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Cashmere High School

New Zealand, Christchurch

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$18,500
Ages 13 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1956
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Japanese, Spanish
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Cashmere High School in Christchurch is a co-educational secondary school serving students aged 13 to 18. It operates a bespoke curriculum that allows students to tailor subject choices toward future study and careers, with a yearly Studies Choice handbook detailing courses, entry requirements and costs. Opened in 1956, the school is known for performing arts and scientific programs, reflected in the McCombs Performing Arts Centre, along with a Science and Technology faculty offering Agriculture & Horticultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Electronics and Physics, Digital Technologies and Multi-Materials Technology. The campus includes a Fitness and High Performance Centre, seven tennis courts, seven netball courts, a hockey turf, BYOD-enabled digital learning facilities. Unique features include Pūhoro STEM mentoring, Ekea Pathways to University of Canterbury, and gateways to vocational training such as Canterbury Trades Academy. The Māori name Te iringa o Kahukura and the Lymphad symbol reflect heritage and leadership.

172 Rose Street, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand

The Essentials

Cashmere High School has instruction in English.

Location
Cashmere High School is located at 172 Rose Street, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand. The school is in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Stages
Secondary school.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school uses Mainland Uniforms as its uniform supplier. The Mainland Uniform Store is located at South City Mall, 549 Colombo Street. Store hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm; closed on Sundays and public holidays.

House System
The school has a six-house system. The six houses are Blake, Britten, Cooper, Ngata, Rutherford and Sheppard; each house has its own colour and student heads of house and head teacher. Inter-house competitions run throughout the year to earn points for the House Shield.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of the Principal, one staff representative, five elected parent representatives, and a student representative; the Board may co-opt additional representatives. The Board governs the school and sets its direction, including the curriculum, staff, property, health and safety, and finance and administration. Under the Education and Training Act 2020, every board is required to have a Strategic Plan and an Annual Implementation Plan; the school publishes annual reports and its most recent ERO report was published in May 2025.
Fees

Annual tuition at Cashmere High School ranges from NZD 18,500 for 2026/27.

Application / Administration fee
- NZD 500 administration (enrolment) fee charged on application/enrolment.

Tuition fees (full details by term and year group)
- Full-year (Terms 1–4): NZD 18,500 per year.
- Terms 1 & 2 (semester 1): NZD 9,800.
- Terms 3 & 4 (semester 2) for Year 9–10: NZD 9,800.
- Terms 3 & 4 (semester 2) for Year 11–13: NZD 8,700.
- Per-term amounts (as charged):
- Term 1: NZD 4,900.
- Term 2: NZD 4,900.
- Term 3: NZD 4,900.
- Term 4 (Year 9–10): NZD 4,900.
- Term 4 (Year 11–13): NZD 3,800.
- Short-stay weekly tuition rate (where applicable): NZD 490 per week.
- Subject fees, workbooks and online subscription costs are additional and are added to the student account once subject choices are confirmed.
- NCEA external assessment charge (NZQA): NZD 383.30 per year (charged where applicable).
- Medical insurance charge (approximate): NZD 80 per month.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition is shown both as full-year and as term/weekly rates; invoicing is structured around terms and short-stay weekly charges are used for shorter enrolments.
- The minimum enrolment period for international students is one full term (10 weeks).
- Subject charges and extracurricular charges are posted to the student account and billed through that account.

Boarding / Homestay
- The school does not operate a boarding hostel for international students; homestay placement with local families is used for international student accommodation.
- Homestay fees: Homestay weekly fee NZD 420; homestay daily fee NZD 60 (where a daily rate applies).
- Homestay placement fee (one-off): NZD 500.
- Designated Caregiver fee (where applicable): NZD 300.

