The Education Minister's decision to axe four charter schools has left people involved in setting them up wondering what's going on.

Chris Hipkins has indicated plans for two schools in Auckland, and one each for Gisborne and Christchurch is on the scrap heap.

National's education spokeswoman Nikki Kaye said sponsors involved in getting the schools going have found out their contracts are being cancelled via the media.

"It's very disappointing for the schools that nobody has been in contact with them to tell them.

"It's not decent for these schools to find out via the media that the schools may not be going ahead.

"The minister needs to urgently give some certainty."

National said a lot of people have been let down by the decision to axe the schools, and with only minimal consultation.