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Taught languages French, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction
Saint Kentigern College sits on 100 acres overlooking Tamaki Estuary in Pakuranga, Auckland. It serves day and boarding students aged 11 to 18 and offers both International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and a NZQA/NCEA pathway in Years 12–13. In Year 11, students complete NCEA Level 1. The IB Diploma has six subjects (three HL, three SL), one language, and core elements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service. The Senior School provides a broad range of subjects across Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. The campus includes the Jack Paine Centre for arts and design, dedicated science and commerce spaces, and Music Centre with choral and instrumental programs plus a dance studio. Sports facilities include a Sports Centre, outdoor fields, a synthetic turf, a swimming pool and on-site rowing programme. The college began in 1953 and welcomed girls in 1996, adopting a parallel education model.
130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010, New Zealand
The Essentials
Saint Kentigern College has 2,325 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.
Location
Pakuranga Campus, 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus sits in the Pakuranga area of Auckland and is part of Saint Kentigern College. Directions and bus information are available to assist travel to the campus.
Stages
Years 7-13 (ages 11-18)
Country affiliation
New Zealand
Religious affiliation
Presbyterian
Bus service
Bus information is available for the Pakuranga Campus.
Fees
Annual tuition at Saint Kentigern College ranges from NZD 28,422 to NZD 51,232 for 2026/27.
Enrolment and application fees - APPLICATION FEE: NZD 300.00 (payable when submitting an application; non-refundable). - ACCEPTANCE FEE (enrolment confirmation): NZD 500.00 (invoiced when a place is offered; non-refundable). - ASSOCIATION FEE (lifetime Alumni / Parents & Friends membership): NZD 775.00 (invoiced on offer; non-refundable). - CONTRIBUTION LEVY (all students): NZD 1,500.00 (invoiced on offer).
Tuition fees — College (Years 9–13) - Annual tuition fee (applies to College students): NZD 28,422.00 per year. - Per term (calculated): NZD 7,105.50 per term (annual tuition divided by four). (This per-term figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition.) - Per month if using the 10-month instalment plan (calculated): NZD 2,842.20 per month (annual tuition divided by 10). (This per‑month figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition and the school's 10‑month instalment option.)
Boarding fees (Bruce House) - Annual boarding fee (term time only): NZD 21,810.00 per year. Boarding fees are charged in addition to tuition. - Per term (calculated): NZD 5,452.50 per term (annual boarding fee divided by four). (Per‑term figure is a calculation.) - Boarding does not include tuition; weekly and full‑term boarding options are available within the boarding programme.
Other compulsory and typical costs - SOFTWARE LICENCE FEE (one-off): NZD 250.00. - PUBLICATIONS FEE (annual, approximate): NZD 200.00. - UNIFORM (approximate cost for newly enrolled students to obtain full uniform): NZD 1,300.00 (approx). Second‑hand options may reduce this cost. - LAPTOP BUNDLE: Variable — an approved laptop bundle (device, accidental damage cover, extended warranty, carry case) is required from Year 6 and is available through the school's preferred supplier. - IB DIPLOMA CHARGE (for students taking the IB in Years 12–13): NZD 1,000.00 per year (charged in instalments where indicated). - ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM / SUBJECT COSTS: Variable — extra charges may apply depending on year level and subject selection (examples: specialist subject levies, field trips, workbooks, camps, overnight excursions, external exam fees). - SPORTS / CO-CURRICULAR TRIP COSTS: Variable — charges depend on participation and event. - BUS FARES: Variable — fares depend on route and distance; route and fare details are updated each year.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Domestic (NZ) accounts: All accounts require payment by Direct Debit unless tuition is paid in full under the early‑payment options. Direct Debits (including incidentals) are processed on the 20th of each month (January to December). - Early payment discounts: - Full payment in advance by 05 December of the prior year: 1.5% discount on net tuition. - Full payment by 20 January: 0.9% discount on net tuition. - Instalment option: Tuition may be spread over 10 months (February to November) by Direct Debit; incidentals may be direct‑debited January–December. - Overdue and transaction charges: Interest on overdue balances may be charged at 1% per month. Payments made by credit card incur a 2% surcharge. Dishonoured payments attract a dishonour fee (NZD 20). - International student billing: Annual international tuition and boarding costs are billed in November of the year before entry and are payable in a single lump sum by the end of November; a paid receipt is required to support a student visa application.
