Makoura College up for excellence award

The nominee selection panel described Makoura College as a "compelling case study, particularly considering the journey the school has taken".

Makoura College is a finalist in the Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards in the Excellence in Leading - Atakura Award category.

The Masterton school has a roll of close to 300 pupils and achieved above-average performance among NCEA students nationwide after returning from the brink of closure forced in 2008 through dwindling college funds and a declining roll of barely more than 200 pupils.

A panel of experts selected finalists for the four awards categories and only 16 schools or education centres have been named nationwide.

The Atakura Award "celebrates leadership and influence that has strengthened professional capability and created a change in conditions, leading to improved and sustained outcomes for all children and young people".

The selection panel described Makoura College as a "compelling case study, particularly considering the journey the school has taken".

Principal Tom Hullena said he was proud Makoura College and its community had been recognised.

"It has been a combined leadership effort from lots of different people. From school leaders to teachers to students, and from governance to kaumatua to whanau; they have all played their part."

The awards ceremony will be held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington on June 25.