What an integrated school is

State-integrated schools are former private schools that have become part of the state system.

State-integrated schools are different to other state schools in that:

• a private entity, the 'proprietor', owns the school buildings and land and is responsible for ensuring the buildings meet our standards
• integrated schools usually charge compulsory 'attendance dues'.

Schedule 6 of the Education and Training Act 2020 governs the integration of private schools.

Schedule 6, Education and Training Act 2020 – New Zealand Legislation

How we integrate school property

When we agree to integrate a school into the state system, some or all of their school property becomes integrated.

We integrate school property where it is needed to meet the curriculum. The amount of property that a school can apply to integrate is set out in the school property guide (SPG).

Some schools could have integrated and non-integrated property like chapels or churches.

School boards receive the property maintenance grant (PMG) to maintain their integrated area. Proprietors receive capital maintenance funding to modernise the school's integrated area.

Signing an integration agreement

When a private school integrates into the state system, the proprietor signs an integration agreement with the Minister of Education.

The integration agreement records the integration's terms and conditions, including the land and property to be integrated.

Integrating more school property

The proprietor may apply to increase the school’s maximum roll. If approved, the amount of integrated property will need to be increased proportionally.

Changing the integrated area could be due to:

• new capital works
• demolition
• roll growth.

Proprietors need to get our approval before starting work to be sure that the property still comes within the schools SPG entitlement.