In recent weeks, primary to secondary school students have been returning to class for the year, with some students entering newly established charter schools. This comes after Associate Education Minister, David Seymour, announced in May 2024 that charter schools would be returning this year, with the government allocating a budget of $153 million to fund the privately owned schools.

According to Minister Seymour, charter schools will offer “new and innovative ways to help students struggling to succeed in school”. However, the 2024 announcement has raised concern amongst educators and researchers in the state system, who have been asking for better resources and funding for several years now.

Producer Athena spoke to Senior Lecturer in Critical Studies in Education at the University of Auckland, Dr Jude MacArthur, about the differences between charter schools and state schools, and how students will be affected.