Te Kura
About this service
In 2009, the name of our school was changed from ‘The Correspondence School’ to 'Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu'.
Te Kura is a state-funded distance education provider that offers a wide range of personalised learning programmes and courses, from early childhood to NCEA Level 3, which are mostly delivered online. Students can enrol for a few credits in a specific course or for a full-time programme. Students of all ages are welcome, as long as they meet our eligibility criteria.
Main Audience for this Service
Free for eligible students aged 19 and under
Enrolment with Te Kura is free if you meet the Ministry of Education’s eligibility criteria. Young adults aged 16 to 19 (and not turning 20 in the year of enrolment) who are not enrolled at another school full-time can enrol with us for free too. Our courses are also available for a small fee to adults aged 20 and over.
Students who are at a face-to-face school can study courses that aren’t available at their own school. Some eligibility criteria apply
Why would I use this Service?
Students on Te Kura’s roll come from a range of different backgrounds. They include students who:
are from families who are geographically remote or itinerant, or living overseas
have been bullied, alienated or excluded/expelled from their face-to-face school
have been referred to Te Kura by the Ministry of Education due to psychological or psycho-social needs
have a long-term illness or medical condition (Early Childhood only)
have learning support needs
are pregnant or are young parents
have been referred by the Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki or the Department of Corrections
are elite athletes, dancers, musicians, sportspeople or performers whose extra-curricular commitments make a regular school routine impossible
would like a second chance at completing their high school qualifications
are unable to attend an early childhood education centre locally because of distance and isolation or because demand exceeds the places available in their area.
Students who are already enrolled with a school may also register with us if they would like to study courses that their own school doesn’t offer. These students are known as ‘dual students’.
Contact
To find out whether you or your child are eligible to study at Te Kura, read the Ministry of Education’s enrolment policy and our FAQ or talk to one of our advisors in the Student and Whānau Support team at
0800 65 99 88 (select option 1).
A Learning Support Coordinator or SENCO can help you connect with the Te Kura Service.