Compare International Schools in Christchurch, New zealand

Instructs in English

Ages 11 - 18 years

Fees NZ$200 - 74,500

Pupils 80

Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)

Rangi Ruru Girls' School is an independent boarding school for girls in Christchurch, New Zealand, with over 130 years of history. The school is led by Tracy Herft, the 11th Principal. It offers NCEA qualifications, small class sizes, and teaching methods tailored to the way girls learn. The boarding programme provides safe, comfortable residential spaces managed by a dedicated boarding team. Extracurricular programmes include music, sport, theatre arts, and leadership development. The school also operates a pre-school and welcomes international students in small numbers.

Location

Rangi Ruru is located at 59 Hewitts Road in the Merivale suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand.

Stages

The school accepts students at Year 7, Year 9, and other year levels through Year 13.

Type

Independent girls' boarding school with day student option, offering NCEA qualifications.

Additional learning support

ESOL tuition; Personal Development Plans; guidance and wellbeing support; International Club.

Country affiliation

New Zealand

Religious affiliation

Presbyterian; onsite St Andrew's Presbyterian Church with weekly Chapel services.

Application and Confirmation Fees

- Application fee: NZ$200 payable on enrolment.
- Confirmation fee: NZ$2,000 non‑refundable (payable once a place is confirmed). The confirmation fee includes Rangi Ruru Old Girls' Association life membership and the school's Fee Protection Scheme for domestic enrolments.

Tuition fees (per year and per term) — Domestic students

- Years 7–8: NZ$28,100 per year. Per term (assuming four school terms): NZ$7,025 per term.
- Years 9–13: NZ$31,500 per year. Per term (assuming four school terms): NZ$7,875 per term.

Tuition and boarding fees — International students

- International tuition (Years 7–13): NZ$54,200 per year. Per term (assuming four school terms): NZ$13,550 per term. The full year's international tuition is payable in advance to meet student-visa requirements.
- International boarding (Years 9–13): NZ$20,300 per year. Per term (four terms): NZ$5,075 per term.

Boarding fees — Domestic (New Zealand) boarders

- Boarding fee for Years 9–13 (domestic boarders): NZ$20,300 per year. Per term (four terms): NZ$5,075 per term. Boarding fees are charged in instalments and discounts are offered for pre‑payment.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing: Tuition and boarding fees are invoiced in 10 equal instalments (January through October). Amounts are due for payment February through November. Disbursements (extras) appear on monthly accounts.
- Direct Debit: Direct Debit is the mandatory method of payment for the school's billing system and for disbursements; a Direct Debit form is provided in the enrolment pack or from the Business Office.
- Payment in full: There is an option to pay the full year's fees at the start of the year; the Board sets discounts for full early payment each year. For the 2026 fee year there are specified early‑payment discounts.
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted only if the full year's fees are paid by the stated deadline; a 2.5% surcharge applies to credit‑card payments to cover commission costs.

Discounts, sibling concessions and early‑payment offers

- Sibling discount: 5% per annum for a second daughter and 10% per annum for a third daughter while daughters are concurrently enrolled; discounts are prorated on fees actually paid.
- Early payment discounts: The Board sets discounts for paying fees in full by specified dates (example early‑payment discount deadlines and rates were published for the 2026 fee cycle).

Other costs and typical disbursements

- Disbursements (charged to accounts as they occur): stationery, digital licences, student handbook/diary, yearbook, music lesson charges, sports fees, canteen charges, and other incidentals. These appear on monthly statements (the “gold sheet”) and are payable on receipt and no later than the 20th of the month. Estimated average for disbursements: approximately NZ$1,500–NZ$2,000 per year, depending on activities.
- Co‑curricular and sport costs: Team and tournament participation, travel, special equipment and squad fees are charged separately; example sports costs vary (for example, netball team fees and tournament costs and rowing costs are charged in addition to tuition). Specific co‑curricular charges are billed via the disbursement process.
- Uniform and related items: The school operates an onsite Uniform Shop. Typical retail examples published include a tracksuit jacket at around NZ$97.50, tracksuit pants around NZ$89.99 and Rangi spandex shorts at about NZ$45; second‑hand uniform sales are available through the shop. Uniform purchases may be charged to the student account or paid by cash/EFTPOS/card at the shop.
- Optional PTA family membership subscription: appears on the February account as a voluntary charge administered by the PTA.

