Sporting academy to open as charter school next year

An Upper Hutt academy will become New Zealand's first sports school when it opens as the latest charter school early next year.

The New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) would open its doors in term 1 2026 with the aim to support students with sporting ambitions with skills for a professional career alongside academic education.

The NZPAA joins Aotearoa Infinite Academy, which is based online, Te Aratika High School in Hawke’s Bay, and Altum Academy in Wellington as new charter schools opening in Term 1 next year.

It would be based at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport, which is where elite teams such as the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Hurricanes and Wellington Phoenix train.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour said the charter school meant students would not have to sacrifice education for pursuit of sporting dreams.

"The academy will initially offer elite football training, leveraging the expertise of the Wellington Phoenix Football Academy, and rugby union training. Other sports will be added over time based on the needs of students."

Seymour said the school would teach a nationally recognised curriculum and world class athletic development.

"Students will be taught key skills such as leadership, how to build healthy relationships, how to look after their mental health, and nutrition. Students will also have access to flexible scheduling, personalised support, and top-tier coaching and facilities."

The establishment of the NZPAA would bring the total number of charter schools to 15, he said.

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"We expect more new charter schools to be announced before the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert."

Fifty-two applicants for new charter schools had been considered by the Charter School Agency, Seymour added.