Other costs and fees
- Uniform (approximate / new-purchase and rental options):
- Rental per term: NZD 150.
- New Year 9–10 male full set: NZD 524.
- New Year 11–13 male full set: NZD 444.
- New Year 9–10 female full set: NZD 677.
- New Year 11–13 female full set: NZD 597.
- Subject-specific fees, field trips, course materials, technology subscriptions and some co-curricular activities are additional and vary by subject or activity; these are charged to the student account once subjects/activities are confirmed.

Refund information
- Withdrawal and refund rules apply; typical provisions include:
- Withdrawal before 7 days of course commencement: refund of tuition paid less an enrolment/processing deduction.
- Withdrawal within 7 days of course commencement: refund of remaining fees less an administration fee (administration fee commonly applied).
- Withdrawal any time after 7 days of course commencement: no refund for the current term and following term; remaining fees (if any) may be refundable less administration and other costs incurred on the student's behalf.
- No refund of tuition after the end of Term 2 in the academic year in typical cases; no refund where enrolment is withdrawn by the school or where a student's passport status changes to permanent residence.
- Refunds require written application to the school (principal) stating reasons for withdrawal; specific deductions and eligibility are determined under the school's enrolment/refund procedure.

Fee payment options
- School account payments and activity fees are charged to the student's school account; parents/carers can pay invoices to the school account via internet banking (school bank account) or by credit card through the parent/online payment portal. Credit-card payments via the parent portal may incur a surcharge for card processing.

Notes about additional charges
- Examination/qualification levies (NCEA), medical insurance, subject consumables, field trips, and some co-curricular programme costs are separate to base tuition and are charged in addition to tuition and homestay where applicable.
Academics

Cashmere High School teaches Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum
The school provides high-quality education in a wide variety of subjects. Students progress through the school and select subjects leading toward career choices and further study beyond school. A Studies Choice handbook is published each year, detailing courses offered, entry requirements and related costs.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides extensive pastoral care to support students and safety. Form Teachers support daily administration and guidance, while Class Teachers support learning and encourage good work habits. Heads of School (Deans) follow up discipline issues and guide student decision making, and Careers staff provide advice on tertiary study opportunities and employment options. The Senior Peer Support programme offers older students as role models and friendly contacts for younger students. Guidance Counsellors are available for personal support; the on-site Nurse and Health Clinic provide health care; Three full-time Counsellors work with the pastoral team; Most students seen by Counsellors are self-referred, and parental involvement is included when appropriate.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides a specialist facility and Learning Support staff to support learners with additional needs. Staff work with families to identify work experience opportunities and leisure activities within the school and wider community. This work is based on individual education plans (IEPs) and transition plans (ITPs). Te Pukenga philosophy of Conductive Education is integrated into the school's learning support approach.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) support is available. International students are placed in mainstream classes, while students with lower levels of English are placed in ESOL. All new students take an English test to help with class placement and to determine ESOL hours. The school has a Head of ESOL and ESOL staff to support learners, and translators are available to help with translation when required.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health resources are available for parents and carers to support students' wellbeing. External wellbeing services linked include CDHB Your Health, TKI Wellbeing, The Lowdown, Te Tahi Youth and Mana Ake. The school offers on-site health services through the Health Clinic and supports students via guidance counsellors, contributing to a wellbeing-focused pastoral care framework.

Safeguarding
Cashmere High School is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. The Code supports safeguarding and welfare for international learners. There is an on-site Health Clinic with registered nurses and a health privacy framework for safeguarding personal information. Counselling services maintain confidentiality unless there is risk of harm, and health matter referrals for students under 16 involve parents or caregivers. Policies and procedures are available through SchoolDocs.
Parent Experience

History
Cashmere High School, Te iringa o Kahukura, began in 1956 and has grown into a prominent New Zealand secondary school. Christchurch's southern growth in the mid-1950s prompted the Department of Education to establish the school on a site beside the Heathcote River and the Cashmere Hills. It opened in 1956 with 198 students under Headmaster Terence McCombs, whose leadership helped shape the school's early reputation; the performing arts centre is named in his honour. The Māori name Te iringa o Kahukura was gifted in 1972, and the Lymphad symbol and kowhaiwhai designs reflect the school's history and location. Leadership has continued with J.L. Stradwick from 2024 to the present.

