What are specialist schools?
Specialist schools in New Zealand provide tailored support and education for children (from 5 years of age) and young people (up to and including 21 years of age) with significant learning needs. Specialist schools offer safe and supportive learning environments in primary, secondary and tertiary settings.
Specialist schools are part of the publicly funded education system and there are no fees for a child or young person to attend a specialist school.
In specialist schools a priority is placed on personalised learning plans developed with the child’s specific requirements in mind. Each specialist school is staffed by specialist teachers, therapists and support staff. All specialist schools follow the New Zealand Curriculum at the level that is relevant for each child or young person.
Often specialist school programs also include a wider school curriculum that not only focuses on curriculum areas such as communication, literacy and maths but also include other skills such as life skills, accessing the community, and work skills and work experience for older students.
Specialist schools offer
Personalised
Education
Learning
Plans
Tailored
Support
Skilled
Staff
Adaptive
Resources
Safe
Environments
Positive
Outcomes
Who are they for?
Typically, these schools cater to students who are ORS-funded and have specific educational needs that benefit from a specialised approach, smaller class sizes, and access to therapy and specialised programs. Enrolment in a specialist school requires an agreement with the Ministry of Education. Contact your local specialist school for more information on the enrolment process in your region.
Specialist schools are designed for children or young people with significant learning needs who require tailored support, an adapted learning program and adapted environment to thrive.
Why do Whānau, parents, and caregivers
choose a specialist school?
For some whānau, parents, and caregivers, the decision to enrol their child or young person is straightforward as they can see how specialist education will benefit the student.
For others, the decision to enrol a child or young person in a specialist school can be more difficult. At any stage, whānau are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their local school or specialist school.
In one story Sonia (a parent) shares the impact of moving her son Hudson to a specialist school. In this story Sonia talks about Hudson struggling in a mainstream setting and how he found success at a specialist school, where smaller classes and individualised learning plans allowed him to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Sonia now sees a future for Hudson she hadn’t thought possible before. Read Hudson and Sonia’s story here.
Information about enrolment
To attend a specialist school in New Zealand, children typically need to be eligible for the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS), which provides support for students with high or very high learning needs. Enrolment generally involves a discussion to determine eligibility and identify specific support requirements. While ORS funding is the primary pathway, there are exceptions, and specialist schools can provide guidance on this.
Parents interested in specialist schooling options are encouraged to consult directly with their local specialist school to understand the full range of support and discuss their child or young person’s unique needs.
What support services are there?
Support services in specialist schools provide essential, tailored resources to help children and young people with significant learning needs to succeed. Please click on the boxes to find out more information.
Locations and Availablity
Specialist schools are located throughout New Zealand, with availability varying based on region and school capacity. Placement in these schools typically requires that the student lives within the region or catchment area served by the school.
Specialist Schools NZ 