Charter school to start on Catholic school site

The Altum Academy will be the first charter school in Wellington, and will teach “classical education”. It is one of three further charter schools announced by the Government, taking the total number of charter schools to 14.

Earlier this year, Education Minister Erica Stanford told the Board of Trustees of Cardinal McKeefry School of her decision to accept a proposal to cancel the integration agreement and close the school on December 15, 2025. The school’s roll had dropped from 83 in 2020 to 54. Stagnant population growth and financial pressures were among the reasons for the closure.

The Altum Charitable Trust was formed six months ago by a group of parents who wanted greater options for their children in the Wellington region. The Altum Academy will be a secular school and will start with a roll of 100 students.

The trust’s executive director Jonathan Ayling, a former chief executive of the Free Speech Union, said classical education is oriented towards the production of virtue and wisdom.

He said the concepts being discussed weren’t necessarily religious or tied to any specific faith, but reflected values deeper than just transferring knowledge. He noted that the school had signalled a shared Judeo-Christian values basis.

The school will start with years 7-9 and intended to build up to years 7-13 by 2030.

Last year, Labour said it would abolish charter schools as it did in 2018.

A final celebration and Mass marking the closure of Cardinal McKeefry School are scheduled for October 18. Celebrations will start at the school from 3pm with the sharing of memories, photos, stories, food and refreshments. A final Mass will be celebrated at 6pm that evening at St Thomas More Church in Wilton.

FULL STORY

New Wellington charter school to open term 1 next year (By Anna Whyte/The Post – subscription required)

Three new charter schools will give students new options (Beehive)

Final Mass and celebration for Cardinal McKeefry School (CatholicWellington/Instagram)