ACT wants 10,000 charter school enrolments by 2029

The ACT Party has set a target of 10,000 charter school enrolments by 2029, and a goal of a charter school option in every major town.Leader David Seymour is announcing the party's charter school plans in Henderson, West Auckland.The party says it would increase the conversion of suitable state and state-integrated schools into charter schools, and encourage new charter schools where there is sufficient demand and a sufficient sponsor.Seymour said early results were encouraging, with most schools meeting attendance and achievement targets, and all charter schools teachings years 3 to 10 meeting their maths achievement threshold."Charter schools are showing children that school can be different, and helping students from all walks of life. There are schools catering for high performance athletes, for students with autism, schools focused on Pacific culture, and teaching the International Baccalaureate in French. One school is online, while another is part of a successful Australian chain," he said."There is no one type of charter school for one type of student, and that is the point."Labour has once again pledged to abolish the charter school model. Seymour challenged Labour leader Chris Hipkins to visit a charter school and tell students directly why he wants to "take away" their education."He won't do that. That's why charter schools will keep growing. The idea that students can learn in a way that works for them is stronger than his cynical politics."