After the New Zealand Government announced its backing of Aotearoa Infinite Academy - what will be the country's first tuition-free online charter school and the school's opening in 2026, our founding leadership team immediately set about connecting with communities across all of Aotearoa, to welcome them to be amongst the schools first 200 students in January 2026.
At the recent online information evening for Aotearoa Infinite Academy, Founding Principal Saira Boyle shared her passion and vision for this groundbreaking initiative. The session attracted parents and educators from across the country, eager to learn what makes this new model of schooling so transformative.
"We are providing a new model of purpose-built online education, designed for strong relationships, student support, and outstanding outcomes,” said Ms Boyle. “We are an option for students from all backgrounds - including whānau whose geographical location means they have limited schooling options, and for those who find the traditional classroom isn’t the right fit.”
Ms Boyle explained that Aotearoa Infinite Academy offers more than just online learning, it’s a true school community.
"Our classes are designed to be live and interactive, students follow a timetable, and we build connection through assemblies, homeroom and deans. It's about belonging."
Students join live classes averaging 20 students with highly qualified, New Zealand registered teachers, supported by a full pastoral team including: Deans, a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and a School Counsellor.
Students will follow the Pearson Edexcel curriculum (Years 9 - 11) and then move into the NCEA pathway (Years 12 - 13). All online content is created by a dedicated in-house curriculum and content team to ensure it is completely up-to-date for launch in February 2026. The thoughtful dual-curriculum pathway provides exposure to an internally recognised curriculum through Years 9–11 with the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE curriculum, providing solid academic foundations without an exam-heavy focus. From Year 12 onward, students transition into NCEA Levels 2 and 3, keeping tertiary and vocational pathways open. “We’re not just teaching for credits,” Ms Boyle said. “We’re teaching for curiosity.”
The school also supports Gateway vocational pathways for hands-on learners, including trades, arts, and service industries. Classes will be tailored around students needs:
"We’ll start by getting to know our learners. Some classes may be mixed-ability, while others could be ability-based. It’s about ensuring no student is bored or held back.”
Classes are structured around how adolescents learn best:
“It’s not about being glued to a screen,” said Ms Boyle. “It’s about connection, curiosity, and confidence.”
In a candid moment with families, Ms Boyle pointed out: “If you ever hear it called 'distance schooling', please correct people. We’re not about 'distance' we’re about connection. Our teachers know every learner by name, we laugh together, and we support each other through challenges.” Aotearoa Infinite Academy will aim to offer in person opportunities, working with families and students as they come on board which can include: local meet-ups and in future, camps and gatherings.
Each student needs only a laptop (and ideally a second screen). The school’s custom learning management system (LMS) keeps all learning in one place. AI is built into the LMS to support learning, but it won’t replace teachers.
"We're very conscious of accessibility. We don’t want technology to be a barrier. AI will never overtake teaching. It’s there to assist and to free teachers to focus on connection and personalised support, and to help students learn about ethics and digital literacy.” Ms Boyle said.
Students will enjoy leadership opportunities, clubs and creative pursuits. Break times and extracurriculars are designed to foster informal social connection. Aotearoa Infinite Academy is also eligible to compete in school sports competitions.
Aotearoa Infinite Academy will begin student induction on January 27, 2026 - a three day induction to ensure students are well supported as they move into the school. There will be an initial intake of 200 students, expanding gradually to ensure strong support structures. The first teaching day will be Monday 2 February 2026.
"We want every student to join a cohort with solid induction and wrap-around support,” said Ms Boyle.
If families miss out on 2026 intake, they’ll receive priority for the next available place. The school holds a 10-year government contract, ensuring long-term stability regardless of political change.
"We're here to stay,” -. “As the national curriculum evolves, we’ll evolve with it - our commitment is to deliver quality Kiwi education for Kiwi learners.”
The live Q&A session offered valuable insights for families exploring this new model. Here are some of the key topics that were discussed:
Not currently. Enrolment is for the full curriculum, as the government funding model follows the student in its entirety. However, the team is exploring options for dual enrolment in the future.
A dedicated curriculum design team is developing high-quality, up-to-date online content ready for January 2026. Every subject will be fully prepared and resourced.
Yes - Napier has been added to the in-person information roadshow, alongside other regional locations. These events are a great chance to meet the leadership team face-to-face.
Class groupings will depend on student needs. “We’ll get to know our kids first,” said Saira. “Some subjects may have mixed ability groups; others might group by level to stretch or support students. It’s about what works best for each learner.”
The team is still finalising subject structures, but Saira encouraged balance: “We recommend students keep science, maths, and English in Year 11 - it keeps doors open.”
“We’re here to stay,” said CEO Penelope Barton. “We have a 10-year government contract. Whatever changes come to NCEA, we’ll adapt - and continue offering a Kiwi qualification for Kiwi students.”
Just a laptop (a second screen is optional). All systems are integrated into a single learning platform, keeping access simple and cost-effective. “We know technology can be a barrier,” said Penelope. “So we’ve designed our systems to minimise complexity and cost.”
It depends on the child. “Some will be independent in weeks,” said Saira. “Others might need gentle guidance at first. Our teachers will support families through that transition.”
Teachers can see students’ screens and track participation through the learning management system. “We have cameras-on culture,” Saira explained. “Relationships and visibility matter - we want to see engagement and connection.”
Yes - the school plans to connect local families, organise inclusive meetups, and look at ways to enable extracurriculars and camps over time. Students can also enter sports competitions under the school name.
“They do, and beautifully,” said Saira. “They chat, collaborate, form friendships, and even meet up in person. We’ve seen students travel across the country to meet their online friends. This is not isolation - it’s a new kind of community.”
Core subjects include English, maths, science, and humanities, plus creative options like art, music, and business. Full subject lists are available in the school prospectus.
Students in Years 12–13 typically take 4–5 subjects, depending on their learning goals and credit requirements.
Both are Crimson Academies schools, but Aotearoa Infinite Academy is tuition-free and fully government-funded, following the Pearson and NCEA curricula. Mount Hobson is a private, project-based school with tuition fees.
Yes - families who miss out in 2026 will be offered the next available place in later terms or the following year.
As interest grows nationwide, AIA is adding new roadshow locations where families can meet the team and ask questions in person.