Scramble to sit NCEA exams after high school's water cut off by contractor

Three Auckland schools, including a high school, have closed suddenly after water was accidentally cut off, forcing students to sit NCEA exams at a neighbouring college.

Kelston Girls’ College was unable to hold classes today after being left without running water when a contractor accidentally shut off a public water main valve.

Its first set of NCEA exams are instead being held at nearby Kelston Boys’ High School, with students offered bus transfers as alternative arrangements were hastily made for those affected minutes before the start of the Level 1 maths papers.

Kelston Girls’ College principal Talia McNaughton told the Herald the school’s priority was to ensure senior students could still sit exams.

“Thanks to swift coordination between our team, NZQA, and our brother school, Kelston Boys’ High School, all exams scheduled for today were relocated to KBHS.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Kelston Boys’ High School for stepping in so quickly to host our girls. Their staff and students have been magnificent in ensuring our students can sit their exams without disruption. It truly shows the strength of our Kelston community.

“Contractors are on site working on repairs, and we will update our whānau later this afternoon regarding school tomorrow.”

Two other neighbouring schools, Kelston Primary and Kelston Deaf Education Centre, had their water supply interrupted. Kelston Primary closed for the day and asked parents to collect their children if they had already dropped them off at school.

Water was restored to these schools two hours later but remained cut off at the college this afternoon.

Watercare water networks manager Rex Chou said the incident happened when a contractor working at Kelston Girls’ College accidentally shut off a public water main valve instead of a private gate valve as part of plumbing works on the college site.

“At this stage, water has not been restored to Kelston Girls’ College, as its contractor continues work on the school’s private plumbing network.

“Water services to the college can be expected to be restored once the private plumbing issue has been repaired.”

The college took to Facebook as classes were due to start this morning to announce the unplanned closure.

“Please be advised that the school site is closed today to all students and staff due to a major burst water pipe leaving the site without running water, in accordance with Ministry of Education health and safety guidelines.

“NCEA Exams: Amber (principal’s nominee) and our exam centre manager are currently liaising with NZQA [New Zealand Qualifications Authority] regarding morning exams (whether they will be delayed, relocated, or covered under emergency-derived grade provisions).”

The school made a second post clarifying that morning exams would be held at Kelston Boys’ (KBHS), while an update on afternoon exams was to follow.

“Exam students can either go directly to KBHS or meet at our school office to be taken over in the school vans.

“As a reminder, our site remains closed for all other students and staff today. Updates regarding afternoon exams and the rest of the day will follow shortly.”

Kelston Girls’ College has been approached for comment.

This morning’s exams included Level 1 mathematics, Level 2 geography and Latin and Level 3 dance.

The NZQA deputy chief executive of assessment Jann Marshall told the Herald it was working with affected schools to support students and minimise disruption.

“Our exam centre managers and school relationship managers will continue to work with both schools and make any arrangements needed. We acknowledge the support of Kelston Boys’ High School, who have provided access to a block of exam rooms at their school.

“We understand this will be unsettling for students. Our derived grade process is designed to support students who are unable to sit an NCEA exam for a reason that’s beyond their control, or whose performance is impaired.”