The under fire private school at the Gloriavale religious commune is set to close. Education bosses announced the move this afternoon after months of speculation about the school’s future. Secretary for Education Ellen MacGregor-Reid said the school was informed of the decision earlier today. The cancellation of its registration - under Clause 12, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act - will take effect from January 23, 2026. “The reasons for the decision include insufficient evidence provided by the school to assure it is consistently meeting all the criteria for registration of a private school, and no evidence to suggest that providing further time will ensure the school will become compliant,” MacGregor-Reid said. “In July the Education Review Office highlighted ongoing concerns about the physical and emotional safety of students. The Secretary considers the evidence provided by the school since, is insufficient to provide assurance that these concerns have been addressed.” MacGregor-Reid said “considerable support” had been provided to the board and staff of Gloriavale Christian School over the past two years. But the school still had not been able to satisfy the requests of education bosses. “Despite two Notices to Comply and Ministry and external support, the school has been unable to demonstrate full compliance and there is insufficient evidence of progress,” MacGregor-Reid said. “I remain concerned that these students are not being educated within an emotionally and physically safe school environment. After a period of engagement with the school and community, and consideration of the evidence, I have decided that cancellation of the school’s registration is necessary.” MacGregor-Reid said the Ministry was “absolutely committed” to the education of Gloriavale students. “Support will be provided for students and families during the transition so that education is in place for term 1 2026.” In October, the Ministry of Education (MOE) put leaders of Gloriavale on notice that it was considering closing its private school based on “serious concerns” raised in ERO audits that it was not a physically or mentally safe place for children. Gloriavale was given a five-week period and a deadline of November 6 to provide its response. That deadline was extended a further week, and Gloriavale provided its submission why the school should remain open. The ministry said it was “carefully reviewing” it before making a decision. While education officials considered the potential forced closure of the Gloriavale commune's private school, high-profile community leaver Pearl Valor (inset), has spoken of how schooling for girls focused on “what a women's place was". New Zealand Herald composite photo About 220 children are schooled inside Gloriavale, located on the West Coast. Just under 100 go to the private school, which teaches children up to the age of 15, in a ministry-approved homeschooling programme. The ERO recently confirmed to the Herald that it was also reviewing Gloriavale’s homeschooling system. Education officials have now made a decision on Gloriavale Christian Community's school. Photo / NZME If both the school is closed and homeschooling permissions are withdrawn, about 220 children will need to leave the commune daily to attend public schools on the outside. Since 2023, the ERO has been asking Gloriavale to allow full attendance to children with “complex additional needs”. The curriculum has also been criticised as sexist. Senior schooling – to the age of 15 – teaches girls sewing, cooking and childcare. Boys are taught subjects such as farming, carpentry and engineering. Gloriavale leaver: ‘The education we were provided was... what a woman’s place was’ Gloriavale was home for Pearl Valor until she and her husband, Paul, decided to leave in December 2021. The couple – who then had four young children – have featured in documentary series Gloriavale – Life and Death and Gloriavale: A World Apart, including...