Te Awamutu College’s new enrolment zone has taken feedback into consideration.
How the new college enrolment zone shapes up.
The scheme was finalised by the Ministry of Education on August 25, after its draft was amended to take into account feedback presented, including at a meeting in July.
“The things that were highlighted to the ministry by us and the parents were taken on board. You’re never going to please anyone but I think we got as close to that as we could,” said Te Awamutu College Board of Trustees chairperson, Craig Yarndley
Parents from rural communities were the most concerned and feared the scheme would separate students from their friends and networks.
At the meeting a Ngutunui resident said the proposed scheme would destroy the feel of their community, and a Te Pahu resident said they felt like the scheme would cut their community in half.
“Pretty much all of the points raised have been taken into consideration and have been built into the scheme,” said Yarndley.
Ministry of Education deputy secretary Jocelyn Mikaere said the plan was amended to include the entire Korakonui School zone, further areas in Ngutunui including the no-exit Potts and Robertson Roads, the whole Te Pahu school transport entitlement zone, and additional areas north of Ngāhinapōuri School.
Te Awamutu College was flagged for the enrolment scheme because it had reached 96 per cent of its student capacity – enrolment schemes are flagged when a school passes 85 per cent of its student capacity.
The college has 1342 students, not far short of its maximum limit, 1400.
The school’s enrolment scheme will be effective from January 31. After that date any out of zone students will be subject to a priority list.
Priority will be given to siblings of current students, then siblings of former students, children of former students, and children of school staff. All other students share the last priority.
