ACT wants schools to focus on reading, writing and maths, with honest reporting to parents about how their child is doing. They support charter schools so families can choose a different kind of school with public funding. For the 2026 election, they are focused on making school uniforms cheaper and letting rural children ride school buses that currently pass them with empty seats.
“We brought back charter schools because families and educators should be able to try a different approach, with public funding and accountability for results.”
“Our first education commitments for the 2026 election deal with two practical problems families are facing now: the cost of compulsory school uniforms and rural school buses that pass children with empty seats.”
“Education is meant to prepare children for adult life. That starts with turning up and learning to read, write and do maths.”
Summarised neutrally from ACT’s own official policy (as at 2026-09-13) and checked by an editor. Nothing is paraphrased without the source linked. Read the original ↗ Arapono is non-partisan. Compare all parties on Education →
ACT would give teachers an explicit legal power to order a disruptive student out of the classroom, with reasonable force available if the student refuses twice. Staff acting in good faith would get clear legal protection, an assault on anyone at school would automatically trigger removal and a stand-down or suspension, and parent meetings would become mandatory for serious or repeated behaviour — enforced with fines of up to $3,000 and liability for deliberate property damage.
Which party holds a published position on which topic.
Swipe across to see all 11 topics — the party column stays put.
| Party | Economy | Housing | Health | Education | Climate | Environment | Crime & Justice | Treaty & Māori Affairs | Immigration | Foreign Policy | Democracy & Government |
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| National |
| Labour | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ | ∅ |
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| ACT |
| NZ First |
| Te Pāti Māori |
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| NZ Loyal | ∅ | ||||||||||
| Te Tai Tokerau | ∅ | ||||||||||