Gloriavale Christian community is small, isolated place in Haupiri, West Coast. Photo: Jean Edwards
The Ministry of Education is reviewing Gloriavale Christian School's response to officials' concerns as it weighs up the school's future.
Secretary for Education Ellen MacGregor-Reid wrote to the private school last month advising she was considering cancelling its registration after a second failed Education Review Office audit in as many years.
July's ERO report found Gloriavale Christian School had not met three of eight registration criteria and was not a physically and emotionally safe space for students.
Gloriavale's school leadership had five weeks to respond to the secretary's letter with an initial deadline of 7 November. However, it was extended until Friday after the West Coast Christian community requested more information.
Ministry of Education Te Tai Runga (South) acting hautū (leader) Andrea Williams confirmed the ministry had received a response from Gloriavale.
"The Ministry received a response from the school on Friday and is now carefully reviewing it before making a decision," she said.
"There is no set timeframe for this process, but the ministry will make sure it moves forward within a reasonable period. The school will be kept informed about when a decision can be expected."
Education officials met Gloriavale school leaders on 23 July to express concerns about its compliance with registration requirements and issue a second formal "notice to comply".
In August, Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad called for the school's urgent closure, saying she had zero confidence that students were safe.
The Gloriavale Leavers' Support Trust favoured a special transitional model for the children's education, if the school closed, saying the community's hostels were not an appropriate place for homeschooling.
Under the Education and Training Act, the ministry could cancel the registration of a private school, if it no longer met the criteria, including providing suitable premises, staffing, curriculum, or ensuring student safety and wellbeing.
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