611A Marine Drive , Days Bay, Lower Hutt
View on mapERO 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.
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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.
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Wellesley 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.
The school is a signatory provider to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 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 was one international student attending the school.
Self-review supports the school to identify and respond to areas for improvement. The school uses a range of ways to share detailed information with parents.
The school has effective procedures for ongoing pastoral and academic support of international students. A range of leadership and extra-curricular opportunities allows students to participate in the wider life of the school.
Dr Lesley Patterson
Director Review and Improvement Services (Southern)
Southern Region - Te Tai Tini
17 January 2023
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Wellesley College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.
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 section 35C of the Education Act.
Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.
What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.
The criteria for registration are that the school —
a)has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and
b)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; and
c)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; and
d)has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; and
e)has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
f)has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and
g)has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.
Wellesley College is a private Anglican primary school catering for boys in Years 1 to 8. It was founded upon Christian values over 100 years ago. At the time of this ERO review, the school had a roll of 357 students. Since the May 2013 ERO report the school leadership team has changed, with the appointment of a new principal in 2015 and a deputy principal in 2016. The school is governed by a board trustees appointed by Diocese of Wellington. At the time of this review the board comprised mainly parents of boy’s attending the school.
The premises and equipment are suitable for purpose.
An appropriate range of classrooms and facilities create positive learning spaces. They support the successful delivery of the curriculum and promote student engagement. Ongoing property development continues to improve the premises and environment. Since the May 2013 review the school has added additional classrooms and built a new multipurpose hall to accommodate sports, assemblies and to also function as a chapel.
The spacious, well-maintained grounds, and access to the neighbouring parklands, offer students opportunities to practise and participate in a wide variety of sports and physical activities. Teachers are making increasing use of the local natural surroundings to extend the curriculum.
The board has a strong emphasis on ensuring that systems are in place that promote safe physical and emotional conditions for the boys and staff. Good financial provision supports and suitably resources teaching and learning across the school.
Teachers are conscientious in creating positive, attractive and informative learning environments for students. There has been considerable investment in increasing boys’ access to computer technology to enhance the curriculum.
The school is suitably staffed and provides suitable tuition standards.
Teachers are all fully registered, with current practising certificates. Specific teachers cater for students with additional learning needs and those who are at risk of not achieving National Standards. Extra staff extend the range of curriculum opportunities. There are clear and consistent expectations for teachers to guide their practice and performance, daily operations and classroom management.
A structured appraisal system has been introduced that focuses on teacher reflection, feedback and supports ongoing improvement of practice. This is at an early stage of implementation. Continuing to build teachers' understanding of effective appraisal and fully implementing the strengthened process is a next step.
The senior leadership team works collaboratively to support teachers to implement the curriculum and build their capability to promote learning, engagement, progress and achievement. The school supports appropriate professional learning for teachers, both individually and collectively.
The curriculum is suitable for teaching, learning and assessment.
Wellesley College has a broad and balanced curriculum, underpinned by Anglican values that reflect the principles of the New Zealand Curriculum. Relationships are affirming and respectful. The school is inclusive and values diversity. Students’ success is celebrated.
The school community has reviewed and reaffirmed the traditional vision of 'each boy has every opportunity to excel'. The focus is to build on the foundations of the strong tradition and culture and to develop future-focussed learning. Boys experience a range of academic, cultural, social, spiritual and sporting opportunities. There is a clear focus on literacy and numeracy, with a strong emphasis on other learning areas that include arts, digital technology, physical education and science.
Teachers and leaders have high expectations for boys’ success. High levels of achievement are reported by the school, and data provided indicates that most students are achieving at or above expectations in relation to National Standards in reading, writing and mathematics. Many boys are shown to be making good progress.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for and make decisions about their own learning. The consistent schoolwide approach to inquiry learning, provides opportunities for students to follow their strengths and interests.
Parent involvement in students' learning and in the life of the school is valued and encouraged. They are a part of students’ goal setting for improvement. Achievement in a wide range of learning areas is reported to parents twice yearly. Parents are involved and supportive of the range of opportunities to meet and discuss their child’s learning.
The school is introducing new assessments and systems to more clearly show students' achievement. Teachers are exploring ways to use this information to track progress and make decisions about next steps for teaching and learning. They are focused on strengthening their effectiveness in making overall judgements against National Standards. Working with other schools for moderation purposes should support this.
There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its statutory obligations are met. Practices and procedures promote student physical and emotional safety, and ensure the successful operation and management of the school.
The board and senior leaders have strengthened the framework for strategic planning that sets the direction for school improvement and development. The board and leaders have a cycle of review to ensure that over time current policies are updated in line with the obligations of new legislation.
There is good communication with the board through the principal's reports, where detailed information is shared about the school events, activities and curriculum delivery. The principal and trustees have identified that including more information about student achievement outcomes and progress is a next step. This should better inform decision making.
The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Wellesley College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Joyce Gebbie
Deputy Chief Review Officer Central
21 April 2017
|
Location |
Days Bay, Wellington |
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|
Ministry of Education profile number |
4149 |
|
|
School type |
Full Primary (Years 1 to 8) |
|
|
School roll |
357 |
|
|
Gender composition |
Male 100% |
|
|
Ethnic composition |
Māori Pākehā Pacific Other ethnic groups |
6% 82% 1% 11% |
|
Review team on site |
February 2017 |
|
|
Date of this report |
21 April 2017 |
|
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Private School Review Private School Review Private School Review |
May 2013 May 2010 March 2007 |
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.
