Kristin School vs Saint Kentigern College

	K Kristin School Auckland, New Zealand	S Saint Kentigern College Auckland, New Zealand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year NZ$500 - 29,056	Fees / year NZ$28,422 - 51,232
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,800	Pupils 2,325
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 24
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1973	Opened 1953
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location Pakuranga Campus, 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus sits in the Pakuranga area of Auckland and is part of Saint Kentigern College. Directions and bus information are available to assist travel to the campus.
Stages	Stages Early Learning to Senior School (Early Childhood Education 6 months–5 years; Kindergarten through Year 13)	Stages Years 7-13 (ages 11-18)
School type	School type Independent, co-educational school	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation New Zealand	Country affiliation New Zealand
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation non-denominational	Religious affiliation Presbyterian
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details Bus information is available for the Pakuranga Campus.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Enrolment and application fees - APPLICATION FEE: NZD 300.00 (payable when submitting an application; non-refundable). - ACCEPTANCE FEE (enrolment confirmation): NZD 500.00 (invoiced when a place is offered; non-refundable). - ASSOCIATION FEE (lifetime Alumni / Parents & Friends membership): NZD 775.00 (invoiced on offer; non-refundable). - CONTRIBUTION LEVY (all students): NZD 1,500.00 (invoiced on offer). Tuition fees — College (Years 9–13) - Annual tuition fee (applies to College students): NZD 28,422.00 per year. - Per term (calculated): NZD 7,105.50 per term (annual tuition divided by four). (This per-term figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition.) - Per month if using the 10-month instalment plan (calculated): NZD 2,842.20 per month (annual tuition divided by 10). (This per‑month figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition and the school's 10‑month instalment option.) Boarding fees (Bruce House) - Annual boarding fee (term time only): NZD 21,810.00 per year. Boarding fees are charged in addition to tuition. - Per term (calculated): NZD 5,452.50 per term (annual boarding fee divided by four). (Per‑term figure is a calculation.) - Boarding does not include tuition; weekly and full‑term boarding options are available within the boarding programme. Other compulsory and typical costs - SOFTWARE LICENCE FEE (one-off): NZD 250.00. - PUBLICATIONS FEE (annual, approximate): NZD 200.00. - UNIFORM (approximate cost for newly enrolled students to obtain full uniform): NZD 1,300.00 (approx). Second‑hand options may reduce this cost. - LAPTOP BUNDLE: Variable — an approved laptop bundle (device, accidental damage cover, extended warranty, carry case) is required from Year 6 and is available through the school's preferred supplier. - IB DIPLOMA CHARGE (for students taking the IB in Years 12–13): NZD 1,000.00 per year (charged in instalments where indicated). - ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM / SUBJECT COSTS: Variable — extra charges may apply depending on year level and subject selection (examples: specialist subject levies, field trips, workbooks, camps, overnight excursions, external exam fees). - SPORTS / CO-CURRICULAR TRIP COSTS: Variable — charges depend on participation and event. - BUS FARES: Variable — fares depend on route and distance; route and fare details are updated each year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Domestic (NZ) accounts: All accounts require payment by Direct Debit unless tuition is paid in full under the early‑payment options. Direct Debits (including incidentals) are processed on the 20th of each month (January to December). - Early payment discounts: - Full payment in advance by 05 December of the prior year: 1.5% discount on net tuition. - Full payment by 20 January: 0.9% discount on net tuition. - Instalment option: Tuition may be spread over 10 months (February to November) by Direct Debit; incidentals may be direct‑debited January–December. - Overdue and transaction charges: Interest on overdue balances may be charged at 1% per month. Payments made by credit card incur a 2% surcharge. Dishonoured payments attract a dishonour fee (NZD 20). - International student billing: Annual international tuition and boarding costs are billed in November of the year before entry and are payable in a single lump sum by the end of November; a paid receipt is required to support a student visa application. Refunds, notice and withdrawal - APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE and ASSOCIATION FEES are non‑refundable. - If a student is unable to attend at the beginning of a term, fees remain due; the Trust Board does not undertake to remit or refund fees for illness, quarantine, or other causes. - NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL: A minimum of one term's written notice to the College Principal is required to withdraw a student (day or boarder). Without correct notice, full fees for the following term will be charged in lieu of notice. - FEE PROTECTION: The Trust Board operates a Fee Protection Scheme that may cover tuition (and boarding where applicable) in the event of the death of a fee‑paying parent or legal guardian; entry is automatic upon payment of the first fee instalment and eligibility restrictions apply. Sibling discounts and concessions - SIBLING DISCOUNT: 5% off tuition for two family members attending Saint Kentigern campuses; 10% off tuition where three or more family members attend. Students receiving scholarships or other concessions are not eligible for the sibling discount. Payment methods and practical notes - Direct Debit is the required method for ongoing billing and instalments. Credit card payments are accepted but attract a 2% surcharge. Overdue amounts may accrue interest. Dishonoured payments incur an NZD 20 fee. For international enrolments, annual tuition and boarding are billed and must be paid in full to provide a receipt for visa purposes. How additional charges are handled - Many costs beyond tuition and boarding (subject levies, EOTC camps, field trips, workbook charges, elective programme fees, sports tours) are variable and billed as required; these are direct‑debited as incidentals unless otherwise invoiced. Contacts for accounts and payments - Accounts / Finance contact for fee queries: accounts@saintkentigern.com ; Phone: +64 9 577 0747.
