Burnside High School vs St Margaret's College

	B Burnside High School Christchurch, New Zealand	S St Margaret's College Christchurch, New Zealand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year NZ$19,000	Fees / year NZ$18,850 - 31,490
Age range	Age range 13 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary)	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,600	Pupils 842
Typical class size	Typical class size 26	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1960	Opened 1910
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The school is located at 151 Greers Road, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand. It is in the Burnside area on Greers Road. The neighbourhood includes Jellie Park Recreation & Sport Centre nearby and is approximately 2 km from the University of Canterbury, making access to local facilities convenient. Public transport serves the area, and school bus routes such as Route 791 serve Burnside High School.	Location 12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand. Postal address: PO Box 25094, Christchurch 8140.
Stages	Stages Year 9–13 (secondary)	Stages Junior School; Middle School; Senior School.
School type	School type —	School type All-girls day and boarding school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support The Learning Support Department, Te Whare Akoranga, is a student-focused learning hub that welcomes and supports students who find learning challenging.	Additional learning support Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement provides support for Year 1-13 students identified as learning differently. It offers small-group tuition in literacy and numeracy, study skills and research-based programmes, in-class support, and English language learner support. It also runs a Gifted and Talented programme.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation New Zealand	Country affiliation New Zealand
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Anglican
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details A bus service exists for Burnside High School, including School Route 791 which connects Parklands, St Bede's College, Papanui High School and Burnside High School. Roadworks around the school may cause changes to this route.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Administration fees - Administration (enrolment) fee: NZ$1,000 per offer. Tuition fees (One Year Programme, four terms) — per term and per year - Tuition fee (annual): NZ$19,000 per year (equivalent to NZ$4,750 per term). This tuition rate applies to the One Year Programme for international fee‑paying students. Homestay / boarding arrangements and fees - On‑campus boarding is not provided; homestay accommodation is used for international students. - Homestay fee (weekly): NZ$370 per week (typical homestay rate). Special dietary requirements incur higher weekly charges (examples published for other years show separate rates). Homestay management fee: NZ$350 per offer. Designated caregiver fee: NZ$200 per offer. Other compulsory government / external fees - Government levy: NZ$100 per term. - New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NCEA) fee: NZ$383 per year (where applicable). Insurance and equipment - Medical/travel/education insurance: school can arrange insurance; typical cost around NZ$650 (approx.) per year. Exact premium amounts vary. - Laptops are not rentable from the school; students must bring their own device. Uniform, stationery and other routine costs - School uniform is not included in tuition or homestay fees. Approximate cost for a complete new uniform is stated at around NZ$600–NZ$700. Uniform is sold through an external supplier. - Stationery and subject materials are additional. Stationery is available through a partnered supplier with online payment options. Subject‑specific materials, specialist course costs, sports fees, musical instrument hire and private tuition, and school trips are not covered by the standard tuition fee and must be paid separately. Billing schedule and payment terms - An Offer of Place and an invoice are issued after a successful application. Acceptance of the Offer of Place is confirmed when the tuition fees are received by the school. - Tuition is shown as an annual amount and as a per‑term equivalent; invoices and acceptance procedures require payment in line with the invoice issued for the student's enrolment. Payment methods / payment options - Payment methods accepted for tuition and enrolment: cheque, credit card, or direct transfer (bank account details are provided on the invoice). - Stationery supplier payment options include internet banking, credit/debit card and (subject to approval) Zip pay instalment options for orders. Refund information - No publicly published, detailed refund schedule for international tuition (pro rata refunds, cancellation deadlines, or refund processing timelines) is provided in the school's publicly accessible fee documents. The Offer of Place and the invoice process state that acceptance is confirmed on receipt of tuition fees; any specific refund, withdrawal or cancellation terms are typically set out in the formal enrolment/Offer documentation issued to the applicant. Other costs and notes - Administration/processing costs related to homestay placement are charged per offer (Homestay management fee). Special dietary requirements for homestays may increase the weekly homestay charge. - Additional discretionary costs that can arise during the year include subject‑specific material charges, voluntary trips, extra‑curricular fees, instrument hire and private tuition. These are charged separately to the standard tuition fee.	