Parliament has passed legislation enabling charter school sponsors to operate multiple schools under a single contract.
The Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill completed its third reading this week, removing the requirement for sponsors to submit separate applications for each school they wish to establish.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour, who announced the change, said the reform would allow successful operators to replicate their model in new communities. "Now that a single proven sponsor can hold a contract for multiple charter schools, more Kiwi students will have that opportunity," he said.
The legislation also introduces enhanced accountability measures for charter schools in exchange for their autonomy over funding decisions. Seymour said the Government would "continue to set tough targets for charter schools so that they continue to deliver great results".