What Alternative Education is#

Alternative Education uses learning programmes that are targeted to ākonga | students’ individual needs.

Students are supported to progress in:

• attendance and engagement
• academic achievement
• personal and relational skills
• re-engagement back into secondary school, further education, training or employment, through a planned approach.

Alternative Education can be used as a short-term intervention and to prevent suspensions and exclusions.

Who is eligible#

To enter Alternative Education, students must be:

• at risk of or already disengaged from school, and
• in Years 9 to 11.

Students can continue in Alternative Education after Year 11 if it fits their needs and Collaborative Action Plan (CAP).

It is at the discretion of the provider, Te Mahau, students and family | whānau whether a 13-year-old who is not yet Year 9 enters Alternative Education provision.

How to provide Alternative Education and request support#

Alternative Education is managed by a contract holder.

A contract holder may be:

• a school
• iwi or hapū
• community organisation.

The Alternative Education Guidelines (updated in 2023) provides clear information and guidance on our operational policies and processes. These support all who are involved in the provision of Alternative Education. Download the guidelines below.

Forms and templates for providers#

Collaborative Action Plan template#

A Collaborative Action Plan (CAP) outlines learning, health and wellbeing goals for the student.

It is developed by the enrolling school together with:

• the student
• their whānau | family
• the Alternative Education provider
• others who are involved.

All plans should be culturally appropriate and responsive to students and their families.

Download an example template below.

Pedagogical Leadership Plan #

A Pedagogical Leadership Plan is required for all Alternative Education contracts. The purpose of pedagogical leadership is to support the development of high-quality teaching and learning practices, which will contribute to successful outcomes for students.

Download a Pedagogical Leadership Plan template below.

Contract monitoring and reporting#

Alternative Education contract holders must provide the following reports to us.

Monthly Status Report

We send a template to contract holders each month to update the status of students. It must be completed and returned to us.

Download an example template below.

Mid-year and annual reports #

Contract holders must submit progress reports twice a year.

Reports detail:

• overall student progress, successes and issues
• progress against the Pedagogical Leadership Plan.

The mid-year report is due on the 5th working day of Term 3.

Download a mid-year report template below.

Annual reports must include a copy of:

• the Pedagogical Leadership Plan
• annual financial statement.

Annual reports are due no later than April of the following year.

Download an annual report and financial statement template below.

More information #

The Alternative Education National Body (AENB) has resources and details about how to become a member

Alternative Education National Body – (AENB)

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura) has information about available subjects, how to enrol and support for students.

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu – The Correspondence School (Te Kura)

You can also contact your regional office.

Regional offices