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 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.	Curriculum details The Senior School offers a broad range of subjects across Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. In Year 11, every student undertakes the NCEA Level 1 qualification. In Years 12 and 13, students may choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's NCEA. The IB Diploma is a two-year program with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), one language as a second language, and core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service. The NZQA/NCEA path comprises Levels 1–3 with internal and external assessments; most subjects offer 16–20 credits per subject, and Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 enable progression toward certificates. A Course Handbook provides comprehensive information about the core curriculum and elective subjects.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes; senior school classes have an average of 15 students.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results The school has a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma and 97% of students achieving University Entrance (UE) in 2024.	Exam results In 2023, Level 1 NCEA achieved a pass rate of 98.8% (415/420), with 40.96% Excellence Endorsement and 44.82% Merit Endorsement; 86% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 2 NCEA achieved 99.29% (279/281) with 31.54% Excellence Endorsement and 47.67% Merit Endorsement; 79% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 3 NCEA achieved 97.84% (272/278); 21.94% Excellence Endorsement and 48.2% Merit Endorsement; 70% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. The University Entrance rate for the year stands at 91%.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 97% of students achieved University Entrance (UE) in 2024.	Higher education progression Graduates have progressed to universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, New York University, University of Melbourne, and University of Sydney.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
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. 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.	Admissions 1. Application: To apply to Saint Kentigern College, complete the Online Application Form. Applications can be submitted up to three years before the intended entry year. A non-refundable application fee of $300 is charged per application. Attach a copy of the child's NZ Birth Certificate or NZ Passport or current passport, along with their latest school reports; if there have been any educational or medical assessments, provide the reports as well. 2. Request for documentation: Around 12 months ahead of entry year, the Admissions team will be in touch to request additional supporting documentation, such as school reports. 3. Interview: After the application and documents are received, prospective students and their caregiver may be invited to attend an enrolment interview in an informal, friendly setting. Interviews are held the year prior to entry. Not every student will be offered an interview and may be placed in a wait pool. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided. 4. Offer of Place: Following a successful interview, a written offer for the child's place will be issued. The offer is usually sent within a week of the interview. To secure the place, an Enrolment Agreement must be signed by both Parents or Caregivers and returned along with the non-refundable Acceptance Fee, Association Fee and Contribution Levy. 5. Acceptance: To complete enrolment, sign the Enrolment Agreement and return it with the required fees. Fees and levies are non-refundable.
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships Saint Kentigern College offers Scholarships to students entering Years 9-11. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarship categories: Academic, All-Round, Alumni, Boarding Bursary, Performing Arts, and Sport. Scholarships may cover up to 50% of tuition for most categories; Alumni up to 25%; Boarding Bursary up to 50% of boarding fees; Sport up to 50% (up to 90% in exceptional cases). Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student's schooling. Applications open for 2028 Scholarships on 2 November 2026; 2027 Scholarships are closed. Timeline: 1) Apply online (no fee) with required documents; 2) Exams and auditions as required; 3) Interviews for shortlisted candidates; 4) Offer of scholarship; 5) Acceptance by returning Enrolment Agreement.
Waitlist	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.	Waitlist Due to high demand, some applicants may be placed in a wait pool while spaces become available. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided.
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