By Crimson Academies Communications Team
Aotearoa Infinite Academy (Infinite) is officially welcoming its first 200 students for the 2026 school year, marking a historic moment for our community and for education across Aotearoa.
Within two minutes of enrolments opening, a surge of over 100 student applications were submitted by families across New Zealand. With the school’s first 200 enrolment places filled within a matter of hours, Aotearoa Infinite Academy is encouraging families to continue to apply for enrolments, as they look to scale their offering to meet the clear demand.
Over the past few months, the leadership team, including Founding Principal Saira Boyle, CEO Penelope Barton, Deputy Principal Sian Durbin, and Operations Manager Rachel McClure, have visited communities across the country through a series of 17 roadshow events which have included in-person morning and afternoon information sessions as well as virtual info evenings.
From Kerikeri to Timaru, everywhere the team went, they met whānau who shared a common goal: providing their children with access to high-quality, tuition- free education that meets them exactly where they are.
Perhaps even more poignant, was the students’ own agency.
“Seeing the students in such high numbers step forward to seize this opportunity and commit to enrolling in our school for 2026 was the most thrilling part for me. Receiving their seal of approval and hearing this is what they want was just massive for me,” Saira said.
Families repeatedly shared the same challenge: finding a school that removes barriers, whether geographic, financial, or wellbeing-focused, without compromising educational quality.
Aotearoa Infinite Academy has been designed to do exactly that. As Principal Saira Boyle shared in a recent interview,
“We are providing a new model of purpose-built online education, designed for strong relationships, student support, and outstanding outcomes. We are an option for students from all backgrounds, including whānau whose geographical location means they have limited schooling options, and students who find the traditional classroom isn’t the right fit.”
Even the timetable itself has been built together with families.
“We used our info sessions along the roadshow to show sample timetables. Immediately there was feedback which we took on board and quickly went about re-designing a timetable that would give even greater flexibility to students and foster their highest possible engagement,” Pene said.
Infinite combines class sizes of around 20 students, live online lessons and a dual curriculum pathway (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE alongside NCEA Levels 2–3), giving students access to internationally benchmarked learning, all from home and completely tuition-free.
Throughout Infinite’s outreach, families expressed excitement and relief at discovering a flexible, high-standard option that doesn’t come with long commutes or hefty fees. One parent said,
“Finally, a school that brings world-class teaching to our home, without losing that personal connection. It feels like a door has opened for our child.”
“We’d been awaiting alternative schooling options and then I heard about your school, which is a dream come true as I doubt I will be able to support my child through homeschool to achieve her goals…She’s desperate to learn, and we are both beyond excited about your school.”
Remoteness emerged as a key driver for another family: “Living in the far north, we’re very excited to see this option arise for our children.”
For some, local high schools were “not a good fit” based on overcrowded classrooms and limited subjects on offer.
Another family shared, “We’ve been looking for a way to keep our daughter challenged academically while managing her health needs. AIA gives her both structure and freedom.”
Media coverage has echoed the enthusiasm felt across a range of communities, from the Northland Age to the Greymouth Star, highlighting how AIA “breaks down geographic barriers to quality education” and offers New Zealand families a free, government-funded online charter school option for the first time.
For CEO Penelope Barton, Infinite represents more than a new school: it’s a step toward equity and opportunity.
“Aotearoa Infinite Academy is designed to decouple postcodes from outcomes, serve underserved communities, and expand educational choice for every ambitious student in Aotearoa.”
This vision shapes every decision, from enrolment processes to classroom design.
With the enrolment and placement process underway, the AIA team has already begun to foster real connections with its families. Deputy Principal Sian Durbin shares,
“Our focus now is on building community. Every student should feel known, supported, and inspired - not just connected online, but part of something bigger.”
In addition to phoning to personally welcome families to the 2026 school year, the leadership team has begun to review where successfully enrolled families are based.
“We will be thoughtfully planning an inclusive orientation experience for all students to connect online, and look to layer into this, in-person meetup opportunities and shared experiences within the community while ensuring all students can participate without creating financial or travel barriers,” Chief Brand and Community Officer, Jessica Silcock said.
When school classes begin in February 2026 following a three-day induction, AIA students will join a vibrant online learning environment, supported by dedicated teachers, structured pastoral care, and opportunities for social connection. Penelope Barton sums up what the school stands for:
“There is no catch. This is tuition fee-free. We do ask that families be flexible, adaptable, and willing to give feedback as we continue to grow. Together, we can build a school that truly serves our young people.”