What to expect

Did you know that there are different names for WAEC? Some call us Alternative Education or Alt Ed, some call us course, or program. But one thing is constant: we want you to succeed and we have the ability to provide the wrap around support that a young person needs. 

Information for students and families

Starting at WAEC: the options meeting

The Options Meeting is the first step. It’s the start of the induction process and includes the student, caregiver and program manager. We explain our values, and welcome you to WAEC. We’ll also check where you are at with your learning so that we can create a plan with you. At the meeting we’ll explain how WAEC works and put a plan together for you, including your start date, your transition into and out of school. As part of this session we will establish a contract between the three of us that sets out all expectations.

We will make a time for this meeting with you.

Education and learning at WAEC

Learning doesn’t stop at WAEC, but you might find the program takes you in different directions. We work with the  Te Karanga Trust through arts, music, and culture, and we have a great team who bring their skills and passions to the table - that could be through sports like boxing, or through skills like building and construction, or even barista training, where you learn skills that you can take into a job. If academic success is your focus, we will work with your school to ensure that you have the opportunity to earn the NCEA credits you need.

Is WAEC right for you?

The first step may be a Collaborative Action Plan (CAP) meeting. This brings together your child, your whānau, their school, a Managed Moves Coordinator and any other people who may be able to help.

Together, we will talk about what is happening, what support your child needs and the best way forward. The aim is to make sure your child receives the right support at the right time. Alternative Education may be one option, but other ways to help your child stay connected with learning will also be considered.

Info for your first day

We don’t have a uniform, so wear clothes that you are comfortable in. To make sure WAEC is safe for everyone, Gang affiliated clothing isn’t allowed. If we are doing special activities, like EOTC activities, we’ll let you know ahead of time.

School lunches are provided at WAEC but you might need to bring snacks.  

Our programs run within the hours of  9am-3pm. Please be on time and if you are getting collected, make sure you are at the collection point on time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What times are you open? 

    Our programs run within the hours of  9am-3pm during term time. Please be on time and if you are getting collected, make sure you are at the collection point on time. 

  • WAEC should be a safe, respectful place where everyone can learn. Students are expected to:

    • Attend every day. Unexplained absences may lead to a referral to attendance services or removal from the school roll.

    • Arrive free from drugs and alcohol. If a student is under the influence, their parent or caregiver will be asked to collect them.

    • Keep all programmes smoke-free.

    • Treat others respectfully. Bullying, including online bullying, will not be accepted.

    • Keep gang clothing, symbols and other memorabilia away from the programme.

    • Use mobile phones only outside class time.

    • Never use violence or threatening behaviour.

    • Take responsibility for their personal belongings.

    • Follow the rules and disciplinary procedures of Green Bay High School, where WAEC students are enrolled.


  • Under New Zealand law, students under 16 cannot work during school hours.

  • WAEC covers the cost of each student’s first ID card. Replacement cards cost $10.

  • Please email us using the contact details on this website. This will start the process, and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

  • English is the main language spoken at WAEC.

  • During enrolment, parents and caregivers will be asked whether they give permission for their young person to:

    • Take part in sexuality education.

    • Meet with a school-based health nurse.

    • Complete a HEADSS wellbeing assessment.

    • Receive help with transport to health appointments when needed.

    • Be transported by their provider for programme activities or other approved purposes.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

  • Start by completing the referral form on our website. We will gather relevant information, including the school’s pastoral record and details of any exclusion, so we understand what has happened before meeting with you. We can then begin shaping an individual plan for your child.

  • Yes. We want every young person to feel that their identity and culture are recognised and respected. We also work with external providers to offer cultural programmes, particularly for Māori and Pacific students.

  • If you are under 16, being excluded means you can no longer attend your current school and must enrol at another school or kura. Your school must make reasonable efforts to arrange another enrolment. If this is unsuccessful, the Ministry of Education will help find another option. Ministry of Education

  • If you have been formally excluded, you cannot continue attending that school. Your school must try to arrange enrolment at another suitable school. If a new placement cannot be found, our Managed Moves service can advocate for you and help identify a way forward. Our goal is to help you return to mainstream school where possible, or move into another suitable education, training or employment pathway.

    Every plan is individual. We look at which schools or providers may be suitable, what support you need and what will give you the best chance of succeeding.


  • Your options will depend on your age, circumstances and goals. If you are under 16, you are generally required to remain enrolled in education. You might begin at WAEC with a plan to return to school, or work towards another education or training pathway. We take each case individually and build a plan around your needs. Regular attendance, positive engagement and progress within the programme will help prepare you for your next step.