Education Minister Hekia Parata has assured the principals of five schools in Christchurch which face being merged into a single school, that they will have further opportunities to respond to the proposal.
The Government wants to merge Aranui High School, Chisnallwood Intermediate and three primary schools in the area.
The principals have been sent a letter by Ms Parata, addressing their request for more time to respond.
Aranui High School principal John Rohs said the minister acknowledges the need for the schools to continue developing a plan for schooling in their area after the deadline for consultation in December.
Mr Rohs said there is no specific timeframe for the schools to develop their plan and he is satisfied with the minister's response.
