McKenzie Residential School in Christchurch will be closed, the Government has announced.

Education Minister Hekia Parata said today the school would be closed under a proposed new mixed model for children with special educational needs.

McKenzie Residential School and Salisbury Residential School in Nelson would be closed, while Halswell Residential College in Christchurch and Auckland’s Westbridge Residential School would remain open.

McKenzie principal Greg Healy said the school was "really disappointed" at the news.

He would be speaking with pupils, staff and familes to work out their next steps.

''One thing that really is disappointing is that we have a long history going back to 1989 with an unblemished record of good governance and management," he said.

''Every ERO report has been a good one."

There were 29 boys at the school, and 26 full-time staff, he said.

Parata said Halswell Residential College in Christchurch would provide co-educational services for learners that have complex needs associated with intellectual impairment.

The closure comes after consultation with schools, parents, students and the community, she said.

Schools have 28 days to provide feedback on the proposal before a final decision is made.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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