Te Kura welcomes ERO's report Bridging the Gap and its call for stronger support for young people at risk of disengaging from education.
Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive Te Rina Leonard says the report highlights the need for a more connected, responsive education system that keeps every young person engaged in meaningful learning.
"We share ERO's concern about the growing number of young people disengaging from mainstream schooling. Every young person deserves a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances or where they learn."
The report highlights the increasing number of learners who are not having their needs met by mainstream schooling and reinforces the importance of flexible, high-quality education pathways when mainstream schooling is no longer the right fit.
“Many ākonga who enrol through Te Kura's Engagement and Wellbeing gateway have experienced disruption to their education. This was particularly evident during and following the COVID-19 period.”
“For a growing number of young people, mainstream schooling is not providing the flexibility, pace or approach they need to successfully engage in learning. Te Kura offers an alternative pathway that helps ensure these learners remain connected to education and continue making progress.”
Te Rina says the report recognises Te Kura's unique role within New Zealand's education system.
"One of the report's key findings is that Te Kura is the only alternative provision pathway offering access to the full New Zealand Curriculum and a comprehensive range of qualification pathways. That access is critical because wellbeing, engagement and achievement go hand in hand."
The report identifies that students in alternative settings often experience improved wellbeing and attendance, while also highlighting the need for stronger educational outcomes and qualification pathways.
"Re-engaging students in learning is often the first step. Our responsibility is to help them rebuild confidence, reconnect with learning, and progress towards meaningful educational outcomes and qualifications."
Te Rina says Te Kura agrees with ERO's finding that relationships, belonging and support are essential to learner success.
"The report reinforces what we have long known: students are more likely to engage and achieve when they feel connected, supported and valued. Strong relationships with kaiako, whānau and support networks remain central to success."
Te Kura also supports ERO's call for stronger early intervention and greater support within mainstream education.
"The best outcome is for young people to receive support before disengagement becomes entrenched. Strengthening attendance, learning support, wellbeing services and a sense of belonging in mainstream schools will help more students stay connected to education."
Te Rina says Te Kura welcomes the recommendation to develop a nationally coherent alternative provision system.
"We support a clearer, more connected national approach to alternative provision. Every young person should have access to a pathway that meets their needs, delivers high-quality teaching and learning, and supports positive long-term outcomes."
The report also makes a clear economic case for greater investment in learners at risk of disengagement in both mainstream and alternative settings.
"While there is more work to do, it is encouraging to see evidence that maintaining a connection to learning can contribute to positive long-term outcomes for young people who might otherwise become disconnected from education altogether."
"Ultimately, Bridging the Gap reminds us that education systems must be flexible enough to meet the needs of all learners. Our collective challenge is not only to help students re-engage in learning, but to ensure they have access to the support, opportunities and pathways to be the best New Zealanders they can be."