Glendowie College and Kristin School are both in Auckland, about 21 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Glendowie College also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are NZ$20,800 at Glendowie College and NZ$500 - 29,056 at Kristin School, which puts Glendowie College roughly 41% higher. Glendowie College takes pupils from 13 to 18, and Kristin School from 0 to 18.
Glendowie College is located at 21 Crossfield Rd, Glendowie, Auckland 1071, New Zealand. It sits in the Glendowie suburb in Auckland and serves Year 9–13 students. The campus is accessible by bus, with the school operating its own bus routes for students and public buses passing nearby.
Location
360 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand. Based in Albany on Auckland's North Shore, the campus sits on a purpose-built 50-acre site set among native bush. A fleet of Kristin buses provides transport to multiple routes around Auckland.
Stages
Stages
Year 9–13
Stages
Early Learning to Senior School (Early Childhood Education 6 months–5 years; Kindergarten through Year 13)
School type
School type
Co-educational
School type
Independent, co-educational school
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
The Kaiārahi provides learning support, academic counselling and scholarship applications, with a focus on rangatahi Māori and Pasifika students. The Kaiārahi also supports leadership and cultural opportunities and connects students with local iwi and Matauranga Maori resources.
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
New Zealand
Country affiliation
New Zealand
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
non-denominational
School day structure
School day structure
Bell times run from 8:45am to 3:20pm on most days. On Monday, Tuesday and Friday there is a Form Period at 9:50–10:05 and a lunch break from 1:40–2:15. On Wednesday and Thursday the schedule changes: Wednesday has Professional Learning 8:30–9:45 and weekday periods 2–5 with lunch 1:40–2:15, finishing at 3:20pm; Thursday runs 8:45am–3:20pm with EnRICHment/Assembly 9:35–11:05.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
The school operates its own bus routes for students and public buses pass nearby Glendowie College. Morning routes include 417 (departs 7:50am), 418 (departs 7:30am) and 419 (departs 7:55am). Afternoon routes include 417 (departs 3:40pm), 418 (departs 3:20–3:21pm) and 419 (departs 3:25pm). Public buses TMK, 744 and 76 pass close to the college.
Bus service details
Dedicated Kristin buses operate for Kindergarten through Senior School with routes across Auckland. Drivers know students by name. Route information is available by selecting AM or PM tabs on the bus route page.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Administration fees
- Administration fee (charged on enrolment): NZD 1,500.00. - Homestay placement (application) fee (where homestay is arranged): NZD 350.00.
Tuition fees (international students — Years 9–13)
- Annual tuition fee (one year): NZD 20,800.00. - Per-term amount (standard 4-term school year): NZD 5,200.00 per term (calculated from the annual tuition fee).
Insurance and statutory fees included / excluded
- Annual insurance (NZ Student Plan – travel, medical, personal & fees protection): NZD 700.00 (2025 price shown; subject to change). - NZQA / examination fees: NZD 383.30 (listed separately). NCEA examination fees are not included in the tuition fee.
Homestay / designated caregiver costs (when arranged by the school)
- Homestay accommodation (48 weeks paid in advance at NZD 440.00 per week): NZD 21,120.00 (48 weeks). - Extra-caregiver (48 weeks in advance at NZD 70.00 per week): NZD 3,360.00. - Homestay compliance fee (two visits): NZD 330.00. - Designated caregiver check fee: NZD 250.00. - Airport pickup (per trip): NZD 130.00 (NZD 260.00 return).
Other costs and common additional charges
- Stationery: purchased by the student / family (cost borne by the student). Printed textbooks/workbooks are provided. - Uniform: a basic school uniform (excluding shoes) is provided for the first year; families are responsible for any additional uniform items or replacements. - Curriculum-related camps, trips and certain course costs: may be covered by tuition for some activities; some camps, trips or elective charges and sporting activity fees may be invoiced separately. Sports participation attracts individual sport fees. - Visa-related or third-party charges (medical checks, visa fees, some insurance premium variations): paid by the student / family as required.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition fee must be paid in full on acceptance of the enrolment place offered. For subsequent years the annual tuition fee must be paid again before the new year of study commences. - Homestay accommodation and designated-caregiver charges are shown as payable in advance (48 weeks in advance for the standard homestay arrangement). - Some items (for example NZQA or examination fees, airport pickup and certain compliance checks) are invoiced separately and/or at the time of service.
