disappointment and plans to challenge the decision.
- The Ministry will provide support to students and families during the transition to new educational arrangements.
- Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on children’s wellbeing, particularly for girls who may be restricted in their education and career opportunities.
Introduction to the Cancellation of Registration
The Gloriavale Christian School will have its registration as a private school cancelled early next year, following a decision by the Ministry of Education. Secretary for Education Ellen MacGregor-Reid confirmed that the school had failed to meet key compliance requirements, despite receiving two Notices to Comply and extensive support over the past two years. The cancellation, which takes effect from January 23, 2026, was made under the Education and Training Act, citing insufficient evidence that the school was consistently meeting all criteria for registration.
Concerns Over Student Safety
The Education Review Office raised serious concerns in July about the physical and emotional safety of students at the school. These concerns were echoed by Children’s Commissioner Claire Achmad, who called for the school’s urgent closure, stating that she had zero confidence that students were safe. MacGregor-Reid expressed similar concerns, stating that she remained concerned that students were not being educated within an emotionally and physically safe school environment. The evidence provided by the school since then was deemed insufficient to show that these issues had been addressed, leading to the decision to cancel the school’s registration.
Response from the School’s Board
The Gloriavale Christian School’s board has expressed deep disappointment at the Ministry of Education’s decision, stating that they believe it is unjust and does not reflect the significant efforts they have made to address concerns raised. The board plans to challenge the decision, indicating that they do not accept the position taken by the Ministry. Despite this, the Ministry has committed to working with families to ensure that students have access to education from the start of term one next year. MacGregor-Reid emphasized that the Ministry is absolutely committed to the education of Gloriavale students and will provide support for students and families during the transition.
Concerns Over Children’s Wellbeing
Concerns have been raised by the Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust about the wellbeing of children after receiving an education outside the isolated West Coast community. Serena Pilgrim, a former student, expressed concerns that children may be closely supervised by the community’s leaders, known as shepherds, and their parents, to ensure that the community’s worldview continues to be reinforced. Pilgrim was critical of the school’s education system, which she described as incredibly sexist, with girls being taught limited academic subjects and instead being focused on domestic skills such as sewing, cooking, and childcare. She welcomed the closure of the school, stating that it was great news, but acknowledged that it would be a huge change for the children and hoped that they would be well supported throughout the process.
Implications of the School’s Closure
The closure of the Gloriavale Christian School has significant implications for the students and the community. The Ministry’s decision to cancel the school’s registration is a major step towards ensuring that students receive a safe and quality education. However, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on children’s wellbeing, particularly for girls who may be restricted in their education and career opportunities. The Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust has raised important questions about what will happen to the children when they return to the community after being schooled externally, and how they will be supported during this transition. As the school’s closure approaches, it is essential that the Ministry and other stakeholders work together to ensure that the students receive the support they need to thrive in their future educational pursuits.
