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A draft copy of an Education Review Office report on Selwyn College has been posted the internet, showing what critics of the high school claim were the real findings.
But the school and the ERO itself said changes between early and final review reports were routine and the end document - released publicly this month - was the accurate version.
ERO reviews all schools in a three-yearly cycle. It carries out extra reviews when needed to monitor particular issues.
Vision Selwyn - a group of "concerned parents and their supporters" - obtained the unconfirmed ERO report under the Official Information Act.
In an unusual step, the group posted the report on its website after highlighting some differences between the draft and the final version.
In the official version, an earlier statement that the ERO viewed there was a need for continued Ministry of Education intervention at the school had been removed. Instead it read there was a need for "external support".
Also gone were details of a decline in the school roll and a comment that its traditionally high retention rates to Year 13 had started to decline.
In both, the ERO said data use and the monitoring of teacher practice needed attention and it would return within 12 months to evaluate progress.
Both versions also reported that the school had a good pastoral care network, students felt comfortable and staff and student relationships were positive.
Board of trustees chairman Tur Borren said there was nothing sinister in the changes.
Mr Borren said the board was happy with the review team at the school in August and had worked with the ERO in the consultation process.
ERO public affairs manager Jenny Clark said in all cases the reports were not confirmed until the board of trustees had a chance to comment.
"The unconfirmed report is a working document and has no status per se. The confirmed report is the only public statement of ERO's findings."
Vision Selwyn member James Hoskins said it was frustrating that delays in finalising the ERO report meant it was released after 2008 enrolments for other high schools had closed. He said parents needed the information when deciding where to send their children.
Mr Borren said the process took time and concerned parents could contact the school.
The school has had a turbulent few years, with both ardent supporters and a vocal lobby group of detractors pushing their case.
