Information for our International Students

Grievance procedure

King’s works to ensure all its international students have a pleasant experience at King’s College.

In the case of any international students having problems or complaints, the following staff at the College should be approached in the first instance.

• Problems with subjects or teachers

  Make an appointment to see the Director of Studies.

• Problems with school friends

  You could discuss this with your Housemaster and the student Counsellor.

• Homestay or Guardian problems

  See the International Student Liaison or the International Manager.

• Co-curricular problems

  See your Housemaster or the International Manager or the Sports Director.

• Complaints

  If you have a specific complaint, you or your parents should write to the Headmaster stating your concerns about the College.

  If you are not satisfied with the complaints process with the school then contact New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). You may view and download the NZQA Code of Practice.

  You must be able to show them that you have tried to get the school to act before you contacted them. Click here to view and download the NZQA dispute resolution information, which sets out how to make a complaint.

  NZQA deals with all complaints about alleged non-compliance with the Code, other than financial and contractual disputes.

• Financial or contractual disputes

  Section 238J of the Education Act 1989 established the International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS).

  Clause 33 of the Code requires the school to comply with the DRS rules. The DRS resolves contractual and financial disputes between international students and the school. If your dispute relates to financial or contractual matters then it will be referred to Fairway Resolution Limited (the agency appointed to administer the DRS) under the International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Rules 2016 (DRS).

  If you do have a problem, please ask for help while it is still a little problem. Do not wait for it to become a big problem. If you are not confident that your English is good enough, you can ask the International Department for access to an interpreter.