Fee details Application and acceptance fees - Application fee: NZD 200 (non‑refundable). - Acceptance fee: NZD 2,000 (payable when a place is offered; non‑refundable; payment together with a signed direct debit form secures the place). Tuition fees (annual / per term / monthly instalment) - Years 1–3: NZD 18,850 per year; per term NZD 4,712.50; if paid by the school's ten monthly instalments (January–October) the instalment amount is NZD 1,885.00. - Years 4–6: NZD 24,010 per year; per term NZD 6,002.50; ten monthly instalments NZD 2,401.00. - Years 7–8: NZD 28,000 per year; per term NZD 7,000.00; ten monthly instalments NZD 2,800.00. - Years 9–13: NZD 31,490 per year; per term NZD 7,872.50; ten monthly instalments NZD 3,149.00. - International Baccalaureate (where applicable): NZD 1,500 per year; per term NZD 375.00; ten monthly instalments NZD 150.00. Boarding fees (annual / per term / monthly instalment) and what's included - Full boarding fee: NZD 19,830 per year (incl. GST). Per term NZD 4,957.50; ten monthly instalments NZD 1,983.00. - Boarding inclusions: accommodation, meals (including breakfast, a subsidised lunch, afternoon tea and dinner), supervised prep, and a weekend and evening activity programme (including events run with Christ's College). There is no concession for weekday‑only boarders. Other compulsory charges and common additional costs - Building Fund Contribution: NZD 1,320 per year (incl. GST). - Parents' & Friends' Association subscription: NZD 72.45 per year. - ESOL tutoring: an additional fee is charged where ESOL tutoring is required for non‑international students (amount set separately). - Sundry charges (cafeteria, stationery, school trips, etc.) are invoiced separately and charged to parents' accounts. Cafeteria and shop purchases: Maggie's Shop accepts eftpos or cash; items may also be charged to parents' accounts. Uniforms and sports kit are supplied through Maggie's Shop. - Yearbook and other small compulsory levies may be charged as set by the Trust Board. Discounts and sibling concessions - Pre‑payment discount: 1.5% discount on tuition and boarding when the total annual fees are prepaid by 20 February. - Sibling concession: 5% discount on tuition fees and 5% on boarding fees for the second daughter; 10% for the third and subsequent daughters attending concurrently. Billing schedule and payment terms - Charging frequency: tuition and boarding are charged in ten equal monthly instalments (January to October). Accounts for sundry expenses are invoiced monthly on a separate account. - Due timing and collection: college fees and accounts are due and payable in advance either by annual payment or by direct debit within one month of receipt of the account. It is mandatory for students' tuition and boarding payments to be collected by direct debit (a signed direct debit form is required). Payment by alternative methods is permitted but will incur a NZD 100 fee for each instalment period. - Pre‑payment option: annual pre‑payment is accepted and attracts the pre‑payment discount when made by the stated deadline. Late payment and dishonour fees - Late payment fees and interest: the Trust Board may charge interest on overdue accounts (set at 5% above the College bankers' overdraft rate) and will charge a late payment fee of NZD 250 per account, per month until paid. Direct debit dishonour attracts a NZD 200 non‑payment dishonour fee. Where accounts remain unpaid the Trust Board may require a minimum of one term's fees in advance and may take recovery action. Withdrawal, refund and notice rules - Written notice: one whole term's written advance notice to the Executive Principal is required to withdraw a student or to change status (boarder ↔ daygirl). Where insufficient notice is given, one term's tuition and/or boarding fees will be charged in lieu of notice, in addition to fees due for the remainder of the term. Acceptance and application fees are non‑refundable. - Boarding refund/proration: boarding fees are payable for the full year and will only be prorated for early withdrawals prior to 1 September; after 1 September the full year's boarding fees remain payable unless the family relocates to within the greater Christchurch area. No fees or other costs will be refundable where the student does not start or does not complete a full term. Fee payment options (practical details) - Primary method: Direct debit from a nominated bank account (mandatory for tuition/boarding and required with acceptance). Annual payment by bank transfer/direct debit is accepted for pre‑payment. - Alternative methods: permitted but attract a NZD 100 fee per instalment period; the school may accept shop/cafeteria payments by eftpos or cash for on‑site purchases. Sundry items are invoiced monthly and are paid by direct debit. Notes on special levies or charges - Diploma / senior levies: an IB or senior school levy applies where relevant (International Baccalaureate fee NZD 1,500 per year is charged; additional diploma or assessment levies for Years 12 & 13 may also apply). ESOL and other subject‑specific charges are billed as required. Exact amounts for specific subject levies, optional trips, or specialist courses are invoiced separately.
