Positive ERO Report for The Correspondence School

Positive ERO Report for The Correspondence School

The Correspondence School's (TCS) performance has received a positive review from the Education Review Office (ERO).

In a report released today, ERO found the Board and Chief Executive Officer had seen TCS through a 'well considered and extensive change programme' that had 'addressed many of the specific concerns' raised in previous ERO reviews. These changes included:

- development of an approach for teaching and learning based on 'recognised good practice and educational research'

- a more positive response to the needs of at-risk students and positive outcomes for many of them

- a strong commitment to and enhanced engagement with Maori

- strengthened pastoral care to provide higher quality support for students

- substantial upgrading of information and communications technology

- increased efficiency in key service areas.

In terms of governance and management ERO found:

- effective governance by the Board, including 'excellent progress in implementing its strategic vision' - high quality, professional leadership in most areas, including by the Chief Executive Officer - staff in TCS who are dedicated and responsive to the educational needs of students and supervisors.

In terms of areas for further improvement ERO noted the need for:

- increasing the rate of change and improving aspects of leadership and management in the primary school - statistical information on student achievement across TCS - further work in the area of self evaluation - clarification of the role and purpose of TCS in the New Zealand education system.

The Chair of The Correspondence School Board of Trustees, Paul Carpinter said:

"The change in the school since the last review has been substantial. The Board will continue to steer and monitor progress to assure that this improvement continues. Most areas identified by ERO for improvement have been anticipated and are already being managed."

Mr Carpinter said this positive 2003 ERO report, "is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of the TCS staff who had risen to the challenge."

"The review indicates that TCS has 'responded positively and decisively' to the findings of the 1998 and 1999 reviews and 'has made considerable progress in increasing its capability for providing the educational services expected in its Purchase Agreement.' "

"Effective teaching and good relationships between teachers and pupils are key to any school's effectiveness and The Correspondence School is increasingly getting this right." The Correspondence School is New Zealand's largest school with over 20,000 students at any one time, and more than 30,000 enrolling over a year.

The school is made up of four schools, Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary and Specialist Services.

It also has more Maori and at-risk students than any other school in New Zealand.

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