Public-private school partnerships get green light

Tenders for the first public private partnership schools could be called as early as next year, it was announced today.

Education Minister Anne Tolley and Infrastructure Minister Bill English said the private sector would be responsible for financing, building, managing and maintaining the school property for a set term, while the Government would still own the land and the board  of trustees would remain in charge of its governance and day to day running.

Mr English said the Government believed it could result in schools being built cheaper than if the State did it. Having the private sector build schools could also offer educational benefits, he claimed.

"This is consistent with overseas experience which shows appropriate use of pulic private partnerships can introduce new design, financing and maintenance techniques that provide better services and value to taxpayers.

Officials would prepare a business case, which would include a decision on specific schools, subject to Cabinet approval. A tender process could start early next year.

Mrs Tolley said the educational benefits would come from allowing the school and its board to focus on teaching and learning, without having the responsibility of managing property.

The private sector would also carry any financial risk.