ACG Parnell College vs Auckland Grammar School

	A ACG Parnell College Auckland, New Zealand	A Auckland Grammar School Auckland, New Zealand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year NZ$25,595 - 31,170	Fees / year NZ$26,250
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 13 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels	Curriculum Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,913	Pupils 2,800
Typical class size	Typical class size 24	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened —	Opened 1869
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ACG Parnell College is located between the inner-city suburbs of Parnell and Newmarket in Auckland, beside Auckland Domain, the city's largest park. The area is surrounded by art galleries, museums, and historic architecture, forming a vibrant cultural hub. The campus has excellent transport links, with bus, train, and ferry services nearby and is on the InnerLink bus route for convenient access to major transport hubs across Auckland.	Location Auckland Grammar School is located on Mountain Road in Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand. It sits on the northern slopes of Mt Eden in the central Auckland area, near Newmarket. The street address is Mountain Road, Epsom (Auckland 1023). The postal address is Auckland Grammar School, Private Bag 99930, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand.
Stages	Stages Preschool (Early Learning); Primary School; Middle School; College (Senior Campus).	Stages Year 9–13 (Form 3–7)
School type	School type Cambridge International education provider for Early Learning to Year 13.	School type State secondary school for boys with boarding facilities (hostel accommodation available for selected students)
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix International students represent approximately 5% of the annual School roll and come from over 20 countries.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ELL (English Language Learner) support for non-native English speakers; Intensive English Language programme with regular progress assessments; ESOL support.	Additional learning support Learning Support Department provides differentiated support within mainstream classrooms and small-group tuition in literacy and numeracy. The department coordinates Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) for examinations and supports students with learning needs through targeted programs.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation New Zealand	Country affiliation New Zealand
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure 7-period day with a 9:00am assembly and a 3:15pm finish for most students. On Tuesdays Form 5 students have an 8-period day finishing at 3:30pm, while other year levels finish at 2:50pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details Private bus service for students from the North Shore and Eastern Suburbs; shared transport options from Western Suburbs; four routes across Early Learning, Primary School, Middle School and Senior Campus.	Bus service details Auckland Transport provides a regular school bus service that begins after school daily around 3:20pm.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Domestic tuition — 2026 (by year group and payment options) - Years 1 to 6 - Annual fee: NZ$25,595. - Payment options shown: three instalments of NZ$8,606 (total NZ$25,818) or nine instalments of NZ$2,923 (total NZ$26,307). - Per term (annual divided by 4): NZ$6,399 (rounded). This per-term figure is the annual fee divided by four school terms. - Years 7 to 10 - Annual fee: NZ$29,825. - Payment options shown: three instalments of NZ$10,028 (total NZ$30,084) or nine instalments of NZ$3,406 (total NZ$30,654). - Per term (annual divided by 4): NZ$7,456 (rounded). - Years 11 to 13 - Annual fee: NZ$31,170. - Payment options shown: three instalments of NZ$10,479 (total NZ$31,437) or nine instalments of NZ$3,559 (total NZ$32,031). - Per term (annual divided by 4): NZ$7,793 (rounded). Application / enrolment fees (domestic) - One-time application fee: NZ$300. - Enrolment Acceptance Fee (to secure a place): NZ$1,200 for Years 1–10; NZ$600 for new enrolments into Years 11–13. No separate building development levies or bonds are charged. International tuition — 2026 (by year group) - Years 1 to 6 (ages 5–10): Annual fee NZ$38,640; per term (annual divided by 4): NZ$9,660. - Years 7 to 10 (ages 11–15): Annual fee NZ$44,090; per term (annual divided by 4): NZ$11,023. - Years 11 to 13 (ages 15+): Annual fee NZ$51,980; per term (annual divided by 4): NZ$12,995. - Additional international fees: - Annual Administration Fee: NZ$1,260 (annual). - One‑time Registration Fee: NZ$420. - All international fees are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include GST. Billing schedule and payment terms - Domestic billing options are shown as: an annual lump-sum payment, three instalment payments (amounts shown above), or nine instalments (amounts shown above). Instalment totals may be slightly higher than the annual lump-sum amount. - International tuition: the standard requirement is that tuition for the academic year must be paid in advance of a student commencing or beginning a new academic year; early‑payment/early‑bird reductions may apply where published. A minimum notice period (one term) is required for cancellation/withdrawal; refunds are limited and made only at the discretion of the Board or as set out in published policies. Boarding / accommodation - ACG Parnell does not operate an on‑site boarding house. International students are placed in homestay accommodation arranged by the school. Homestay rates