Tracey Martin MP
Spokesperson for Education
21 August 2012
Review Unfair Decile-Based Funding System – NZ First
New Zealand First is calling for the Government to review its flawed school funding model which is hampering the
learning needs of some students.
Education spokesperson Tracey Martin says students at decile 3 to 10 schools are handicapped by the current decile-based
funding system.
“Just because the neighbours are wealthy does not mean some students inside higher decile-rated schools do not need
extra support.
“We want to more fairly re-distribute funding so struggling students at all schools can get the help they need.”
Ms Martin supports the announcement this week by the Education Review Office to remove decile ratings from individual
school’s ERO reports.
“The decile rating system has always been for internal funding calculations but has mistakenly been interpreted to
suggest the quality of a school and its educational outcomes.
“The removal of the rating from the front of these reports will eliminate preconceived stigma attached to areas facing
financial challenges,” says Ms Martin.
ENDS