Greater powers are needed to censure private schools which are not up to scratch, the Law Commission has recommended.

Five students have had their rugby dreams restored after an appeal committee overturned "manifestly excessive" playing bans for a violent brawl.

Five students from Auckland's Kelston Boys High School banned from playing rugby for their part in a brawl with rival Auckland Grammar School players have had their sentences drastically reduced.

Only 2 per cent of high schools are ready for an extensive overhaul of the national curriculum in five months, a report says.

A rugby disciplinary committee member is accused of not declaring a friendship with the father of the sole boy acquitted in a violent brawl.

A roll of dishonour: nzherald.co.nz recalls schoolyard brawls, bullying and bashings from our files.

More Auckland parents are opting to spend thousands of dollars sending their children to boarding school - even if they live just minutes away.

Different punishments given to brawling Grammar and Kelston rugby players have much to do with their future playing schedules, the committee charged with punishing them says.

Labour MP David Cunliffe asks why "the 'least guilty' Kelston boy received a sentence 6 to 7 times longer than the 'guiltiest' Grammar boy."

Five Kelston Boys High and four Auckland Grammar students banned for various periods.

The police say they might drop their sponsorship of Auckland secondary schools rugby if violence on the field continues.