and related accommodation charges apply. - Typical ACG Parnell homestay rates and related charges (illustrative of accommodation costs to budget for): - Regular Homestay (includes lunches): NZ$440 per week. - Homestay Plus (includes lunches): NZ$475 per week. - Accommodation guarantee and services fee (students under 18): NZ$780 per year. - Accommodation placement fee: NZ$300. - Change of homestay fee or change of RCG/location: NZ$125 per change. - Weekly homestay retainer fee (when applicable): NZ$200. - Homestay-arranged lunch on school days: NZ$60 per week. - Airport greeting and transfer (one way): NZ$130. Auckland terminal transfer: NZ$110. Other costs and optional subject/activity fees - Annual administration/other compulsory charges for international students: Annual administration fee NZ$1,260; one‑time registration fee NZ$420; comprehensive medical and travel insurance is additional (varies by duration — an indicative 15‑month figure of NZ$791 appears in broader fee schedules). A New Zealand Government Export Education Levy (a percentage of compulsory tuition fees) also applies. - Subject/course costs (optional, approximate ranges where applicable for Years 11–13): Painting NZ$300–$600; Design NZ$450–$750; Textiles (ACG Parnell) NZ$480; Photography NZ$150–$480. Field trips, camps and practical subject costs vary (examples: PE camp or outdoor education camps and geography trips range from tens to several hundred NZD). Optional extra‑curricular sports fees at ACG Parnell can be up to NZ$800 per year. - Uniform: a school uniform is required and is purchased through the NZ Uniforms online store; costs vary by items ordered. Uniforms are available to order online or in‑store. - Other incidental costs to budget for include textbooks, stationery, school trips, specific course materials, school transport (if used), and personal expenses. Approximate amounts depend on choices and program participation. Refunds and withdrawal notices - Refund policy highlights: refunds are generally limited. No refunds of tuition will be made except at the discretion of the Board of Directors or as outlined in published policies; a minimum of one term's notice of cancellation or withdrawal is required. Specific refund conditions (for example in relation to visa refusal, mid‑year withdrawal, or change of residency status) are governed by the school's published international student and enrolment policies. Fee payment methods and surcharges - Accepted payment methods and practical payment details: - Bank transfer (payments accepted in New Zealand dollars or US dollars to the ACG Schools bank account at Westpac New Zealand; SWIFT WPACNZ2W). - Credit card payments are accepted via an ACG Credit Card Payment Form and are subject to a 2% surcharge. - Payment in advance is required for international enrolments (full‑year tuition payable prior to commencement) and instalment options are offered for domestic families as shown above. Notes on amounts and billing - All figures are stated in New Zealand dollars (NZ$) and where the school lists GST‑inclusive pricing this is reflected in the amounts above. Instalment plans show per‑payment amounts and may result in a higher total than the annual lump sum. The school publishes the specific instalment schedules and deadlines tied to those payment options; those schedules determine exact due dates and any late‑payment consequences.	Fee details Application fees - Tibbs House (boarding) application fee: NZD 50 payable when the Tibbs House application form is submitted. - International student administration fees: New student administration fee (non‑refundable) NZD 1,000; returning student administration fee (non‑refundable) NZD 700. Tuition fees by year group and per term - Domestic (New Zealand/Australian resident) students: there is no tuition charge for domestic students; domestic students are charged for external examination entries only where applicable and asked to pay voluntary school donations and specific course charges. - International students (all year levels/Forms 3–7): tuition fee NZD 26,250 per year. For budgeting, this equates to NZD 6,562.50 per school term (annual tuition divided across four terms). Billing schedule and payment terms - International students receive an Offer of a Place accompanied by an invoice for the annual tuition and any living costs. Fees stated on the Offer must be paid in full to accept the Offer and secure the Confirmation of a Place required for visa purposes. The Offer remains valid for the period stated on the Offer. - Tibbs House boarding: when an offer of a boarding place is made a deposit (amount set by Tibbs House) must be paid to confirm the place; this deposit is non‑refundable and must be paid within four weeks of the offer. The published annual boarding fee is invoiced in accordance with Tibbs House acceptance terms. - Domestic charges and voluntary payments (donation, Pre‑Q donation, exam-related charges) are invoiced through the School's usual finance process and may be collected by periodic invoices, Parent Portal billing, or at time of event/course registration as appropriate. Parents are encouraged to use the Parent Portal for payments and invoicing. Boarding and accommodation fees - Tibbs House annual boarding fee: NZD 19,500 (published boarding fee). - Homestay for international students (where applicable): NZD 440 per week (NZD 20,240 based on 46 weeks). Homestay placement and monitoring fee NZD 450 per year; homestay change administration fee NZD 350 per change; homestay holding fee for Christmas closure NZD 350 where applicable; residential monitoring fee (Agent Homestay/Designated Caregiver/Live with Parent) NZD 400 per household. Other