Queen Margaret College

What ERO wrote in its latest report

This is ERO’s report of 21 October 2025 — “Private School Review Report” — section by section, under ERO’s own headings, in ERO’s own order. Nothing is summarised, shortened or reordered.

Introduction

ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Clause 9, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Secretary for Education on whether each school meets the criteria for registration.

More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website Private and independent schools | Education Review Office (ero.govt.nz)

The criteria for registration are that the school —

has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and

usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years [clause 2(b), Schedule 7); and

has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school (clause 2(c), Schedule 7; and

has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and

has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and

has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and

has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and

is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).

When an ERO report identifies an area within the criteria for registration that is not meeting the criteria at the time of the ERO review, that will be reported, the Ministry will be informed and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school.

a) The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7

Meeting

b) The school usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years

Meeting

c) The school has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school

Meeting

d) The school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school

Meeting

e) The school has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents

Meeting

f) The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7

Meeting

g) The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)

Meeting

h) The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students

A safe place is one in which risks to student safety are regularly assessed and evaluated with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, harm. A safe place is one where clear policies exist and are acted upon to eliminate or minimise harm.

ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures.

The school has regularly reviewed policies and procedures to provide for a physically and emotionally safe place for students.

Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Queen Margaret College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory provider to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code and has completed an annual self-review of its implementation of the Code.

At the time of this review there were 42 international students attending the school.

Queen Margaret College is well positioned to offer highly effective pastoral, academic and extra-curricular provisions to support the best possible outcomes for international students. Strategic leadership supports a successful international student programme. A well-considered and meaningful approach to self-review effectively informs decision making. A wide range of initiatives and supports are in place to support students to be confident and connected. Strong and responsive tracking and monitoring of individual students ensures programmes for learning align with their individual pathway goals.

International student voice is regularly sought and acted on. An extensive range of opportunities and co-curricular activities are available for students to engage in and enjoy. Purposeful professional learning and development is extending teachers knowledge and understanding of best practice teaching techniques for international students’ learning. Reporting to the board that shows how well international students are succeeding at the College in line with family and school aspirations is a key next step for ongoing improvement and resourcing decisions.

Background

The Chief Review Officer has the authority to carry out reviews (which may be general or in relation to particular matters) of the provision of a safe physical and emotional environment that supports learning for students accommodated in hostels under section 470 of the Education and Training Act 2020. This function is delegated to review officers who have the powers to enter and carry out review of hostels under section 472 of the Act.

Findings

The hostel manager and the hostel owner attested in the Hostel Assurance Statement that they meet the requirements of the Hostel Regulations 2005.

Queen Margaret House provides accommodation for up to 45 students. Staff intentionally create a ‘home-like’ environment that is appreciated by boarders. The facilities provide a wide range of spaces that cater well for individual and group needs. Hauora is central to the staffing and provisions provided for boarders. Regular reporting to families about progress and outcomes for students, academic, pastoral and extracurricular activities is well considered. Boarders’ voice is actively sought to inform decision making. They are actively encouraged to lead initiatives and positive change; confident leadership of self is fostered throughout the hostel. Policies and procedures have been regularly reviewed to support the ongoing provision of a safe physical and emotional environment for students.

Sharon Kelly Director of Schools

21 October 2025

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home

Read this report on ero.govt.nz →