First new specialist schools in 50 years planned for three centres

Three new specialist schools — in Drury, Palmerston North and Gisborne — will be built under a $317 million government investment, the first standalone specialist schools created in Aotearoa in 50 years. Education Minister Erica Stanford said the government had "drawn a line in the sand on inclusion." The funding covers 142 classrooms nationwide. Specialist schools serve students with additional learning needs.