fixed and variable costs - School uniform (by Form): Form 3 uniform NZD 673; Form 4 uniform NZD 648; Form 5–7 uniform NZD 613. Stationery and art pack (Form 3) NZD 60 (subject dependent). - Extracurricular activity fee (refundable if unused): NZD 200. School camp fee (Form 4): NZD 695. - Travel and medical insurance for international students (external provider): NZD 633 per year. Additional stationery and specific uniform items: NZD 100–210 depending on subject. Extracurricular activity costs vary (examples given by the School range NZD 20 up to NZD 4,000 depending on activity). - External examination fees: NCEA standard examination fee NZD 383.30 per year (where applicable); Cambridge AS/A2 examination fees are charged per subject (example figure shown NZD 210.50 per subject) — domestic students are not invoiced for NCEA external entry in the same way as international students. - Voluntary School donation: published School donation for 2026 is NZD 1,825 (paid by many families to support additional school services and staff). The School accepts donations and other voluntary contributions via the standard payment methods. Refund information and fees protection - International tuition: there is generally no refund of tuition fees except in very exceptional circumstances. If withdrawal occurs prior to arrival in New Zealand, fees paid will be refunded in full minus a NZD 1,000 administration fee. Once a student has arrived and commenced study, no refund is made except where the student is required to return home due to serious illness or the bereavement of an immediate family member; in such cases refunds are calculated according to the Board's procedures addressing costs already incurred. No refunds are made for dismissal due to misconduct, poor attendance, poor performance, withdrawal to transfer schools, visa cancellation, or if the student becomes a permanent resident after enrolment. The School operates a fees protection procedure for international fees paid in advance. - Homestay fees: homestay fees are refundable in proportion to unused weeks, less two weeks' written notice and less placement/monitoring fees and any other prescribed fees. Fee payment options - Parent Portal (online billing and payments) is the School's preferred channel for many routine payments and invoicing. Additional accepted payment methods include: - Cash, credit card or EFTPOS at the School Finance Office. - Internet banking to the School account (example banking reference used by the School: 12-3011-0156506-00 with instructions to reference the student's name and form class). Cheques may be sent to Auckland Grammar School (Private Bag address) where required. Notes on scholarships and fee variations - Tibbs House offers a small number of boarding scholarships (full or partial) that reduce or cover boarding fees for selected recipients; scholarship availability and application conditions are published by the School. Boarding fees and other charges are reviewed annually and may change in subsequent years.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Cambridge International curriculum (IGCSE and A Levels) is taught from Early Learning through Years 12–13 via the Cambridge Pathway from Cambridge Primary to College; AS Level in Year 12 and A-Level in Year 13 with 23 AS courses and 18 full A-Level options.	Curriculum details Auckland Grammar School offers a dual qualifications pathway with the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and Cambridge International Examinations (AS and A Levels). From Form 6 onwards, students choose either Cambridge or NCEA as a coherent two-year programme leading to Form 7 examinations and University Entrance. Form 5 introduces the Pre-Q programme to bridge the move to senior Cambridge AS Level and NZQA Level 2 courses. Full details of the pathways, progression criteria, subject options and University Entrance are contained in the Course Handbook issued annually. Languages offered include French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori. The school operates a seven-period day (eight periods on Tuesdays) and uses GrammarNet as its learning management system; School Examinations are held three times a year to classify students into appropriate classes.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 100% A-Level pass rate; seven Top in the World Cambridge Awards; fifteen Top in New Zealand Cambridge Awards; 97% of Year 13 graduates achieve University Entrance; 46% of graduates gain admission to leading overseas universities.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Tailored university preparation and global opportunities; one-on-one university counselling for local and international universities; Unifrog platform; regular university visits; support for applications to leading universities such as the Ivy League and Russell Group.	Higher education progression University Entrance is the minimum standard for entry to New Zealand universities and can be gained through either the Cambridge or the NCEA pathway. Admission to many university courses, particularly restricted-entry programmes, depends on achieving higher grades and meeting subject requirements as detailed in the Course Handbook.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Enrichment and extension for Gifted and Talented students through a differentiated teaching programme; opportunity to advance to higher levels in mathematics in Years 9–10 and in science in Year 10 for eligible students.	Gifted and talented New Zealand Scholarships are available for Auckland Grammar School students, with a wide range of options to support tertiary study. Careers and Counselling staff assist students with scholarship questions and applications.