Charter schools are being blasted as a failed experiment.

A bill to abolish charter schools was pulled from the ballot at Parliament today.

Labour's education spokesperson Chris Hipkins put the bill in, but isn't sure they've got the numbers to get the law passed.

"Well look I'm always hopeful, always optimistic. I think it's going to be a good opportunity to have a good debate either way".

Hipkins said it's the system that's broken, not necessarily the people working within it.

"Some of them I think are incredibly well intentioned, and have some good ideas but, I think there's plenty of opportunity to embrace those and accommodate them within the public school system".