Selwyn House School vs St Margaret's College

	S Selwyn House School Christchurch, New Zealand	S St Margaret's College Christchurch, New Zealand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year NZ$19,200 - 41,500	Fees / year NZ$18,850 - 31,490
Age range	Age range 3 - 13 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Girls School	Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP)	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 298	Pupils 842
Typical class size	Typical class size 17	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1929	Opened 1910
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Selwyn House School is located at 122 Merivale Lane, Merivale, Christchurch 8014. It sits in the Merivale suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. The postal address is PO Box 25049 and the phone number is (03) 355 7299.	Location 12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand. Postal address: PO Box 25094, Christchurch 8140.
Stages	Stages A co-educational pre-school for ages 2.5–5 years and a Year 1–8 girls' independent full primary school.	Stages Junior School; Middle School; Senior School.
School type	School type Independent girls' school for Years 1–8 with a co-educational pre-school.	School type All-girls day and boarding school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	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 —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Acceptance Fees - Domestic application fee: NZD 175, payable on application. - Domestic acceptance fee: NZD 800, payable on offer of a place; this acceptance fee includes lifetime membership to the Selwyn House School Alumni Association and is not refundable if the student does not take up the place. - Pre-school enrolment fee: NZD 110, payable on enrolment. - International application fee: NZD 375 - International acceptance fee: NZD 1550 International application fee amounts and acceptance requirements apply for overseas students. A refundable international disbursement bond of NZD 2,000 is charged for international students (refundable if unused). Tuition fees — Domestic (primary years) — annual, 10-month instalments, and per-term (calculated) - Years 1 & 2: Annual fee NZD 19,200; 10-month instalment NZD 1,920. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 4,800. - Years 3 & 4: Annual fee NZD 22,700; 10-month instalment NZD 2,270. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 5,675. - Years 5 & 6: Annual fee NZD 23,000; 10-month instalment NZD 2,300. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 5,750. - Years 7 & 8: Annual fee NZD 25,000; 10-month instalment NZD 2,500. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 6,250. (Note: per-term figures above are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by four.) Tuition fees — International (primary years) - International tuition Years 1–4: NZD 38,500 (annual; international tuition is set and paid in advance). - International tuition Years 5 & 8: NZD 41,500 (annual; international tuition is set and paid in advance). - International disbursement bond: NZD 2,000 (refundable if unused). Compulsory levies and other recurring charges - Compulsory Development Levy (CDL): One daughter NZD 850 per year (or NZD 85 on the 10-month instalment plan); two or more daughters NZD 980 per year (or NZD 98 on the 10-month instalment plan). - Incidental charges (for after-school opportunities, casual days, trips, etc.) are billed in arrears and appear as disbursements on regular invoices. - Late payment fee: NZD 150 per student for payments made after the due date, with a further NZD 150 per student charged for each subsequent month the account remains unpaid. Accounts more than 60 days overdue will be referred to a debt collection agency. Pre-school fee details (sessional and weekly rates; additional hours) - Under-3s (8:30am–3:30pm) weekly rates: 3-day NZD 264; 4-day NZD 352; 5-day NZD 440. - Ages 3–6 with maximum 20 ECE hours attestation weekly rates: 3-day NZD 180; 4-day NZD 240; 5-day NZD 300. With no attestation (no ECE hours) weekly rates: 3-day NZD 264; 4-day NZD 352; 5-day NZD 440. - Additional hours charged at NZD 20 per half hour. Pre-school fees are invoiced weekly or fortnightly in advance; families are invoiced two weeks in advance of the child's first week. Billing schedule and payment terms - School tuition fees are invoiced monthly in advance. School invoices are payable by direct debit on the 20th of the month following invoice issue. Pre-school invoices are issued weekly or fortnightly in advance. - The mandatory method of payment is by direct debit; a direct debit authority must be completed and returned to the school's business office before a child commences. The school does not provide credit facilities. - A prepayment discount of 1.5% on tuition fees is applied if the full year's primary school tuition fees are received by 20 February (discount applies to tuition only). Withdrawal, leave, and refund rules - Fees paid are generally non-refundable. Fees paid or payable for any period of non-attendance will not be applied against other fees or charges. - Acceptance fee: if a student does not take up the offered place, the acceptance fee is not refundable. - Withdrawal: at least one full