Gloriavale says it "strongly disagrees" with the Ministry of Education's decision to close the community's private school and cancel its registration.
Meanwhile, the Children's Commissioner supported the Ministry's moves.
The decision yesterday followed findings from a Special Review by the Education Review Office, amid concerns it was not a physically and emotionally safe space for students. School leaders were first informed of the cancellation in December.
In a statement last night, a spokesperson for the Gloriavale Christian School Board said: "The School strongly disagrees with the Ministry's decision and is currently considering its options to challenge it."
No further comment was made as it remained an "ongoing matter".
Children's Commissioner Jane Searle supported the Ministry's decision to shut the school down.
“Every child has the right to a good-quality education that helps them learn, thrive and reach their full potential. Children growing up in Gloriavale must have the same opportunities, support and protection as any other child in Aotearoa New Zealand,” she said.
Searle said attention must be turned to supporting the children and their families.
“Children and families will need carefully managed transition plans, practical assistance and wraparound support to ensure their education, wellbeing and sense of stability are protected throughout this process.
“As new schooling and support arrangements are considered, the children’s wellbeing must be the top priority.”
Last August, then-Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad called for the school's urgent closure, saying she had zero confidence that students were safe.
The school, which had more than 80 students enrolled, remained open after the board took the cancellation decision to the High Court. A judicial review hearing was set down for three days in October.
Yesterday, Deputy Secretary of Education Services Geoff Short said the Ministry had gone back to court to clear the way for the closure.
"The Ministry has applied to the court to lift interim orders relating to the Secretary for Education's December 2025 decision to cancel the school's registration as a private school to enable this latest decision to be implemented.
The Ministry said it would work with the school community to settle on the most practical timing for the closure, with students' best interests at the centre of those talks.
Affected families were being given further information directly.
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