Ogilvy: Put independent schools on more level field

United Future's Bernie Ogilvy today backed the Independent Schools of New Zealand call for all schools to be funded at a more equitable per-pupil level.

"We fully agree with ISNZ - it doesn't matter who owns the school - the State, a church or some private grouping - the fact is that educating children costs the same, and from the view of the obligations of the State, it should be funded more equitably across the board," Mr Ogilvy said.

"The fact is that there is already a cost benefit to the Government in having some 29,000 children educated in an independent system, which means that the State is not having to pay teachers and build classrooms for them.

"The schools offer an accountable form of education and tend to deliver to a high standard and give parents a choice," he said.

"United Future strongly backs a fair go for independent schools."

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