Wanganui Collegiate to be integrated

Wanganui Collegiate School has gained integration into the state network of schools, Education Minister Hekia Parata announced today.

"This has been a difficult and drawn out process,'' Ms Parata said.

"Wanganui Collegiate has been working towards integration for the last two years and the Wanganui Collegiate community will be pleased to see a successful outcome."

Ms Parata said the school was one of New Zealand's oldest and held a special place in the history of education.

Integrating the school would ensure it continued to be a vibrant part of the Wanganui community and that a Collegiate education was available to a wider number of students.

"I trust that past students and families will support Wanganui Collegiate to ensure a strong future."

The school joins the state network from January. As an integrated school, the only compulsory fees will be attendance dues. Wanganui Collegiate will also be responsible for its properties.

The school will offer day places, weekly boarding places and full boarding places, as well as offering opportunities to a number of international students.

Ms Parata said the school was one of the top performing in the Wanganui region and she expected it to share its expertise and facilities with other schools in the area.

Wanganui Collegiate School was established in 1852 following a gift of Crown land for a school in Wanganui.