State integrated schools operate under an Integration Agreement with the Ministry of Education, which includes a specified maximum roll—the total number of students a school is allowed to enrol, including both preference and non-preference students. The Integration Agreement also includes provisions for the school’s property, specifying that the proprietor retains ownership and is responsible for maintaining the buildings and facilities to support the school’s special character and maximum roll.
If a school wishes to increase its maximum roll or change the school property included in the agreement, a formal process must be followed. This presentation sets out the process for any change to the Integration Agreement.
For a maximum roll increase, the proprietor of the school must initiate the application, advising the school board of their intentions. The application must provide detailed justification for the increase, including enrolment trends, property capacity, and community demand. The Ministry uses this information to assess the viability and impact of the proposed change.
Approval from the Minister of Education is required for any change to the maximum roll. If granted, the change is formalised through a Supplementary Integration Agreement, which modifies the original agreement. This ensures that the school’s infrastructure and resources can support the increased student population.
The office is often asked to explain what APIS does and how it fits into the overall state integrated sector. In this context, APIS provides guidance and support to proprietors throughout the application process, ensuring compliance with Ministry expectations and sector standards. All applications must be submitted to the Ministry via APIS. Once the application is lodged, APIS monitor progress and keep the proprietor informed of its status in the decision-making process. APIS is also the only agency permitted to prepare the supplementary agreement which formalises a change to the Integration Agreement.