Community
The school fosters a strong sense of community among staff and students, as reflected in its record of academic, sporting and cultural successes. It values cultural diversity and welcomes international students to join the school community. The school also emphasises student leadership and a successful partnership between home and school as a key part of positive secondary school experiences.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Cashmere Parents Group (CPG) hosts informative evening talks throughout the year at no cost, and all parents are welcome. CPG supports the school by hosting events and volunteering where needed. The group maintains an email list and operates a Facebook page and a uniform buying and selling group to keep families connected. Donations from the group support school faculties, with NZ$3,543 donated in 2025 and NZ$5,555 in 2024. Committee meetings are open to new members and are usually held in the school staffroom; 2026 meeting dates are published. Parents can contact the group at cpg@cashmere.school.nz for involvement or updates.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus centers on McCombs Performing Arts Centre with a 573-seat Main Auditorium, a raised stage, a Green Room and breakout spaces for performances and rehearsals. The gymnasium complex includes two gyms and Te Whare Rehia, the Fitness and High Performance Centre opened in late 2022 for group fitness and post‑school training. A Courts and Training Turf area provides seven tennis courts, seven netball courts, a basketball court, a half‑court and a hockey training turf, with hard courts and tiger turf available for hire to community groups. Science and Technology facilities support a broad curriculum, including Agriculture & Horticultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science, Electronics and Physics, and Digital Technologies and Multi‑Materials Technology. The School supports digital learning with a Contrast IT network and BYOD readiness, plus Pods/COWs in several blocks to enable flexible teaching and learning.

Sports Facilities
The gymnasium complex has two gyms; the main gym features an international‑standard basketball/netball court with 3‑meter run‑offs or space for six badminton courts, and can be divided into two full‑sized volleyball courts using a lowerable curtain. The smaller gym contains three full‑sized badminton courts and a shorter basketball court. Te Whare Rehia (Late 2022) is the Fitness and High Performance Centre with space for Yoga, Pilates and Fitness Boxing, plus extensive free weights, racks, plyometric boxes and cardio equipment; a Personal Trainer runs after‑school sessions. Courts and Training Turf cover a large multi‑surface area including seven tennis courts, seven netball courts, a basketball court, a half‑court and a hockey training turf. The hard courts and tiger turf are available to hire to community and commercial groups, subject to the school's values.

Academic Facilities
Science (Pūtaiao) offers Agriculture & Horticultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Space Science and Electronics and Physics. Technology (Hangarau) includes Digital Technologies, Design - Architecture & Product Design, Multi‑Materials Technology and Food & Textile Technologies. CAD/CAM capabilities, 3D modelling, laser and plasma cutters and routers support senior projects and practical learning. E‑learning is supported by Contrast IT; BYOD is in use; Pods/COWs are located in multiple blocks and KAMAR provides learning management. The Performing Arts Centre supports curriculum‑based arts learning and school productions.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Co‑Curricular activities include a school program for performing arts and sport with teams competing in local, regional and national events; individual athletes represent Canterbury and New Zealand in various codes. The performing arts program includes annual productions and has national champions in Stage Challenge, with award‑winning entries in bands, singing, Theatre Sports and orchestra. Outdoor Education runs trips and activities such as kayaking, tramping and navigation, with a fleet of white‑water kayaks, a school rock wall, camping and tramping gear, and climbing equipment, plus Port Hills activities. The Performing Arts Centre hosts community and school events and performances, including concerts and other large‑scale productions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Pūhoro STEM mentoring encourages akonga to participate in STEM subjects. Te Puna Pūtaiao offers Year 10 Science group activities to enrich scientific learning. Ekea – Pathways connects students with University of Canterbury opportunities to support further study. Gateway (Vocational Pathways), Canterbury Trades Academy, and Careers Planning and Guidance provide practical routes to further study and employment.