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 Burnside High School offers a very large curriculum across learning areas. Creative Arts includes Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Drama with senior specialist options. Mathematics is strong and includes Cambridge International Examinations for Years 11–13. Science provides general science to Year 11 and specialist options in Years 12–13, with field work and competitions. Languages include Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori in Year 9 (German from Year 10). Social Sciences are compulsory in Years 9–10 with senior options such as Geography, History and Economics, while Technology covers Digital Technologies, Electronics, Foods/Textiles, Hospitality and Design with senior pathways toward Building and Engineering. The school runs both NCEA and Cambridge qualifications and celebrates high scholarship outcomes.	Curriculum details St Margaret's College offers a dual academic pathway of NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Year 11 follows the bespoke Foundation Diploma to prepare for NCEA Level 2-3 and the IBDP, with three compulsory courses (English, maths and at least one science) plus three additional specialist subjects, and a focus on holistic growth supported by the House tutor system. The school is an IB World School and delivers the Diploma Programme core—Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service—alongside subject groups that cover language, individuals and societies, mathematics, arts and sciences. NCEA Levels 2 and 3 are offered in Year 12-13, with six subjects in Year 12 and five in Year 13; NZQA Scholarships are available and NCEA is underpinned by the NZ Curriculum and Key Competencies. Gifted and talented education and learning support are provided through the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement, with tailored programs continuing from Junior and Middle School.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Burnside High School reports strong examination results in NCEA and Cambridge. In 2025, 92 scholarships were awarded, including 13 at outstanding level. In 2023, NCEA Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 pass rates were 82.8%, 84.7% and 78.7% respectively, with Year 13 University Entrance at 66.2%. Cambridge results have included Top in New Zealand and Top in the World recognitions in Music, with 2024 Top in the World Cambridge IGCSE Music and 2025 Top in New Zealand Cambridge AS Music achievements by students.	Exam results National Certificate of Educational Achievement results for 2025 show Level 2 overall achievement at 99% and Level 3 at 100%, reflecting the dual pathway of NCEA and IB. In IB, the 2025 average score was 33, 14% above the international average of 29, and two students achieved NZ IB Scholar status. The Class of 2025 destinations include universities in New Zealand and overseas, with notable shares to University of Otago (32%), University of Canterbury (23%), Lincoln University (8%), Victoria University of Wellington (8%), University of Auckland (7%), and overseas universities (13%), plus other pathways such as Otago Polytechnic and gap year. Fields of study include Sciences (Health and other), Commerce, Law, Engineering, Arts, Education and related disciplines.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Higher education progression is supported through NZQA NCEA and Cambridge pathways. In 2023, 66.2% of Year 13 students achieved University Entrance. Scholarships and high achievement have helped graduates progress to universities such as the University of Canterbury and University of Auckland, with some students also pursuing international destinations such as Cambridge University for top scholars (examples include Bodhi Cath heading to the University of Canterbury and Andrew Wu to the University of Auckland; Sam Allan has earned Cambridge-adjacent accolades).	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education at New Zealand universities and overseas. Common destinations include University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Auckland, and overseas universities. Fields of study span sciences, commerce, law, engineering, arts, education, nursing and related disciplines.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Cambridge International Examinations are offered to senior students, with a Pilot Cambridge International Pathway planned for 2027 and a full Cambridge Pathway expected to run alongside NCEA from 2028. The Noeline Clark Foundation provides general excellence scholarships to Burnside students who continue their studies at the University of Canterbury. International Scholarships are available (six annually) across categories general academic, creative arts and technology, and sport to attract high-potential international students.	Gifted and talented Gifted and talented education and learning support is provided through the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement, offering tailored learning programs continuing from Junior and Middle School.