Refunds, notice and withdrawal - APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE and ASSOCIATION FEES are non‑refundable. - If a student is unable to attend at the beginning of a term, fees remain due; the Trust Board does not undertake to remit or refund fees for illness, quarantine, or other causes. - NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL: A minimum of one term's written notice to the College Principal is required to withdraw a student (day or boarder). Without correct notice, full fees for the following term will be charged in lieu of notice. - FEE PROTECTION: The Trust Board operates a Fee Protection Scheme that may cover tuition (and boarding where applicable) in the event of the death of a fee‑paying parent or legal guardian; entry is automatic upon payment of the first fee instalment and eligibility restrictions apply.
Sibling discounts and concessions - SIBLING DISCOUNT: 5% off tuition for two family members attending Saint Kentigern campuses; 10% off tuition where three or more family members attend. Students receiving scholarships or other concessions are not eligible for the sibling discount.
Payment methods and practical notes - Direct Debit is the required method for ongoing billing and instalments. Credit card payments are accepted but attract a 2% surcharge. Overdue amounts may accrue interest. Dishonoured payments incur an NZD 20 fee. For international enrolments, annual tuition and boarding are billed and must be paid in full to provide a receipt for visa purposes.
How additional charges are handled - Many costs beyond tuition and boarding (subject levies, EOTC camps, field trips, workbook charges, elective programme fees, sports tours) are variable and billed as required; these are direct‑debited as incidentals unless otherwise invoiced.
Contacts for accounts and payments - Accounts / Finance contact for fee queries: accounts@saintkentigern.com ; Phone: +64 9 577 0747.
Academics
Saint Kentigern College teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.
Curriculum
The Senior School offers a broad range of subjects across Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. In Year 11, every student undertakes the NCEA Level 1 qualification. In Years 12 and 13, students may choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's NCEA. The IB Diploma is a two-year program with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), one language as a second language, and core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service. The NZQA/NCEA path comprises Levels 1–3 with internal and external assessments; most subjects offer 16–20 credits per subject, and Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 enable progression toward certificates. A Course Handbook provides comprehensive information about the core curriculum and elective subjects.
Exam Results
In 2023, Level 1 NCEA achieved a pass rate of 98.8% (415/420), with 40.96% Excellence Endorsement and 44.82% Merit Endorsement; 86% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 2 NCEA achieved 99.29% (279/281) with 31.54% Excellence Endorsement and 47.67% Merit Endorsement; 79% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 3 NCEA achieved 97.84% (272/278); 21.94% Excellence Endorsement and 48.2% Merit Endorsement; 70% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. The University Entrance rate for the year stands at 91%.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates have progressed to universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, New York University, University of Melbourne, and University of Sydney.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Navigate programme enhances student well-being and character development. Tutor groups and the six Houses provide ongoing pastoral care, with two adult Heads of House. Every teacher acts as a tutor, maintaining strong relationships with their tutor group and parents. Chapel services are held weekly in house groups, and family house services are conducted once a term. Student Futures experts help students navigate life beyond Saint Kentigern.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Enhanced Learning Centre (ELC) liaises with classroom teachers to enhance learning for individual students. All students referred to the Enhanced Learning Centre are assessed to determine their learning needs and the assessment results are used to determine appropriate support in collaboration with parents and teachers. Gifted and Talented students are provided with opportunities to showcase their achievements and are celebrated, school-wide, during Gifted Awareness Week.
