John Key's old school to close

The Ministry of Education's decision to close Christchurch's Aorangi school has been upheld by a High Court judge today.

Tears were shed by students and their families in the public gallery as Justice Christine French delivered her verdict on the judicial review brought against the Ministry of Education by the school's board.

In her summation of the case, Justice French gave credit to the school and community but said that the ministry had satisfied all legal criteria in the application of their decision.

"While no stone was left unturned by the board's lawyers, their applications are unsustainable. I am acutely conscious that this decision will cause distress, but hope it will remove the uncertainty and enable parents, staff and the board to achieve a successful transition of the children into other schools."

Education Minister Anne Tolley welcomed the outcome.

"The decision to close the school was not an easy one, but I was confident all along that a proper process had been followed and the judge has confirmed this," she said.

"The main focus should now be on the students, and the Ministry of Education's change manager has assured me that all of the children will be placed in nearby schools for the start of term one, 2010."

Mrs Tolley said the ministry would continue to work with parents to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible.

Prime Minister John Key attended Aorangi School in the 1970s.

- NZPA