Refund and withdrawal terms

- General rule: Fees (unless paid in advance) are non‑refundable and non‑transferable. Late payment attracts default interest and recovery costs; consistently overdue accounts may lead to forfeiture of the student's place.
- International/withdrawal specifics: For international enrolments, if study is cancelled after commencement, the school retains the tuition fee for the current school term plus the subsequent term; no refund is payable when enrolment is withdrawn by the school under the stated terms. Boarding fees follow the school's stated instalment and retention terms and there are limited discounts available for pre‑payment.

Fee payment methods and practical notes for payment

- Mandatory Direct Debit arrangement for regular instalment billing and for disbursements; Direct Debit details are provided in enrolment documentation.
- Full‑year payment option with Board‑set discounts; credit card payment (Visa/Mastercard/AMEX) accepted only for full‑year payments by the published deadline and subject to a 2.5% surcharge.
- Accounts and overdue process: Accounts overdue may incur interest calculated at the school's borrowing (overdraft) rate; accounts more than NZ$5,000 overdue may be escalated to the Principal and Board and could affect the student's enrolment status.

Additional notes on boarding and assistance

- Boarding allowances and government support: Parents may be eligible to apply for Ministry of Education boarding allowances; the school references the Ministry application information for families considering boarding.
- Financial hardship support: A limited number of endowment funds are available for fee support; enquiries about fee support should be directed confidentially to the Financial Controller. Late or unpaid accounts can affect enrolment.

Boarding Arrangements

The school operates a boarding programme with houses and flats providing safe, comfortable, and caring residential spaces. A dedicated boarding team manages student care and wellbeing.

Uniform Requirement

The uniform is required for all students whenever at school or representing the school. The Uniform Shop is onsite at 41 Hewitts Road. Blazers must be worn for formal occasions; Year 13 students wear gold braid on their blazers; hair, jewellery and appearance guidelines apply; Māori students may wear visible pounamu taonga as a mark of cultural identity.

Food Options

Lunch is provided in the on-site dining room, with a weekly lunch menu posted in the dining area. The menu includes items such as crumbed hoki in a Po Boy, butter chicken with basmati rice, a MYO wrap, loaded wedges, and chilli con carne with brown rice; gluten-free versions are available and food is prepared in a kitchen where gluten is present. Students can order lunch or use their Cando card for dining; lunch passes are available for going home at lunchtime.

House System

The school uses a house/clan system to foster belonging. A house system was introduced in 1947 with the term ‘clans', and Clan colours are proudly worn with rivalry in challenges. Clan Whānau was introduced to strengthen cross-year connections, wellbeing, and leadership opportunities within the clan structure.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by the Rangi Ruru Board of Governors, an Incorporated Society with charitable status; members are appointed through a recruitment process and the board operates with several sub-committees. The Rangi Ruru Foundation is a Charitable Trust established in 1995 to support long-term sustainability, capital development, scholarships and prizes, and overall school welfare.

Curriculum

The school follows the NCEA curriculum. Programmes include Te Ara (Maori cultural programme) and Rangi X (innovation programme).

Student Teacher Ratio

As the smallest independent Year 7 to 13 girls' school in the South Island, class sizes are small. Subject classes are limited to 25 students (22 in Years 7–8); most senior classes run 16–20 students. Average class sizes are 22 for Year 7–8; 21.3 for Year 9; 17.5 for Year 10; 16.8 for Year 11; 14.5 for Year 12; 12.4 for Year 13.

Exam Results

Results 2024: Level 1 97% (68% Merit or Excellence); Level 2 98% (75% Merit or Excellence); Level 3 98% (79% Merit or Excellence); University Entrance 98%. Results 2023: Level 1 98% (90% Merit or Excellence); Level 2 98% (78% Merit or Excellence); Level 3 98% (73% Merit or Excellence); University Entrance 96%. Results 2022: Level 1 99% (88% Merit or Excellence); Level 2 100% (82% Merit or Excellence); Level 3 97% (79% Merit or Excellence); University Entrance 97%.

