A former teacher at Gloriavale School has applauded the Education Ministry for effectively closing the school, but says it has been a frustratingly slow process.
By Krystal Gibbens of rnz.co.nz
The Secretary for Education has cancelled the school's registration, effective from 23 January.
Ellen MacGregor-Reid wrote to the West Coast Christian community's private school in October, advising that she was considering the move after a second failed Education Review Office (ERO) audit in as many years.
July's ERO report found Gloriavale Christian School had not met three of eight registration criteria and was not a physically and emotionally safe space for students.
Hopeful Disciple, who left Gloriavale four years ago, said cancelling the registration of a private school was fairly unprecedented.
"But there's just been so much evidence," he said. "That they've taken so long to act on that, it has been a bit frustratingly slow."
Disciple said everything in the school was governed by or part of the community.
"Teachers are teaching their own children, their nieces, nephews [and] other teachers are also leaders in the community.
"It's all interlocking, and so it sets up a really enmeshed situation, which it becomes impossible for the teachers to actually be professionals," he said.
Spokesperson for the Gloriavale Leavers' Trust Liz Gregory said it had raised a number of concerns with the ministry about the school over the last six years, from sexual misconduct to education being used as indoctrination.
"Six years is a long time when you're concerned about children's safety and children's educational provision," she said.
She said they had been less than patient at times.
"I think it's been difficult with the harm levels that have occurred inside the community for us to sit back and wait for a courageous government department, but I want to thank them for the courage they've shown."
MacGregor-Reid said the Ministry of Education had provided considerable support to the board and staff of Gloriavale Christian School over the last two years.
"Despite two notices to comply and ministry and external support, the school has been unable to demonstrate full compliance and there is insufficient evidence of progress," she said.
"I remain concerned that these students are not being educated within an emotionally and physically safe school environment. 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.
"We are absolutely committed to the education of Gloriavale students. Support will be provided for students and families during the transition so that education is in place for term 1 2026."
The school board said it would challenge the decision.
"We believe this decision is unjust and does not reflect the significant efforts we have made to address concerns raised. The position taken by the ministry is not accepted and will be challenged."
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