Mental Wellbeing
The Guidance Department includes the Head of Guidance, counselling psychologists and clinical psychologists, who are available to students during school hours. The Pastoral Care team comprises Deputy Principals, Heads of House, Head of International Students, Guidance Counsellors, the Chaplaincy team, Nurse, Head of Student Futures (Careers), Maori and Pasifika Director, and Director of Boarding. The Health Centre is staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00am–4:00pm. Weekly Chapel services are a central feature of school life, and Student Futures provides career guidance and information about future pathways with regular tertiary institution visits.
Safeguarding
Saint Kentigern follows the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021 for international students. Emergency contacts for international students are provided by the Director of International Students. Bruce House is the boarding facility for students (years 9 and above), with the Director of Boarding acting in loco parentis. A College Code of Conduct for Students outlines expected behaviour and disciplinary procedures. The Health and Safety policy sets safeguarding and safety protocols, and incidents or hazards must be reported.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Application: To apply to Saint Kentigern College, complete the Online Application Form. Applications can be submitted up to three years before the intended entry year. A non-refundable application fee of $300 is charged per application. Attach a copy of the child's NZ Birth Certificate or NZ Passport or current passport, along with their latest school reports; if there have been any educational or medical assessments, provide the reports as well. 2. Request for documentation: Around 12 months ahead of entry year, the Admissions team will be in touch to request additional supporting documentation, such as school reports. 3. Interview: After the application and documents are received, prospective students and their caregiver may be invited to attend an enrolment interview in an informal, friendly setting. Interviews are held the year prior to entry. Not every student will be offered an interview and may be placed in a wait pool. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided. 4. Offer of Place: Following a successful interview, a written offer for the child's place will be issued. The offer is usually sent within a week of the interview. To secure the place, an Enrolment Agreement must be signed by both Parents or Caregivers and returned along with the non-refundable Acceptance Fee, Association Fee and Contribution Levy. 5. Acceptance: To complete enrolment, sign the Enrolment Agreement and return it with the required fees. Fees and levies are non-refundable.
Scholarships
Saint Kentigern College offers Scholarships to students entering Years 9-11. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarship categories: Academic, All-Round, Alumni, Boarding Bursary, Performing Arts, and Sport. Scholarships may cover up to 50% of tuition for most categories; Alumni up to 25%; Boarding Bursary up to 50% of boarding fees; Sport up to 50% (up to 90% in exceptional cases). Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student's schooling. Applications open for 2028 Scholarships on 2 November 2026; 2027 Scholarships are closed. Timeline: 1) Apply online (no fee) with required documents; 2) Exams and auditions as required; 3) Interviews for shortlisted candidates; 4) Offer of scholarship; 5) Acceptance by returning Enrolment Agreement.
Waitlist
Due to high demand, some applicants may be placed in a wait pool while spaces become available. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided.
FAQs
Where is Saint Kentigern College located and what are its campus options?
Saint Kentigern College is located on the Pakuranga Campus at 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. It is a co‑educational day school with on‑site boarding available at Bruce House for Years 9–13.
What ages or year levels does Saint Kentigern College serve?
The college serves students aged 11–18, covering Years 7–13. The Senior School includes Years 9–13, where students may choose between IB Diploma or NZQA/NCEA pathways in the final years.
What curricula are offered in the senior years?
In Year 11 all students complete NCEA Level 1. In Years 12–13, students can choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) and the NZQA's NCEA pathway, with the IB requiring six subjects plus core elements like the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge.
What is the annual tuition and how is it billed for College students?
Annual tuition for Years 9–13 is NZD 28,422. Billing can be annual, per term (NZD 7,105.50), or spread over 10 months for instalments. Boarding is charged separately if applicable.
What fees should families expect beyond tuition and boarding?
There are several compulsory and incidental costs, including a one‑off software licence fee (NZD 250), a publications fee (about NZD 200 per year), uniform (roughly NZD 1,300 for new students), an IB Diploma charge (NZD 1,000 per year for IB students), and various subject or activity levies as required.
