Politics Live Blog

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Charter Schools Agency (CSA) has received 78 applications to open new charter schools, or to convert existing state schools to charter schools. 

 

“This shows the demand from educators to free themselves from the shackles of the state system and meet the needs of students who are being failed by the current system,” Seymour said.

 

“The education sector is facing several challenges, particularly regarding attendance and achievement. The ‘one size fits all’ model offered by the current school system struggles to address these challenges.”   

 

Funding provided by this year's Budget allows for 15 new charter schools and the conversion of 35 state schools to charter schools in 2025 and 2026.

 

“Due to demand outstripping the funding made available in Budget 24, I acknowledge some sponsors will be disappointed when final decisions are made by the CSA,” Seymour said. 

  

“By focusing primarily on student achievement, charter schools allow sponsors and communities to take their own path getting there. They can, with some restrictions, set their own curriculum, hours and days of operation, and governance structure. They also have greater flexibility in how they spend their funding as long as they reach the agreed performance outcomes.”   

 

Stage two of the application process will be undertaken over the coming months before final decisions are made later this year.  
“The first charter contracts will be negotiated and signed before the end of the year so the first schools can open for term one 2025. 

  

“To provide certainty to sponsors, they will have a fixed-term contract of 10 years to operate a charter school, with two rights of renewal for 10 years each. All fixed-term periods are conditional on the school continuing to meet the terms of its contract," Seymour said.