Redcliffs School in Christchurch is now facing closure.

Education Minister Hekia Parata has begun consultation with the Board of Trustees about possible closure because of concerns about the long-term safety of the Redcliffs site.

She says she understands some families will be disappointed, given the board has expressed a strong desire for the school to return to Redcliffs.

She says there are concerns about the long-term safety of the site.

"On that information we're unable give families assurance that there will be uninterrupted education on this site."

"There is also clear indications that there will be further rock falls. We don't know whether periodically in the future we would have to move the school again to make further assessments."

Parata says she understands some families will be disappointed, given the board has expressed a strong desire for the school to return to Redcliffs.