Official release
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Vanguard Prep School will open on the North Shore, Auckland in Term 1 next year, offering a new option for students in Years 7 to 10.
“Every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Vanguard Prep School will give more students that opportunity,” Mr Seymour says.
"The team behind Vanguard Military School has shown they can connect with young people and help them succeed. They ran a successful charter school under the previous charter school programme. Despite this, Labour shut the charter school programme down.
“This new school is about bringing those strengths to younger students at a stage when good habits and self-belief can make a real difference.
“With a focus on discipline, leadership and academic achievement, Vanguard Prep School aims to help young people succeed at school and build strong foundations for their future.
“Drawing on the military ethos that underpins Vanguard's approach, students, known as recruits, will begin their day with a morning parade before moving into small academic classes focused on literacy, numeracy and core subjects.
"Afternoons will include physical training, team challenges and activities designed to develop teamwork, leadership and self-discipline.
“Every student will belong to a small section of around 20 students led by a dedicated teacher who works closely with both students and parents.
“While the school has a connection to Vanguard Military School, students attending Vanguard Prep will be set up with the skills they need to succeed at any secondary school they move on to.
“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community and apply strict
performance standards to the best ones.
“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.
"Vanguard Prep School will provide another path for students and families seeking an education built around structure, high expectations, and academic excellence, and I look forward to seeing it open its doors next year.”
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Last checked 5 Nov 2026, 4:10 pm IST · Coverage & methodology