Higher Education Progression

More than 95% of Rangi Ruru students go on to further tertiary study in New Zealand and overseas, with many gaining substantial scholarships. A Careers and Pathways Strategist works with each student one on one to support career planning, tertiary choices and scholarship applications.

Gifted and Talented

Gifted and Talented Education is provided; The Learning Support Team delivers Gifted and Talented Education for highly able students.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Care and Development Network provides guidance, support, and tools addressing student development and personal understanding.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school has a Learning Centre as part of the care and development network to support individual learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

ESOL tuition is available for international students, offered one-to-one or in small groups, with two or more hours of English support per week depending on individual needs.

Mental Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Development Team delivers a dynamic and comprehensive programme for all year levels from Year 7 to equip girls with resources to feel good and function well, drawing on positive psychology and growth mindset.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to student safety and maintains Student Safe policies and guidelines.

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Selwyn House School

Instructs in English

Ages 3 - 13 years

Fees NZ$19,200 - 41,500

Pupils 298

Type Co-educational, Girls School

Selwyn House School is an International Baccalaureate World School delivering the Primary Years Programme from Pre-school to Year 8. It combines a co-educational pre-school with 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 emphasizes small class sizes, personalised support, and a scaffolded approach across year levels, with specialist subjects across the year groups. Founded in 1929, Selwyn House offers a continuum from Pre-school to Year 8. Facilities include a heated pool, Technology Hub, Mechatronics, Food Technology, Visual Arts, Music and Spanish classrooms, library, Performing Arts Centre, and pre-school.

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.

Stages

A co-educational pre-school for ages 2.5–5 years and a Year 1–8 girls' independent full primary school.

Type

Independent girls' school for Years 1–8 with a co-educational pre-school.

Country affiliation

New Zealand

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.

Curriculum

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.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes provide personalised support and a nurturing learning environment across Pre-school to Year 8.

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.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Pastoral Care & Wellbeing ensures every girl feels supported, valued and connected in all aspects of the school. A buddy system connects Senior School students with juniors to provide friendship and guidance. The Primary Years Programme fosters the development of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, social, self‑assessment and self‑management skills through Units of Inquiry. Units of Inquiry emphasise community, respect and empathy and engage students in dialogue and collaboration to deepen understanding of themselves, their wider community and the world. The IB World School values Curious, Courageous, Resilient and Inspirational and these values underpin daily learning and relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Small class sizes allow for personalised support and a scaffolded learning approach across Pre‑school to Year 8. A range of specialist subjects, taught by expert teachers, provides diverse learning experiences that accommodate different learner needs within the IB framework. The curriculum and teaching approach are designed to support students to develop confidence and independence while fostering collaboration and resilience.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral Care & Wellbeing is a daily programme that ensures every girl feels supported, valued and connected. Wellbeing is a core focus in the Pre‑school with yoga, mindful breathing, Smiling Minds and The Friendology Programme. The Principal emphasizes collaboration, empathetic understanding and lifelong relationships as foundations for successful learning. The four core values—Curious, Courageous, Resilient and Inspirational—guide learning and support wellbeing across the school.

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.

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.

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St Margaret's College

Instructs in English

Ages 2 - 18 years

Fees NZ$18,850 - 31,490

Pupils 842

Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)

St Margaret's College is an all‑girls, day and boarding school in New Zealand offering a dual academic pathway of NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The college serves girls from age 2 to 18, with a foundation Year 11 that prepares for NCEA Levels 2–3 and the IBDP, and a broad programme supported by the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement. As an IB World School, it delivers the Diploma Programme core—Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service—alongside subject groups across languages, individuals and societies, mathematics, arts and sciences. Facilities include the Centre for Innovation with coding, robotics, 3D printing and laser cutting; a Library & Study Centre; and purpose‑built arts and performance spaces. The campus underwent an 80% rebuild after the Canterbury earthquakes, and features extensive sports facilities, a heated pool, on‑site health, chaplaincy, and a strong boarding community. Results and traditions underpin a whānau‑centred education.

Location

12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand. Postal address: PO Box 25094, Christchurch 8140.

Stages

Junior School; Middle School; Senior School.

Type

All-girls day and boarding school.