Are scholarships available, and when can I apply?
Saint Kentigern College offers scholarships for Years 9–11 across categories such as Academic, All‑Round, Alumni, Boarding Bursary, Performing Arts, and Sport, with tuition coverage up to 50% for most categories. Applications open for 2028 Scholarships on 2 November 2026; 2027 Scholarships are closed.
Is there a waitlist for entry, and how does the admissions timeline work?
Applications can be submitted up to three years before entry. After documents are reviewed, applicants may be invited to an enrolment interview the year prior to entry. Some applicants may be placed in a wait pool, with regular updates on available places.
What were the 2023 NCEA results at Saint Kentigern College?
In 2023, Level 1 NCEA achieved 98.8% pass (415/420) with 40.96% Excellence Endorsement and 44.82% Merit Endorsement. Level 2 reached 99.29% (279/281) with 31.54% Excellence and 47.67% Merit. Level 3 was 97.84% (272/278) with 21.94% Excellence and 48.2% Merit; University Entrance was 91%.
What higher education destinations do Saint Kentigern College graduates typically pursue?
Graduates have progressed to universities around the world, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania, LSE, NYU, University of Melbourne, and University of Sydney.
Is the student‑teacher ratio or class size information available?
Specific student–teacher ratio figures are not disclosed in the provided information.
What are the key facilities on the Pakuranga campus?
The campus spans 100 acres with a Sports Centre featuring two configurable indoor courts, PE/Health teaching rooms, a strength and conditioning centre, a physiotherapy room and a video analysis room. There are also the Jack Paine Centre for arts and design, Science labs, a Music Centre, a dance studio, and extensive outdoor sport facilities including fields, an artificial turf, tennis courts, indoor cricket and a swimming pool.
Are there specialist spaces for arts, science, and design?
Yes. The Jack Paine Centre houses art, food technology, hard and soft materials, and design classrooms, while the Science block is fully equipped with labs and technicians. The Music Centre supports choral and instrumental programs, and the dance studio accommodates performances.
What sports and extracurricular facilities are available?
Beyond the Sports Centre, facilities include groomed fields, an artificial turf, tennis courts, an indoor cricket facility, a competitive swimming pool, and an on‑site rowing program, supporting a wide range of sports and movement activities.
What kinds of activities and competitions does the college run beyond academics?
Saint Kentigern runs competitive academic and arts programs, including World Scholar's Cup teams and national/international debating, as well as the STEM Racing competition. There are also extensive music ensembles, theatre, drama, and visual arts opportunities.
What arts and performance opportunities are available?
There are seven music programs (including orchestra, strings, rock, chamber, concert band, jazz, and choir) plus choir and full school productions, theatre sports, and an Oral Assessment Programme with Speech New Zealand.
What leadership and service opportunities exist for students?
Leadership is formalised through College Prefects, Head Prefects, and a College Leadership Team, with leadership camps and ongoing roles in student councils. Service initiatives are embedded in student life, including Mataatua Marae visits and Saint John First Aid training.
How does Saint Kentigern support student wellbeing and safeguarding?
The Navigate wellbeing program supports character development, with tutor groups and six Houses providing pastoral care. The Guidance Department offers counselling, and the college follows safeguarding practices for international students, including a designated Director of International Students and a Health Centre on site.
What support is there for students with additional learning needs or EAL?
The Enhanced Learning Centre works with classroom teachers to support individual learning needs, with assessments guiding appropriate interventions. Gifted and Talented students have opportunities to showcase achievements and participate in school‑wide recognition.
How is safeguarding and international student welfare managed?
Saint Kentigern follows the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021. The Director of International Students provides emergency contacts, and Bruce House serves as a supervised boarding environment with staff who are also teachers.
What is the boarding experience like at Bruce House?
Bruce House is on‑campus for Years 9–13 and provides a supportive community with supervised evening prep and dedicated duty staff. It offers a structured boarding experience with access to College life, sport, and cultural activities.
