St Margaret's College

The school provides a dual academic pathway through NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. In 2025, NCEA results show 99% overall achievement at Level 2 and 100% at Level 3, and these results reflect the dual pathway to NCEA and IB. The IB Diploma is active, with an average score of 33 and two students achieving New Zealand IB Scholar status in 2025. Graduates pursue study at universities in New Zealand and overseas, including Otago and Canterbury among others.

The arts programme offers more than 40 co-curricular arts groups and a major annual performing arts production, often in collaboration with Christ's College. There are extensive dance opportunities including multiple groups and the Theatre Dance Academy for after-hours training. Music is wide-ranging with more than 15 groups and multiple choirs and ensembles, while drama and visual arts provide performance and exhibition avenues throughout the year.

Expressions of Te Ao Māori support ākonga to access Te Ao Māori and to be culturally-connected learners through leadership programmes, Kapa Haka, and care for the Taiao. Rangatiratanga is embodied by a Year 13 Leader and a Bicultural Council, with waiata teaching and involvement in major events. Whanaungatanga is fostered by Kapa Haka for all ages, and Mātauranga Māori and kaitiakitanga are integrated across curriculum and campus life.

A dynamic co-curricular programme includes more than 80 activities across arts, culture, service, sport and technology, giving students broad opportunities to explore interests and social connections. The arts, sports and technology clubs provide social engagement and teamwork experiences beyond the classroom. Students regularly participate in inter-school and College events as part of their social and personal development.

Service is built into curriculum with initiatives such as Educating Girls Globally (EGG), a College charity established to improve girls' education worldwide. The Enviro Committee leads sustainability efforts, including planting native species and Eco-Action projects, and there are additional community activities such as the Sony Foundation Children's Camp. Students regularly organize local and global fundraising and service activities, supporting groups like Christchurch City Mission.

Leadership opportunities are embedded across the student journey. A Year 6 leadership program, a Year 7–10 Aspirational Leadership Programme, and Senior School prefects provide leadership roles and responsibilities. The Year 11 Foundation Diploma includes a leadership component, Be the Change and Peer Support programs enhance leadership development, and a house tutor group system promotes mentoring and manaakitanga from younger to older students.

Boarding life offers a safe, welcoming home for Year 7–13 students, housing about 150 boarders from across New Zealand and abroad, with dedicated staff in Julius, Kilburn and Cranmer Houses. Boarding supports student wellbeing, independence and leadership development, with close partnership with families and access to an on-site health centre and Chaplaincy. Chapel life and pastoral care are central, with Anglican values, chaplaincy support, and regular chapel services fostering overall wellbeing.