Most Charter Schools Meet or Exceed Initial Enrolment Targets

Enrolment data shows the first wave of NZ charter schools are meeting or exceeding growth targets, with David Seymour claiming lower costs per student than state schools.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 5:10 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Enrolment Breakdown: The First Eight

While overall growth is high, the performance varies by institution. Only two of the original eight schools failed to reach their "establishment rolls"—the figure used to determine minimum government funding.

Secondary Schools:

North West College (Auckland): 143 students (Exceeded expectations; moving to a larger building).

The BUSY School: 111 students.

Christchurch North College: 52 students.