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About Ashhurst School

Located in the heart of our vibrant community, Ashhurst School is a forward-thinking, co-educational primary school (Years 1–8) dedicated to nurturing confident, connected, and resilient lifelong learners.

We pride ourselves on our school motto, Eke Taumata, which encourages every student to "reach for the highest peak" through our core values of Whai Ngākau (Respect), Manawaroa (Resilience), and Tū Tangata (Standing Tall).

World-Leading "Mastery-Based Learning"
Ashhurst School is proud to be a global pioneer in Mastery Learning at the primary level. We were one of the first schools in the world to adopt this innovative pedagogy to better meet the needs of modern learners. Sitting alongside educational institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Ashhurst School's pedagogical approach is world-leading.

Excellence in Education: Our Latest ERO Insights
Our commitment to high-quality outcomes is reflected in our most recent Education Review Office (ERO) evaluations. ERO highlights several key strengths that make Ashhurst School a leading choice for families:

High Engagement: ERO noted that our students are highly engaged in their learning, benefiting from a curriculum that is both responsive and challenging.
Strong Leadership: The school is recognised for effective professional leadership that maintains a clear focus on student well-being and achievement.
Inclusive Culture: Our "Positive Behaviour for Learning" (PB4L) framework is well-embedded, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where every student feels they belong.
Community Partnership: ERO commended the strong, reciprocal relationships we maintain with our whānau and the wider Ashhurst community.

Outstanding Facilities & Opportunities
We believe in a holistic education that extends beyond the classroom. Our students enjoy:

Advanced Sports Facilities: Including an indoor swimming pool, a large covered turf for year-round play, and dedicated specialist coaching.
Te Ao Māori: A deep commitment to biculturalism, guided by our local pepeha and strong ties to Rangitāne.
Single Cell Classrooms: We are single-cell designed. This means 1 teacher per class!
Join our Whānau! Experience the difference of a school that combines village heart with world-class innovation.

We invite you to visit us and see Eke Taumata in action.

Principal's Welcome

Tēnā koutou katoa

Hello everyone

Ka tītiro whakarunga ahau ki te māunga a Taranaki

I look up to the mountain Taranaki

Ka tītiro whakararo ahau ki te wai aio o Tongahoe

I look down to the the calm waters of Tongahoe

Ko Catherine Chittenden tāku hoa rangitera

Catherine Chittenden is my wife

Ko Mackenna, ratou ko Caridy, ko Bryleigh, ko Madden, ko Sailor, ko Tenley aku Tamariki

These are my children

E mahi ana ahau i Te Kura o Ashhursti. Ko tumuaki ahau.

I work at Ashhurst School I am the Principal.

Ko Pā Heath ahau

My name is Heath

I would like to welcome you to Ashhurst School. I was appointed as the principal of Ashhurst School in Term 1, 2016. I had been a school principal for the previous 14 years enjoying a variety of small to large school experiences that have covered rural and also urban communities. I have previously been the co leader of the Palmerston North East Kāhui Ako. Currently I am also the lead principal of the Tarakamuku cluster. I have been ministerially appointed to the New Zealand Teachers Council as a governing board member overseeing almost 127,000 teachers nationally.

I have a real passion to see students succeed at Ashhurst School. My own curriculum passions are mastery based learning, writing and Physical Education. I believe it is important to be enthusiastic and motivated about teaching.

At Ashhurst School, we set high expectations for all students and staff. All children should be challenged to achieve their own personal best. We believe in providing students with the opportunity to progressively take responsibility for their own learning. By being a positive person we can provide an atmosphere for learners where they feel happy and confident in a collaborative learning environment.

We value the contributions that our community provide and take pride in providing supportive, collaborative relationships with other students, staff and parents.

Outside of school, I come from a very sporting background and I have represented Taranaki and Wanganui in provincial cricket. These days I can be seen more on the sidelines coaching and cheering on the children at Ashhurst School. Later in life I have become an avid golfer and can be seen at the course regularly on the weekends!.

Nāku iti noa, nā

Heath Chittenden

Principal

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