“It’s been imposed on us and we’re doing our best.”
The scheme won’t affect students already at the school but enrolments starting from term one next year will be impacted.
Lockyer said parents had lost the ability to choose an all-girls school education for their daughters. Even though parents could still apply out of zone, more restrictions would be in place.
She was concerned equity between schools may be lost under the formula.
None of the neighbouring schools are under an enrolment scheme but Ministry of Education leader for Northland, Isabel Evans, said many schools operate enrolment schemes. They help school boards manage roll growth and prevent overcrowding.
Whangārei Girls’ High School is one of three in Northland undergoing a shift, alongside Te Kamo Intermediate and Bay of Islands College.
Conversations with Whangārei Girls’ High about establishing the scheme began in August 2022.
Lockyer said some people were “really struggling” with the news but the school was working hard to reassure parents, many of whom were asking what being out of zone means.
While the impact on enrolment numbers wasn’t a concern, Lockyer was frustrated by the extra administration tasks that will be required.
“We’ve worked with the ministry to work out what documents are going out about the enrolment scheme, but there’s no extra support and funding for running [it].”
That was an expense that landed on the school’s shoulders instead, Lockyer said.
“I’d prefer to have an administration funded to take on the extra work that’s going to be involved.”
The ministry did not directly respond to that suggestion.
Consultation will close on May 13. A survey can be completed on the Ministry of Education website by searching for Whangārei Girls’ High School.
Alternatively, you can email taitokerau.enrolmentschemes@education.govt.nz with any questions or comments.
Brodie Stone is an education and general news reporter at the Advocate. Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.