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 1. Eligibility and enrolment framework. Enrolment at Burnside High School Te Kura o Waimairi-iri follows the Ministry of Education enrolment scheme. In-zone students have the right to attend. Out-of-zone students are considered by ballot if spaces are available. Confirm whether your address is in the school zone. 2. Domestic enrolment process. Domestic students download and complete the enrolment forms. The Final Checklist on the last page of the enrolment form shows all required documentation. Refer to the coursebooks under documents and links for subject information. Enrolment packs are available for 2026 and 2027. 3. International fee-paying enrolment. International students should review the International Enrolment page for information. A video outlines the international enrolment process and apply online using the online enrolment form. The school provides key documents including the Enrolment procedure, Code of Practice, Homestay Guide, and International Prospectus in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. 4. Timelines and key dates. For Year 9 2027 pre-enrolment closing dates are 24 July 2026; For Years 10-13 the closing date is 31 July 2026. In-zone enrolments are accepted throughout the year. An Open Evening is scheduled (for Year 9 2027) on 12 May.	Admissions 1. Apply online. Complete the online enrolment form and pay a non-refundable NZ$200 enrolment fee to apply for a place at St Margaret's College. You will need your daughter's New Zealand birth certificate, current passport, proof of residency or citizenship certificate, and a recent photo; depending on how far in advance you are applying, you may also require your daughter's end-of-year school report and any educational assessments. If you are not a New Zealand citizen or resident, visit the International Enrolments section for guidance. Enrolment is not a guarantee of a place. 2. Principal interview. Following receipt of your application and supporting documentation, your daughter will be invited to meet with the Executive Principal or Head of School. Interviews will be scheduled based on priorities set by the Trust Board. 3. Offer of place. Following the interview, the Executive Principal will inform families of an offer of place or a place on the waitlist. If a place is accepted, a non-refundable NZ$2,000 acceptance fee is payable to confirm the commitment to the offered place.
Scholarships	Scholarships Burnside High School offers six International Student Scholarships each academic year, in three categories: general academic, creative arts and technology, and sport. They are open to first-year students only. Three scholarships commence at the start of the school year and three for mid-year starts. Scholarships are worth 20% of the published tuition fee for the enrolment period. Applications require the student's most recent school report, copies of relevant awards, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or coach, a short letter in English outlining achievements and why the student should receive the scholarship, and a short video. Applicants must complete international student enrolment and submit supporting documents by email to international@burnside.school.nz; scholarship videos can be sent via Dropbox or WeTransfer to the same address.	Scholarships St Margaret's College offers a range of scholarships for Middle School, Year 9, Senior School, and Boarding. Middle School scholarships are available to new students entering Years 7 and 9 in 2027 and current students, and provide up to a 50% remission of tuition for four years (Years 7–10), with an additional Middle School Boarding Scholarship providing up to 50% remission of boarding fees for four years. Year 9 scholarships are limited in number and provide up to a 50% remission of tuition for five years from Year 9, with categories including Academic, Sports, Performing Arts, and General Excellence. The Old Girls' Association Scholarship offers up to 25% remission of tuition for five years from Year 9 and is available to direct descendants of St Margaret's Old Girls. A Boarding scholarship provides up to 50% remission of boarding fees for five years from Year 9. An International Scholarship is available to international students; applicants must complete an enrolment application, and the International Student Manager can be contacted to register interest. Senior School scholarships for 2027 will open in July 2026. To apply for any scholarship, applicants must first complete an enrolment application. There are additional details on eligibility and application timing within the Scholarships section.
Waitlist	Waitlist Out-of-zone enrolments are considered by ballot if spaces are available.	Waitlist An offer of place may be issued, or a place on the waitlist may be assigned.
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