Refund information and fee protection
- If a student withdraws prior to the commencement of the course, full tuition fees will be refunded less an administration charge of NZD 750.00 (refund conditions and amounts are set and reviewed by the Board of Trustees). - The college operates a fees protection/refund policy for international students that sets out refunds and deductions for tuition already incurred; specific refund outcomes depend on timing and circumstance of withdrawal and other contractual conditions.
Fee payment options
- Online payments using credit card or internet banking via the Glendowie College Parent & Student Portal. Cash, cheques, EFTPOS and credit cards are accepted at the Accounts Office. Arrangements can be made for automatic payments or instalments. - Bank transfer / internet banking details are held by the college Accounts Office and can be used for school fees payments; contact the Accounts Office for the correct account details when arranging transfers.
Notes on how fees are applied
- The published international schedule shows a single annual tuition figure for international students at Glendowie College; this annual fee applies to international enrolments in the college (Years 9–13). Per-term figures above are derived from that annual fee assuming the standard four-term school year.
(Where the college provides a single annual tuition figure rather than separate published rates by Year 9–13, the annual figure above is the applicable tuition charge for international students across the college.)
Fee details
Application and Entrance Fees
- Application fee (payable on submission; non-refundable): NZD 300 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Entrance fee (required to confirm acceptance; non-refundable): NZD 900 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Kristin Education Bond (non-interest bearing; payable on acceptance and repaid when the student leaves provided correct notice and accounts are clear): NZD 3,000 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Kindergarten-specific charges: Entrance Fee NZD 200 (non-refundable) and Kristin Education Bond NZD 500.
Tuition fees — Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten (consolidated)
- With 20 hours ECE funding (Full day 8:00am–4:00pm): Tuition Fee per term NZD 5,518; per month NZD 2,207. Activity fee per term NZD 90 (Total per term NZD 5,608; per month NZD 2,243). - Without 20 hours ECE funding (Full day 8:00am–4:00pm): Tuition Fee per term NZD 7,174; per month NZD 2,870. Activity fee per term NZD 90 (Total per term NZD 7,264; per month NZD 2,906).
Tuition fees — Domestic students (2026) — annual and instalments
- Junior School (Years 0–6): Annual tuition NZD 24,021. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 6,005.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 2,402.10 per month. - Middle School (Years 7–10): Annual tuition NZD 29,669. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 7,417.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 2,966.90 per month. - Senior School (Years 11–13): Annual tuition NZD 30,291. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 7,572.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 3,029.10 per month.
Tuition fees — International students (2026) — annual and instalments
- Junior School (Years 0–6): Annual tuition NZD 42,195. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 10,548.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 4,219.50 per month. - Middle School (Years 7–10): Annual tuition NZD 52,053. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 13,013.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 5,205.30 per month. - Senior School (Years 11–13): Annual tuition NZD 53,135. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 13,283.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 5,313.50 per month.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Direct Debit over 10 months: due on the 20th of each month from February to November. Monthly amounts equal the annual tuition divided by 10. - Direct Debit termly instalments: four equal instalments due on 20 February, 20 April, 20 July and 20 October (term instalments equal the annual tuition divided by 4). - Single payment discount: a 1% discount on the annual tuition fee when the full year tuition is paid by 15 December of the prior year; to arrange payment via accountsreceivable@kristin.school.nz. - Credit card, Alipay or WeChat payments incur a bank surcharge of 1.4%. - Fees billed for incidental items (co‑curricular activities, camps, IB exam fees, etc.) are charged to the school account as they arise and are communicated to families in advance.
