The Government will stop building open-plan classrooms, the Minister of Education announced today.
In a statement, Education Minister Erica Stanford said she had received “overwhelming feedback” from schools that the classrooms were not meeting the needs of students.
“While open-plan designs were originally intended to foster collaboration, they have often created challenges for schools, particularly around noise and managing student behaviour.”
Modern Learning Environments (MLEs), which utilise flexible layouts, fewer walls, and at times have multiple classes and teachers, were introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2011 under John Key’s National Government. They were designed to promote collaboration and flexibility.
“In many cases, open-plan classrooms reduce flexibility, rather than enhance it. We have listened to the sector, and new classrooms will no longer be open plan,” Stanford said.
Since being elected, Stanford said the Government had not designed or built any open-plan classes, other than those that had been specifically requested.
All new classrooms would now be built using standard designs “that prioritise flexibility over open-plan layouts”.
“For example, the use of glass sliding doors mean spaces can be open when classes collaborate but can also close for focused learning. This approach ensures schools have fit-for-purpose environments that support a range of teaching and learning styles.”
Stanford also said the new classrooms would be “efficient and sustainable”.
She said the Government had lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, allowing for more to be built.
“We’re continuing to drive down costs so more Kiwi kids can access them, faster. In 2025, new classrooms cost on average $620,000 compared to $1.2 million at the end of 2023.”
Stanford announced that two schools in Wellington would receive new classrooms as part of a $25 million targeted investment to address population growth.
Newlands Intermediate would get 10 new classrooms, while Aotea College would receive 16.
“Aotea College is a prime example where existing open-plan classrooms did not support learning outcomes. The lack of functionality of the open design meant spaces could not be shared or multipurpose due to disruption and noise,” Stanford said.
Planning was underway for both projects, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months.
