The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is working to find alternative providers for students and have been at the school to offer advice. NZQA confirmed that students are protected by the Student Fee Protection Policy, meaning students have the option to either claim a refund corresponding to the undelivered portion of their course, or enrol with an alternative provider at no additional cost.

NZQA has published a list of alternative providers that deliver the same programmes for international students.

Oxford International Academy, which offered courses in design, business and computing, had been unable to mark students’ work following a NZQA review in January. The report of the investigation concluded that NZQA was not confident in educational performance and not confident in the school’s capability in self-assessment. Excessive examples of plagiarism and poor attendance were highlighted in the review.

Reports in the local press suggested that the principal contacted NZQA after arriving at the school last week to discover that the owner’s office was empty. Reports also suggest that many students are concerned about their working rights in the interim period while new providers are sought.