Additional recurring and one‑off costs
- Development Contribution (annual, per child): NZD 1,150. - Activity Fee (covers field trips and curriculum-related activities): up to NZD 699 (varies by year level). - Kristin Alumni Association Fee (one‑off on entry; lifetime membership; non-refundable): NZD 500. - Uniform (new students can expect approximate initial cost): NZD 1,100 for a full uniform; second‑hand options available through school sales. - Digital learning: Year 4–6 iPad lease (managed and owned by the school until student finishes Junior School, then transferred to family) estimated NZD 1,600. Years 7–13 bring-your-own-laptop. - Bus fares: dependent on route and distance; concession cards available for casual users. - International-specific extras: homestay accommodation NZD 410 per week; English acquisition lessons (if required) NZD 1,850 per term; medical insurance approximately NZD 650 per year. - Other incidental charges: co‑curricular activities, outdoor education (camp) charges and IB Diploma exam fees are billed to the school account when applicable.
Sibling discounts
- A sibling discount applies to tuition only: 10% off tuition for the third sibling attending Kristin Junior–Senior School (excludes Little Doves ELC and Kindergarten). The discount increases to 15% for the fourth and subsequent siblings.
Refunds, transfers and fee protection
- Entrance fees and the alumni fee are non‑refundable. Kristin Education Bonds are repaid when the student leaves provided the required notice has been given and all accounts are paid. - International students: prepaid tuition and certain annual fees must be paid in full by set deadlines for visa processing; fees are not refundable within the first 12 months if an international student gains permanent residence or a work permit and seeks to transfer to domestic fees. In later years, a full term's notice and evidence of change of status are required before a fee change will be applied. - Tuition Fee Protection: prepaid tuition fees are held in a reserve; at the beginning of each term a quarter of pre‑paid tuition fees are transferred from the reserve to the school's income account to ensure the pre‑paid portion can be identified at any time.
Accepted payment methods and surcharges
- Direct debit (termly instalments or over 10 months) and single upfront payments are accepted. Credit card, Alipay and WeChat are accepted but incur a 1.4% bank surcharge. Single upfront payments eligible for a 1% discount if paid by the specified deadline. Bank transfer and direct debit arrangements are used for regular instalments.
Notes on incidental timing obligations
- Certain categories of fees (for example, full-year tuition, homestay, alumni fee in the entry year, activity and development contribution, and medical insurance) are required to be paid in full by the deadlines set for international enrolment to permit timely visa issuance and renewal.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Years 9 and 10 follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) as the learning framework, integrated with the New Zealand Curriculum. In Years 11, 12 and 13 students follow a pathway that builds on the MYP and leads to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Glendowie College offers a wide range of national curriculum subjects, including ESOL, English, Spanish, Mandarin, Accounting, Mathematics, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Economics, Business Studies, Classical Studies, Electronics, Design & Visual Communication (Graphics), Technology, Computer courses, Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Physical Education, Health, Outdoor Education, Hospitality and Food Technology. English language support for international students is provided through ESOL; students are mainstreamed into most subjects as they progress. The college encourages participation in cultural, artistic and sporting activities as part of a holistic education. NZ Scholarship is offered, with opportunities for top students to undertake Scholarship examinations. Graduates typically progress to higher education with University Entrance as a pathway, and some students go on to study at universities in New Zealand and internationally (Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom).
Curriculum details
The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School with dual curriculums: IB and NCEA; senior students choose between the IB Diploma Programme and NCEA.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes; senior school classes have an average of 15 students.
Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
The school has a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma and 97% of students achieving University Entrance (UE) in 2024.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
University Entrance is the pathway for entry to New Zealand universities; graduates go on to universities in New Zealand and abroad, including institutions in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Higher education progression
97% of students achieved University Entrance (UE) in 2024.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
NZ Scholarship is offered, with opportunities for top students to undertake Scholarship examinations.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Apply online by clicking Apply Now and following the step-by-step process to complete the application. Upload a copy of the student's passport and the most recent school report, and download and sign the terms and conditions. If the student is attending an English language school, name the school and advise accordingly. Enrolment is provisional and subject to testing after arrival in New Zealand for academic and English proficiency. The student will be advised following assessment of their class level and course. If entry requirements are not met, the student will be required to complete a suitable High School Preparation English language course at an alternative English language institution, and when the required level is obtained, the College will reconsider the application. Where a student is required to attend an English Language Institution, additional tuition fees and related costs apply. Should you require any further assistance regarding your application, contact the Director of International Students, Rebecca Johnstone, at the College. The College would appreciate being advised of any changes to plans as soon as possible. For more information about what is included in tuition fees, refer to the What Tuition Fees Cover link, and see the Prospectus 2026 and Fees pages for details.
Admissions
1. Apply online: Applications take about 15 minutes to complete and require documents such as the photo page of the applicant's passport or NZ birth certificate; for non-New Zealand passport holders, a visa copy; a recent head-and-shoulders photo; two most recent school reports; and copies of any educational assessments if applicable. 2. Little Doves ELC and Kristin Kindergarten: Applications are open year-round; after submission, the child is placed in an Applicant Pool and will be contacted for an interview if a place becomes available; tours are invitation-only. 3. Junior School (Year 0 and Year 1): Applications are open year-round; selected candidates are notified for an entrance interview closer to when the child turns five; tours are offered by invitation. 4. Middle School (Years 7 and 9, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand not all applicants will be selected for an entrance interview; those not selected will be placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if opportunities arise. 5. Senior School (Years 11–13, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand and limited places not all applicants will be shortlisted; shortlisted candidates and their parent(s) or guardian(s) must attend an entrance interview with the Senior School Principal or delegate. 6. International students: Kristin generally does not accept international students under 14 unless they live in Auckland with a parent permanently present; a copy of the birth certificate and passport must be provided with the International Student application. 7. What we look for: Kristin seeks students with real potential to be intellectual and independent learners and to contribute across the co-curriculum; selection considers academics, character, interests and personality. 8. Community connections: connections to the Kristin community (such as being siblings of current students or children of alumni) are considered as part of the process, but do not guarantee a place. 9.
Scholarships
Scholarships
New Zealand Scholarship is an award recognizing top secondary school students. Top students in each subject can take NZ Scholarship assessments to achieve the award. Students can enter NZ Scholarship from Year 11, and Glendowie College students have been successful in previous years. Recipients may receive monetary awards, and students with multiple NZ Scholarships may be recognised through NZQA's Top Scholar Award ceremony. Assessments are designed to be challenging, and are conducted as written or spoken examinations or by portfolios or year-long work. To be awarded, students are expected to show deep understanding, high-level thinking, and the ability to apply their understanding to complex situations. Examinations are timetabled during the same period as external NZQA exams, with practice exams in terms 2 and 3. Scholarship Breakfasts and Subject Workshops are held for students. For questions, contact Ms Trudy Gibb.
Scholarships
Dove Scholarships are Kristin's main scholarship program for Years 9–13 and include four categories: Dove Sports Scholarships, Dove Performing Arts Scholarships, Dove Foundation Scholarships (for Alumni/Foundation families), and Dove Emerging Leaders Scholarships. Each category offers up to 50% of tuition fees and is renewed each year if scholarship requirements are met. Dove Scholarships open for 2027 entry; applications close 31 March 2026; applicants complete an online form and are notified by email about shortlisting. Eligibility requires New Zealand Citizenship or Permanent Residency; scholarships are for new students entering Years 9–13. Shortlisted applicants and their parents attend an interview; a financial disclosure may be requested; decisions are final; if no applicants meet criteria, Kristin may not award any scholarships that year.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Applicants not selected for an entrance interview are placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if an opportunity for an entrance interview arises at a later date.