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

New Zealand

Religious affiliation

Anglican

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.

Boarding Arrangements

The school has three on-campus boarding houses arranged by year group: Julius House (Years 7–10), Kilburn House (Years 11–12) and Cranmer House (Year 13). Each house has its own team of staff, and a buddy system connects boarders with senior girls; day students join boarders for lunch and for extensive co-curricular activities on and off campus.

Uniform Requirement

The school uses a formal uniform system with separate provisions for Junior/Middle School and Senior School. Uniform items include a long-sleeved blouse with tie and a short-sleeved blouse with tie, cardigan, gym dress, tailored shorts with a short-sleeved T‑shirt, jacket, a junior hat, a red blazer (awarded), and tailored navy trousers.

Food Options

The dining arrangement centers on Kilburn Dining Room in Kilburn House; the Kilburn Dining Room houses the school cafeteria for meals, with Kilburn Dining Room used by Year 7–11 at interval and lunch. Students may either choose from a wide range of reasonably priced and well-balanced foods or bring their own food to eat in the cafeteria. Payment is charged by means of a barcode on the student ID card, and cafeteria accounts are billed monthly; Junior School families order lunch on Kindo by 9am.

House System

There are six houses: Kōnini (purple), Kōwhai (yellow), Mānuka (white), Matipo (brown), Rātā (red), and Rimu (green). They foster belonging, friendly rivalry, and vertical integration from Year 0–13; each house has a House Prefect supported by a teacher in charge and a council of Year 12–13 students; House meetings are held regularly to encourage participation in cultural and sporting events.

Governance and Ownership

St Margaret's College is governed by the St Margaret's College Trust Board.

Curriculum

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.

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

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 education and learning support is provided through the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement, offering tailored learning programs continuing from Junior and Middle School.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school centers holistic education on spiritual and emotional wellbeing with positive relationships at the heart of the learning community. A house tutor system provides the main contact for wellbeing and academic progress, with about 16 students per tutor group in the Middle and Senior Schools. Buddies support new students, and the boarding community mirrors this approach with year-based buddy arrangements. A team of counsellors and health professionals located in the on-site Health Centre, supported by a Chaplain who attends to spiritual and emotional needs, provides professional support to students and families. The wellbeing framework includes the five pillars of wellbeing—connecting, taking notice, being active, continued learning, and giving—and the Hauora model (taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whanau, taha wairua) guiding our approach. The Health Centre offers on-site health care with a School Nurse and two counsellors, and a physiotherapist is available for students and staff.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement provides support for students identified as learning differently, including gifted and talented, English language learners, and those with dyslexia or other learning differences. On entry, students are assessed to identify strengths and challenges, and may be referred to Leck staff with individual support actions developed in consultation with families. The Leck team delivers small-group tuition focused on literacy and numeracy, study skills, and research-based programmes, with in-class support across Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. Students who are English language learners are offered extra support in English language acquisition through small-group and individual programmes.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English language learners at St Margaret's College receive extra support in English language acquisition through small group and individual programmes. Leck Centre provides Year 1-13 learning support, including English language learning as part of its inclusive approach.

Mental Wellbeing

Wellbeing is woven into all aspects of the curriculum, focusing on physical, mental, emotional, and social health. The five pillars of wellbeing—connecting, taking notice, being active, continued learning, and giving—support mental health and a growth mindset. A Chaplain and pastoral care team provide additional spiritual and emotional guidance. The Health Centre is on campus with a School Nurse and two full-time counsellors, and a physiotherapist is available for students and staff; boarders can access a GP through St Albans Medical Center if needed.

Safeguarding

St Margaret's College has a Child Protection Policy committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and to the prevention of child abuse. The policy designates a Designated Person for Child Protection (Executive Principal) and a Designated Leadership Team to oversee safeguarding. Staff are responsible for reporting concerns to Oranga Tamariki or the NZ Police, recording concerns accurately, and maintaining confidentiality. The policy requires staff to follow professional standards of behaviour and to work with external agencies as appropriate, with guidelines for safe working practices and supervision of volunteers. The policy also references The Vulnerable Children's Hub and related contact points for safeguarding concerns.

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

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

An offer of place may be issued, or a place on the waitlist may be assigned.

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