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 section 35C of the Education Act.
Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.
What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.
The criteria for registration are that the school —
a)has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and
b)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; and
c)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; and
d)has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; and
e)has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
f)has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F; and
g)has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.
Wellesley College is a fully registered, independent Anglican primary school for boys. At the time of this review, the school had a roll of 356 students. Centenary celebrations are to be held in 2014.
The school’s vision is ‘to promote intellectual curiosity and creativity.' The philosophy places an emphasis on enabling boys to be lifelong learners, achieve educational success and personal fulfilment.
The board of trustees, management and staff work in a highly collaborative manner. With the support of parents, they provide a stimulating educational environment.
Wellesley College’s curriculum is clearly guided by the principles, values and key competencies of The New Zealand Curriculum and it is responsive to the needs of students learning in the 21st century. Along with other sources, it forms the foundation for teaching and learning programmes.
Curriculum direction extends beyond literacy and numeracy skills to promote the ability to think independently. There is an ongoing focus on inquiry learning with the expectation that it will be used as a means of engaging and encouraging students to become competent learners. They are encouraged to apply inquiry techniques of questioning, information collection and processing and application of learning. Their ideas, opinions and feedback are actively sought and valued. As a result, students confidently question, challenge and critique their learning.
Students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities and education outside the classroom experiences. Considerable emphasis is placed on providing many opportunities for authentic exploration of the local natural environment, adjacent to the school.
A strength of the broad-based curriculum is service to the community. There is a strong emphasis on boys being active and positive members of society.
Parents are well informed about their boy’s learning through written reports, regular parent conferences and goal setting interviews. Reports contain achievement levels in relation to National Standards, and provide useful information about each boy’s development and learning outcomes.
School managers attest that they comply with the provisions of Section 35G as being fit and proper persons to manage the school. The board, principal and senior leaders are future focused and work in close partnership to promote continuous improvement in line with their strategic direction. The principal and senior management team promote a culture of critical reflection. A professional learning community is evident.
Staff are provided with very clear guidelines and expectations for teaching at Wellesley College. They are suitably qualified and registered. Students have their own home teacher for most subjects and they also benefit from teaching by subject specialists in science and technology, information and communication technologies (ICT), thinking skills and visual and performing arts.
A strong teacher appraisal system operates. It involves teachers reflecting on their practice, providing evidence of the impact of their teaching strategies, setting goals that are clearly linked to syndicate and schoolwide goals and having targeted observations. Appraisers are aware of the need to consistently document feedback to teachers about their next steps for development.
High priority is given to targeted professional learning. This is valued by teachers as a means of continuing to focus on student achievement and to critically reflect on what high quality teaching and learning entails. Current professional development relates to further developing students’ higher order thinking and embedding teaching as inquiry.
Positive and respectful relationships are a feature at the school. The modelling of respect, loyalty and integrity by students and staff is highly apparent. There is a climate whereby boys are nurtured to be resilient and self motivated learners. Student leadership is fostered.
Achievement data shows that students achieve highly. At the end of 2012, the school reported that the majority of students were achieving at or above in relation to National Standards in reading, mathematics and writing.
Students’ progress and achievement are carefully tracked and monitored, using a range of standardised assessment tools. Teachers personalise learning in their classes to effectively cater for individual needs. The Learner Support area provides additional assistance, including for those requiring extension.
The quality of teaching is high. Teachers use a range of effective strategies to engage boys in their learning and draw on their enthusiasm and prior knowledge. There are high expectations for learning and behaviour. Staff know their students well.
Teachers actively foster life skills, including work and study habits, to enhance the smooth transition to secondary school.
The board and management demonstrate ongoing commitment to property management to enhance teaching and learning. Strong systems are in place to manage property development and maintenance and monitor health and safety.
Grounds and buildings are spacious, aesthetically pleasing and highly conducive to learning. Pride is taken to preserve traditions inherent in the buildings. Classrooms are large and inviting with flexible workplaces.
Students have timetabled access to an extensive range of specialised teaching spaces. These include science and technology laboratories, a new library which is a fully integrated information centre, music suite and visual and performing arts areas.
Students’ many successes and achievements are celebrated and their work is attractively displayed.
The school continues to build on its substantial ICT capacity. In 2012, Years 6 to 8 students were provided with 1:1 computer access to augment their individual learning programmes. The school’s website and intranet contribute to effective communication and provide informative portals for parents.
There are very good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its statutory obligations are met.
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Wellesley College meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Joyce Gebbie
NationalManager Review Services Central Region (Acting)
30 May 2013
|
Location |
Eastbourne |
|
|
Ministry of Education profile number |
4149 |
|
|
School type |
Private Primary (Years 1 to 8) |
|
|
School roll |
356 |
|
|
Gender composition |
Male 100% |
|
|
Ethnic composition |
NZ European/Pākehā Māori Indian Other ethnic groups |
85% 4% 3% 8% |
|
Review team on site |
April 2013 |
|
|
Date of this report |
30 May 2013 |
|
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Private School Review Private School Review Private School Review |
May 2010 March 2007 March 2004 |