About us
Encompass Education Hub, governed by Autism New Zealand, is a dedicated secondary school for autistic and neurodivergent* ākonga (students) who have disengaged from education.
Table of Contents
Our Vision
To be a place where every autistic and neurodivergent* ākonga is understood, valued, and empowered to thrive in learning and in life.
Our Mission
To deliver bespoke, neuro-affirming, kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) education in partnership with ākonga and their whānau, cultivating a calm, interest-led environment grounded in relational safety and whanaungatanga. By prioritising emotional safety and meeting individual sensory, emotional, and academic needs with expertise and understanding, we support ākonga to re-engage with learning, grow in confidence, and develop the knowledge and skills to shape their own futures.
Our Kaupapa is rooted in the belief that strong, authentic relationships and a stable foundation of well-being are the prerequisites for all growth.
*Encompass has been designed with autistic learners in mind, but will also cater for neurodivergent students with similar needs, who would thrive in an environment that accommodates sensory sensitivities, differences in social communication, and a strong need for predictability, relational safety, and consistent routines.
Our Values and Culture
Our culture is relational, inclusive, and strengths-based, underpinned by the Mana Taiohi framework. We believe every ākonga can succeed when provided with the right environment and are guided by these core principles:
- Mana: Recognising and upholding the inherent dignity, authority, and uniqueness of every individual, honouring the mauri (life force) and whakapapa (identity and connection) of every young person.
- Whanaungatanga: Prioritising the building of meaningful, reciprocal relationships, and ensuring that every interaction is grounded in connection and care.
- Belonging: Creating a community where every ākonga and whānau feels a deep sense of acceptance, identity, and safety, fostered through the person-centred practice of manaakitanga.
- Equity: Ensuring every ākonga has what they need to succeed through fairness, individualised support, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.
- Curiosity: Embracing an interest-led approach that celebrates exploration, passion, and the joy of learning as a pathway to self-discovery.
- Empowerment and Tino Rangatiratanga: Providing the tools, environment, and agency for young people to exercise self-determination, take authority over their own lives, and be their authentic selves.
- Partnership: Working authentically with whānau and community to achieve the best outcomes for our ākonga, recognising that well-being is interdependent.
Our People
Our Leadership Team: We are currently in the process of building our full team of specialist educators and will be recruiting shortly, but we are pleased to introduce our established leadership team. Encompass is led by professionals who are experts in relational teaching and neuro-affirming practice, committed to partnering with neurodivergent ākonga to create a community of high trust and mutual respect.
James Le Marquand — School Director
James joined Encompass after standing down as the Board Chair of Autism New Zealand in 2025, having served 12 years on the national board. With over 35 years of experience in specialist education and school leadership, James has led and contributed to a wide range of principals’ organisations and educational initiatives.
His leadership history includes 17 years as Principal of Arohanui Specialist School and serving as the inaugural Executive Principal of Ko Taku Reo during the merger of the nation’s two Deaf education centres. Most recently, James has worked as a specialist music teacher and established a new charitable trust to support neurodivergent learners, with a specific focus on adult learning.
James is motivated by the clear need for a paradigm shift in education. He views Encompass as a unique opportunity to create something positive, building an accessible way of learning that proactively supports the potential of every individual.
Louise Roe — Auckland Lead
Louise believes deeply in the power of education to change lives and is passionate about ensuring every child has access to learning that inspires, challenges, and helps them grow. Louise began her career as a teacher of Classical Studies and Music and has since held a range of leadership roles in secondary schools, with experience in pastoral care, curriculum leadership, and school administration.
She brings a thoughtful and caring approach to her work, with a strong commitment to creating learning environments where young people feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. As a lifelong learner, Louise continues to grow her knowledge of quality pedagogy, culturally sustaining practice, and assessment for learning. She is especially interested in teaching strategies and culture-building approaches that help learners develop confidence, recognise their strengths, and understand their place in the world.
Jeanette Duffy— Wellington Lead
Jeanette brings extensive experience in secondary education, including roles as a principal of a Year 7–13 school, Deputy Principal with responsibility for Teaching and Learning, and Head of English and Learning Support. Jeanette cares deeply about helping every young person feel understood, included, and able to thrive.
As a parent of an autistic son, she understands firsthand the challenges families can face when trying to find the right support at school. This personal experience, alongside her professional background, gives her a strong commitment to creating tailored education and wellbeing support for autistic and neurodivergent students and their whānau.
Oversight
The school is officially supported by, and aligned with, Autism New Zealand. Governance, including employer responsibilities, financial and property management, and legal compliance therefore lie with the Autism New Zealand Board of Trustees.
The development of the school is guided by the Encompass Education Hub Advisory Group, comprising people who are autistic/neurodivergent, family/whānau of an autistic/neurodivergent person or a professional supporting autistic people.
