Code of Practice

Code of Practice: Pastoral Care & Getting Help

The Code of Practice 2021 outlines the legal requirements for our school to enrol international students.

The code aims to ensure that the pastoral care and general well-being of our international students are prioritised to support their educational achievement and a positive New Zealand experience.

A summary can be found here – Wellbeing and safety for international learners: Important information for international school learners and their families. The NZQA Code of Practice website provides further information. 

Quality Assurance

The Education Review Office (ERO) completed a review of Heaton’s International Student programme and published its report in 2024. 

Their findings were,

‘The school’s internal evaluation is an example of good practice. Highly effective systems and processes are in place to support the international programme and are regularly reviewed. The international director effectively coordinates pastoral and academic support for international students that meets their needs. The board is well informed about international students’ well-being and achievement.’

The full report can be found on the ERO website here.

If something goes wrong…

From time to time, things can go wrong. Working with our parents and students to resolve an issue or complaint is a high priority, so in the first instance, please contact the international student coordinator, Sarah Cumming. 

Study Complaints is a free and independent contract dispute resolution service set up by the Ministry of Education to address contractual or financial disputes for international students. 

Learners/parents can contact this service on:

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Code of Practice: Pastoral Care & Getting Help

The Code of Practice 2021 outlines the legal requirements for schools enrolling international students.

The Code aims to ensure that international students’ pastoral care and overall wellbeing are prioritised to support a positive New Zealand experience and educational success.

Please refer to the NZQA Code of Practice for further information.

Translated Summaries

Quality Assurance

The Education Review Office (ERO) completed a review of Heaton’s International Student Programme and published its report in 2024.

“The school’s internal evaluation is an example of good practice. Highly effective systems and processes are in place to support the international programme and are regularly reviewed. The international director effectively co-ordinates pastoral and academic support for international students that meets their needs. The board is well informed about international students’ wellbeing and achievement.”

The full report can be viewed on the ERO website.

If Something Goes Wrong

From time to time, issues or concerns may arise. Working together with parents and students to resolve concerns is a high priority.

In the first instance, please contact the International Student Coordinator, Sarah Cumming.

Alternatively, you can contact Study Complaints | Ngā amuamu tauira, a free and independent dispute resolution service established by the Ministry of Education for international students.

Back to International