Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand. Postal address: PO Box 25094, Christchurch 8140.
Junior School; Middle School; Senior School.
All-girls day and boarding school.
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.
New Zealand
Anglican
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.
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.
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.
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.
St Margaret's College is governed by the St Margaret's College Trust Board.
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.
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.
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 education and learning support is provided through the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement, offering tailored learning programs continuing from Junior and Middle School.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
An offer of place may be issued, or a place on the waitlist may be assigned.
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.
A co-educational pre-school for ages 2.5–5 years and a Year 1–8 girls' independent full primary school.
Independent girls' school for Years 1–8 with a co-educational pre-school.
New Zealand
Board of Trustees governs the school. It is an independent girls' school with a co-educational pre-school for ages 2.5–5 and a Year 1–8 girls' full primary school.
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.
Small class sizes provide personalised support and a nurturing learning environment across Pre-school to Year 8.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rangi Ruru is located at 59 Hewitts Road in the Merivale suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand.
The school accepts students at Year 7, Year 9, and other year levels through Year 13.
Independent girls' boarding school with day student option, offering NCEA qualifications.
ESOL tuition; Personal Development Plans; guidance and wellbeing support; International Club.
New Zealand
Presbyterian; onsite St Andrew's Presbyterian Church with weekly Chapel services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The school follows the NCEA curriculum. Programmes include Te Ara (Maori cultural programme) and Rangi X (innovation programme).
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.
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%.
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 Education is provided; The Learning Support Team delivers Gifted and Talented Education for highly able students.
The Care and Development Network provides guidance, support, and tools addressing student development and personal understanding.
The school has a Learning Centre as part of the care and development network to support individual learning needs.
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.
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.
The school is committed to student safety and maintains Student Safe policies and guidelines.
Online enrolment and tour bookings are available. International student enrollment is accepted.
Scholarships are offered.