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Applications to ACG Parnell are accepted year‑round for Early Learning to Year 13. Mid‑term entry is possible for most levels, but places in some year groups may be limited, so applying early is advised. The quickest and easiest way to apply is online; the application form takes about ten minutes to complete, and the Admissions Team will be in touch after submission to discuss the next steps. If you would like to learn more about the school, you can attend a Guided Tour or Open Day. 1. Application: complete the online form, which typically takes about ten minutes; after submission, the team will contact you to discuss next steps. 2. Interview: after reviewing the application, you and your child will be invited to a roughly 30‑minute interview to discuss needs and answer questions; please bring copies of documents if available, including the child's passport or birth certificate, the most recent school report, and standardised test results (e.g., PAT, e‑asTTle, or NCEA for senior students). 3. Offer: a decision will be provided within seven days of the interview; successful candidates receive an offer; the school requires a certain level of English fluency to access classroom instruction, and ESOL support is available for non‑native English speakers. 4. Acceptance: acceptance must be confirmed in writing and the acceptance fee paid; after that, arrangements can be made for uniforms and school transport in preparation for the start at the school.	Admissions International student admissions follow a six-step process. 1) Complete the Application Form. The form is submitted through the online system (enroller.app). An application is a prerequisite for admission but not a guarantee of admission, and the school acknowledges receipt after submission. 2) Attend an Admission Interview. The interview is conducted via WeChat, Zoom, Skype or in‑person and lasts about 15 minutes; it is an opportunity to learn more about the applicant's interests and goals, and for parents to ask questions. 3) Receive an Offer of Place. The Offer specifies the year level and the start and end dates of enrolment and includes the International Student Tuition Agreement and other relevant policies. 4) Accept the Offer. Tuition and homestay fees are paid to the School; the Tuition Agreement, Code of Conduct, Statement of Designated Caregiver Arrangements/ or Homestay Contract, ICT Acceptable Use Policy and Health Record are signed and returned to acknowledge acceptance. 5) Apply for a Student Visa. The student or their representative must apply online for a New Zealand student visa and ensure a valid visa before enrolment. 6) Attend Orientation. The student attends Orientation as part of the enrolment process.
Scholarships	Scholarships ACG Parnell offers four scholarship options: Academic Scholarship, Founders Scholarship, Sibling Scholarship, and the Nsouli Scholars Programme through Inspired Education Group. The Academic Scholarship is for new students in Years 7 to 13 and covers part of tuition; selection is based on demonstrated academic ability, work ethic, and performance, with consideration also given to talents in sports, performing arts and leadership; scholarships are not available for financial hardship. The terms require a completed online admissions form, a CV detailing achievements, and selection based on the application, school reports, and an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team; scholarships are reviewed annually and may be withdrawn if attitude or performance are unsatisfactory; recipients are expected to participate in extracurricular life. The Founders Scholarship is for students currently studying at a New Zealand ACG secondary school who plan to begin a university course the following year and may be held with other awards; it recognises outstanding academic ability and personal qualities such as integrity, leadership, vision, drive and work ethic. The Sibling Scholarship rewards larger families; if four children attend ACG Parnell at the same time, the youngest may receive a full‑tuition scholarship, and for five or more children a 25% scholarship of total fees may be awarded, subject to enrolment criteria. The Nsouli Scholars Programme is an Inspired Education Group initiative offering up to 50 full scholarships across Inspired schools; several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin as part of the programme's inclusivity.	Scholarships Auckland Grammar School offers four Tibbs House boarding scholarships: Cooper-Connell Boarding Scholarship (for applicants outside the Grammar zone; half boarding at Tibbs House for up to five years, renewable). Sir John Buchanan Boarding Scholarship (for Year 8 entrants; full five-year boarding). Sports Scholarship (for an outstanding sportsman; full or partial Tibbs House boarding). ASAP Finance Pathway Scholarship (for applicants outside the zone with financial hardship and leadership potential; scholarship applications must be posted as a hardcopy form; note that the ASAP Pathway Scholarship is closed for 2027).
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist Out-of-zone places are allocated by priority groups and then by ballot when there are more applicants than places. The School publishes the likely number of out-of-zone places and the ballot dates each year. In the 2027 Out-of-Zone ballot held on 9 September 2026, all Form 3 priority applicants were offered places; Form 4–7 priority applicants were placed on waitlists, and the School will contact waitlist applicants directly if places become available.
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