Arts & Creative
Co-Curricular Music, Drama and Art opportunities are offered by expert practitioners. Music groups perform regularly in major productions, concerts and special school occasions; a Music Tuition Programme is available. Ensembles and groups include Brass Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Combos, Orchestra and Stage Band. Students are encouraged to participate in external competitions, festivals, exhibitions, performances and master classes.

Cultural & Language
Kapa Haka and Māori cultural activities are supported through Tūhono, the annual Kapa Haka competition for Waitaha schools. Hākinakina includes Ki-ō-Rahi participation in annual tournaments in association with Ara, with opportunities to explore Whakairo and Mau Rakau. Ekea – Pathways (University of Canterbury) and other career pathways support language and culture-related opportunities. Ngāi Tahu links and cultural mapping are acknowledged within the school community.

Social & Hobbies
A range of student clubs, groups and councils exist, including Sustainability Council, Humanities Council, Science Club, Cashmere Project and Board Games. House Competitions run eleven events throughout the year to foster participation and a sense of belonging. Student leadership is fostered through music, drama and school groups and through the Cashmere High Student Council. Participation in music, drama and other groups is encouraged and supports social engagement.

Community & Service
The Student Council coordinates events and charity donations, giving students opportunities to contribute to the wider community. Groups such as Sustainability Council engage in charity and community-based projects. The Cashmere Parents Group supports school events and community engagement. Charity work is often a focus within clubs and councils, reflecting social responsibility initiatives at Cashmere High School.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership is fostered through multiple channels, including sports captains, house leadership and involvement in music, drama and school groups. The main formal leadership opportunity is the Cashmere High Student Council. The Student Council represents students, organises events and donations, and interfaces with the Board. Year level reps, House Captains, and a Board of Trustees student rep participate in leadership roles.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Pastoral care is extensive, with form teachers, Heads of School and a dedicated guidance team supporting students. Three full-time counsellors work with the pastoral guidance team to support wellbeing. A Nurse and Health Clinic provide access to free health care and advice. A mentoring programme with youth workers and Careers staff offer guidance on life choices and tertiary opportunities.
Languages

Language Provision
Maori (Te Reo Māori) and three foreign languages—French, Japanese and Spanish—are taught. Te Reo Māori is offered across Year 9–13. Level 1 is the entry level for languages with no prior knowledge. This learning area provides the framework for teaching and learning of languages that are additional to the language of instruction.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility and enrolment scheme. Cashmere High School operates under a Ministry-approved enrolment scheme, and out-of-zone enrolments are unlikely due to the size of the school roll. 2. International students. International students are welcomed and placed in mainstream classes; students with lower levels of English will be placed in ESOL; the minimum enrolment period for international students is ten weeks. 3. How to enrol and required documents. An online enrolment form and a declaration form are required, and Year 9 Scholarship information is provided; for all enrolments, proof of identity is required; NZ-born students should provide a NZ passport or NZ birth certificate, while students born outside NZ should provide a NZ Citizenship Certificate or Australian Passport, or the first page of their passport and a residency or student visa; English translations are required if not in English. 4. Enrolment timelines and dates. Year 9 enrolments and scholarships close on 24 July 2026 (4pm); out-of-zone ballots may occur on 31 July; ballot results and in-zone confirmations occur in August; annual key dates for 2027 are published; the school provides enrolment information and protocols for applicants.

Scholarships
Cashmere High School offers four Excellence Scholarships and two Academic Scholarships each year; Scholarships are open to Year 8 students who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents applying for entry to Year 9; the scholarships were established in 2002 by the Board of Trustees of Cashmere High School.

Waitlist
Enrolments operate with a balloted waiting list for out-of-zone applicants; enrolments received after the due date are placed at the end of the balloted waiting list; there is a priority right of entry for siblings of current students, and out-of-zone ballot processes may determine placement.
School Events
The school has not added events
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