faq and additional informaiton

 Our Mangere campus currently has a waitlist of over 1,500 students. The demand for high-quality, faith-integrated education is growing fast. The state-integrated model, while successful, limits our ability to grow and respond to this need. The new Al-Madinah Trust will serve as the sponsor of a multi-site Charter School network, allowing us to:

• Expand Access: Open campuses in high-demand areas like Blockhouse Bay and Christchurch.
• Enhance Flexibility: Customise school hours (e.g., around Ramadan), class sizes, and curriculum.
• Ensure Continuity: All staff will retain their roles; our Islamic ethos and curriculum will remain the same. 

Charter Schools  are publicly funded schools that operate under a performance contract with the Crown. They have:

• Autonomy over curriculum, teaching models, staffing, and timetabling
• Responsibility to meet clear performance targets for attendance, achievement, and finances
• Accountability to the Charter School Authorisation Board and Education Review Office (ERO)

Our performance will be measured against nationally benchmarked outcomes as defined in the Charter School Performance Plan:

• Attendance: Target of 80%+ regular attendance
• Achievement (Years 3–10): 80%+ of students at or above expected levels in Reading, Writing, and Maths
• Achievement (Years 11–13): 95%+ of school leavers attaining NCEA Level 2 or equivalent
• Financial Health: Operating surplus (2–5%), sound capital ratios, and positive cashflow 

 Our schools will continue to nurture a holistic Islamic way of life through all learning experiences. Daily ta’lim, Qur’an reading, congregational prayer (Zuhar Salat), halal-only food policies, Arabic and Urdu language promotion, and Islamic festivals will all remain central. Our foundations are rooted in the values of the Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jamaah and the principles of Tablighi Jamaat, ensuring a consistent and authentic environment.

At Al-Madinah, Islam is not taught as a subject—it is the atmosphere in which all learning unfolds. We affirm faith in Allah (SWT) and His final Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), recognizing Allah’s sovereignty over all things. Our curriculum is inspired by the Quran and Sunnah, shaping the moral and spiritual foundation of every student.

Islam transcends race, ethnicity, and culture, uniting students from all backgrounds into a shared commitment to excellence and service. Every school day begins with prayer and is shaped by practices that strengthen identity and belonging. These include:

• Segregated learning spaces for males and females
• Daily congregational prayers (Zuhar Salat)
• Regular ta’lim (learning circles)
• Structured Qur’an study and recitation
• Use of Arabic and Urdu terminology
• Celebration of Islamic festivals and events
• Observance of Ramadan with schedule flexibility
• Provision of halal food only
• Respect for Islamic dress and etiquette

The school becomes an extension of the Muslim home, supporting parents in the tarbiyah (nurturing) of their children.

 1. Al-Madinah Mangere Campus (Existing School) This is our original and thriving school community, serving families with a strong commitment to faith and academic excellence.

2. Blockhouse Bay Campus – Opening 2026 Located at 37 Heaphy Street, this new campus will serve West and Central Auckland families. The site will reflect the same Muslim Special Character and academic rigour, with local governance and strong community support.

3. Christchurch Campus – Coming Soon We are excited to bring Al-Madinah’s values and vision to Christchurch. A final location will be secured based on the results of our community consultation. If you are interested in enrolling your child here, please register your interest through the survey.

All campuses will share the same faith-integrated philosophy, high academic expectations, and community commitment.

 1. Why is Al-Madinah converting to a Charter School? To meet the growing demand for Muslim education and to expand to new sites while maintaining our special character and achieving greater flexibility.

2. What is a Charter School? A Charter School is a publicly funded school that operates under a performance contract with the Crown. It offers flexibility in curriculum, operations, and staffing while being accountable for high performance.

3. What will change for current students and families? Very little. The school’s faith-based character, staff, and curriculum remain.

4. Will staff lose their jobs? No. All current staff will retain their roles under the new Charter School structure.

5. Will the school still follow an Islamic ethos? Yes. Our Muslim Special Character is protected and remains at the heart of all we do.

6. What are the academic expectations? We are committed to high achievement. Targets include 80%+ at expected curriculum levels (Years 3–10), and 95%+ NCEA Level 2 for school leavers.

7. How will this affect families financially? Charter schools are not allowed to charge attendance dues. The only permitted fee is a modest property maintenance fee if previously agreed under the integrated model.

8. Will there be enrolment zones? No. There are no enrolment schemes or zones under the Charter School model. All domestic students are welcome unless capacity is exceeded.

9. What is the role of Al-Madinah Trust? Al-Madinah Trust is the Sponsor, responsible for governance, financial stewardship, and ensuring strong student outcomes across all campuses.

10. How can I register interest for Blockhouse Bay or Christchurch? You can fill out the online survey  form, click here or email us at questions@amtrust.org.nz. 

11. Will be there any public meetings?  Click on the link