An independent primary school in the Western Bay of Plenty has been voted Most Trusted School for the third year running.

Matahui School, a small rural primary school located just outside of Katikati, is this year's winner in the Most Trusted Business Awards for 2021.

The winners of the 2021 awards are based on more than 2000 client reviews and feedback.

Matahui School Principal Mary Woods says the school is 'over-the-moon” to receive the award again, especially since they were facing closure because of financial difficulties earlier this year.

'We see the students grow and evolve every day,” says Mary, 'and while I know the teachers and staff are doing their very best to foster the children's love for learning, we don't always get the feedback. This is a fantastic morale boost after what has been a tough year.”

The school's ethos recognises that students have individual strengths and different ways of learning, and provides them with an education that caters to their particular learning style so they get the most out of their education.

Matahui is an alternative school and offers a progressive curriculum that caters for diverse learning needs, gifted children and divergent thinkers.

'Our small class sizes offer a nurturing environment for children who may struggle with a learning disability, or for children who are perhaps bored in their current learning environment and may benefit from a more stimulating hands-on approach,” says Mary.

The school is currently taking enrolments.