College principal Mason Stretch said he would be ''deeply concerned'' if the centralisation plan affected Otago Polytechnic's Cromwell campus.
What appeared to be a draft Cabinet paper was leaked to the National Party last month outlining a new model whereby polytechnics would be controlled by a head office.
The Cabinet paper reflected changes Education Minister Chris Hipkins had previously flagged, such as the establishment of the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, and turning polytechnics into regional campuses of the new institute.
Mr Stretch said the school had a strong relationship with Otago Polytechnic, ''as do all central schools in the Otago Secondary Tertiary College (Trades Academy).
''They are innovative, responsive and very supportive of curriculum pathways for our students.''
About 60 students across Central Otago were involved in a range of programmes for one or two days a week, and the programmes were very highly rated by students.
''It is a huge support for the courses we can offer in [level 1 to 3] NCEA. We have 14 students enrolled this year in carpentry, automotive and cookery.
''Next year our students are also looking at enrolling in a new bike mechanics course on offer here.''
Mr Stretch said he hoped whatever plan was developed for polytechnics would allow Otago to maintain its autonomy and special character ''so that the strong relationships and successful programmes they have developed with us continue''.
Maniototo Area School principal Joe Ferdinands said his school also sent pupils there on secondary-tertiary pathway programmes.
Of about 15 children, there might be four or five who chose to go to polytechnic after school.
''I think we'd prefer the status quo, because it has been working.
''Why fix something that isn't broken?''
Roxburgh Area School principal Gary Pasco and Lawrence Area School principal John Auld also supported retaining the status quo.
Mr Pasco said every year about five or six of his pupils would go to the polytechnic, doing ''quite a variety'' of courses - and Mr Auld said about 10% of school leavers from his school would go to the polytechnic.
The tertiary reforms are expected to be discussed by Cabinet before the end of the year.
