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Wesley College Auckland faces Ministry of Education hostel closure order by November 7 deadline following pattern of student safety concerns and allegations of abuse at boarding facilities The New Zealand Ministry of Education suspended the license for Wesley College Hostel in Auckland, effective close of business Friday, November 7. The ministry confirmed the decision followed a "pattern of serious and ongoing concerns about the safety and wellbeing of boarders."Wesley College principal Brian Evans announced on Facebook Monday, November 3, that the ministry notified the school Friday, October 31, of the imposed "partial closure" of hostels. The school had previously announced in October it would close hostels at the end of term four due to "ongoing concerns" about student safety and hostel culture.A ministry spokesperson stated that while "some improvements" have been made since special conditions were imposed on the hostel's license in April, further "serious incidents" have occurred.Also read: Immigration New Zealand urges students to apply three months ahead for smooth visa processing"These incidents have highlighted persistent issues with student safety, staff oversight, and the hostel's ability to shift away from longstanding practices that place boarders at risk," the spokesperson said.Live EventsEducation Review Office recommends hostel suspension following persistent safety issuesThe Education Review Office recommended suspension of the Wesley College hostel license after reviewing ongoing safety concerns. The ministry stated that continued operation of the hostel in its "current state" was not in the best interests of boarders.To minimize disruption, boarders with NCEA commitments will be permitted to remain at the Wesley College hostel until exams are completed. International students may remain until the end of term. All other boarders must vacate the hostel by Friday."The Ministry remains focused on making sure that all boarders are safe and supported and will continue to work closely with the school and families to manage this transition," the ministry said.Evans stated the school is meeting with ministry officials to discuss the closure and would provide further information to the school community. He confirmed the closure does not affect students sitting NCEA exams.School board chair Jan Tasker told Stuff they were "seeking urgent legal advice in relation to steps taken by the Ministry."Wesley College faces history of abuse allegations and student safety investigationsWesley College has faced allegations of abuse in recent years, with Oranga Tamariki conducting an investigation and the Education Review Office undertaking a "special review" of the Auckland school.In 2023, reports revealed 10 students left Wesley College in 2022 after experiencing bullying, violence and abuse. Allegations included students receiving "coverings," where they were made to cover their faces before being punched, kicked and slapped by older students. Reports indicated 18 students were stood down and two were suspended in the same time frame.Police confirmed awareness of a "small number" of incidents at the school reported in the last five years."We were notified by both the school and victims' families in these cases. We're conscious of young people's privacy and won't comment on detail in each matter," police stated."However, these matters ranged from varying degrees of assault, trespass and bullying."Also read: New Zealand ends open-plan classroom construction after schools report noise and behavior management issuePolice said those matters had been dealt with "appropriately" through either police action or internal processes.Auckland School Board planned comprehensive review of hostel operationsWhen announcing the temporary closure in October, the Wesley College board stated that while "significant" progress had been made, including improved supervision, safeguarding measures, and upgraded facilities, they accepted that further "deep, structural change" was needed.During the proposed temporary closure, Wesley College said it would undertake a "comprehensive review" of hostel operations, including culture, staffing, safeguarding, and infrastructure. The school stated the goal was to ensure that when hostels reopened, they provided a "safe, inclusive, and values-based environment."Established in 1844, Wesley College describes itself as New Zealand's oldest registered school. The special character school is affiliated with the Methodist Church of New Zealand.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onWesley College Aucklandstudent safety concernshostel closureMinistry of Education New Zealandstudent wellbeing (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) 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