term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to withdrawal (or a full term's tuition fee is payable in lieu of notice). Temporary leave of absence for a term or more requires prior approval and a leave-of-absence holding fee (amount dependent on length of leave). - International disbursement bond is refundable if unused. Other notes on fee arrangements and collections - The Trust Board may alter fees and charges at its discretion; incidental school charges will be invoiced monthly. When there are multiple signatories on an application, those signatories are jointly and severally liable for fees. In cases of extreme hardship the school may vary fee payment arrangements; applications for payment arrangements must be made in writing to the Finance Manager. Accounts unpaid beyond the stated terms may attract recovery action.	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 Selwyn House School is an International Baccalaureate World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) from Pre-school to Year 8. It provides a continuum of education with a co-educational pre-school and a girls' independent full primary school. The curriculum integrates academics with specialist programmes in STEM, the arts, sports, and leadership development, fostering inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The Primary Years Programme uses a Programme of Inquiry organized around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in time and place; How the world works; How we express ourselves; How we organise ourselves; Sharing the planet. Learning emphasises small class sizes, personalised support, and a scaffolded approach across all year levels, with specialist subjects offered across the year groups.	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 Small class sizes provide personalised support and a nurturing learning environment across Pre-school to Year 8.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	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 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 A Specialist Programme offers Spanish, Music, Science, Mechatronics, Physical Education & Health, Visual Arts, Food Technology, Performing Arts and STEAM taught by specialists to deepen learning across Units of Inquiry.	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. Registering Interest: Families may register their interest at any time by completing the registration form. Open Days and Personal Tours are available to learn more about Selwyn House School. If applying to Pre‑school, an additional application is required. 2. Enrolment Application: Submit an Application for Enrolment as soon as possible for entry to Selwyn House School. The application must include a copy of the student's full birth certificate. Evidence of NZ citizenship or residency if not born in New Zealand (e.g., passport or citizenship certificate) should be provided. Also include a copy of the most recent school report (if applicable) and any additional supporting documentation. 3. Visit and Interviews: Domestic applicants and families have an interview with the Principal, which can occur in person or online. Interviews for New Entrants and Year 1 are held when the child is four years old; applicants for Years 2–8 are required to attend an Experience Day, and the interview and Experience Morning may not be on the same day. International applicants meet with the Deputy Principal and Director of International Students after the application is received; this is not a formal assessment and is typically conducted by Zoom or Google Meet. 4. Offer of Place: Successful domestic and international applicants will be sent an Offer of Place and additional details. A confirmation fee is required to secure the enrolment space. 5. Starting School: Before starting at Selwyn House School, New Entrant and Year 1 students participate in Playgroup and the Transition to School Programme. New students schedule a school uniform appointment, receive information relevant to their entry year level, and receive their school stationery pack on their first day. Students are also matched with a classroom buddy to help with the transition. 6. Domestic Applications, International Applications, and Pre‑school Applications are available online.	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 2027 Scholarships are open until April 30th 2026: The Charlotte Mason is a new scholarship for Year 7 girls and covers the full cost of tuition fees for 2 years (all clubs and extra curricular activities excluded). Selwyn House School provides opportunities for scholarships to both prospective and currently enrolled students in Academics, Sports, Performing Arts, and Music. All applicants, regardless of scholarship type or current connection to the School, are required to sit the academic examination. Prospective students who wish to apply for a scholarship must submit a completed enrolment application before the scholarship application deadline. For more information contact Enrolments Co-ordinator Leanne Glasson at enrolments@selhouse.school.nz.	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 —	Waitlist An offer of place may be issued, or a place on the waitlist may be assigned.
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