Gloriavale Christian School will have its registration as a private school cancelled early next year after the Ministry of Education ruled it had failed to meet key compliance requirements.
Secretary for Education Ellen MacGregor-Reid confirmed the decision under the Education and Training Act, citing insufficient evidence that the school was consistently meeting all criteria for registration. The cancellation takes effect from January 23, 2026.
MacGregor-Reid said despite two Notices to Comply and extensive support over the past two years, the school had not demonstrated full compliance or progress.
"I remain concerned that these students are not being educated within an emotionally and physically safe school environment," she said.
"After a period of engagement with the school and community, and consideration of the evidence, I have decided that cancellation of the school’s registration is necessary."
The Education Review Office raised serious concerns in July about the physical and emotional safety of students.
The following month, Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad called for the school's urgent closure, saying she had zero confidence that students were safe.
MacGregor-Reid said evidence provided since then was insufficient to show those issues had been addressed.
In a statement this evening, Gloriavale Christian School's board told 1News it was "deeply disappointed" by the Ministry of Education’s decision.
"We believe this decision is unjust and does not reflect the significant efforts we have made to address concerns raised," the statement read.
"The position taken by the Ministry is not accepted and will be challenged."
The Ministry will work with families to ensure students have access to education from the start of term one next year.
"We are absolutely committed to the education of Gloriavale students," MacGregor-Reid said. "Support will be provided for students and families during the transition."
Concerns raised around children's wellbeing
However, concerns have been raised by the Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust around the wellbeing of children after receiving an education outside the isolated West Coast community.
"What will happen when the children go back to Gloriavale after being schooled externally?" leaver Serena Pilgrim said today in a media release.
"It is possible they will be closely supervised by the shepherds and their parents to ensure the community’s worldview may continue to be reinforced. While this cannot be said with certainty, similar concerns have been raised in the past."
Pilgrim was critical of the school when she gave evidence as part of an employment case that found six Gloriavale women were employees.
The girls were taught or offered a limited range of academic subjects, choosing instead between sewing, cooking and childcare. The boys, meanwhile, were taught subjects such as farming, engineering and carpentry.
"It’s incredibly sexist and in no way prepares girls or women for the real world. It’s a shame that it has taken this long for the school to close but it’s great news that it finally has," she said.
"I have experienced both sides and can speak on the differences in schooling; it’s a huge change. I hope all the children will be well supported throughout this process."
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