Auckland Grammar School vs Diocesan School for Girls

	A Auckland Grammar School Auckland, New Zealand	D Diocesan School for Girls Auckland, New Zealand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year NZ$26,250	Fees / year NZ$22,832 - 53,941
Age range	Age range 13 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding)	Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 2,800	Pupils 1,700
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1869	Opened 1903
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Auckland Grammar School is located on Mountain Road in Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand. It sits on the northern slopes of Mt Eden in the central Auckland area, near Newmarket. The street address is Mountain Road, Epsom (Auckland 1023). The postal address is Auckland Grammar School, Private Bag 99930, Newmarket, Auckland 1149, New Zealand.	Location The Diocesan School for Girls is located in Epsom, Auckland. The Clyde Street address places it in a residential suburb near the city fringe. Seven buses transport students from across Auckland to the school gates each day, with GPS-tracked routes and a pay-as-you-ride system using student IDs. The campus is accessible to a diverse families via these transport arrangements.
Stages	Stages Year 9–13 (Form 3–7)	Stages Preschool to Year 13; Junior School Preschool - Year 6; Junior High School Years 7-10; Senior High School Years 11-13; Boarding Years 7-13.
School type	School type State secondary school for boys with boarding facilities (hostel accommodation available for selected students)	School type Independent Anglican all-girls day and boarding school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix International students represent approximately 5% of the annual School roll and come from over 20 countries.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning Support Department provides differentiated support within mainstream classrooms and small-group tuition in literacy and numeracy. The department coordinates Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) for examinations and supports students with learning needs through targeted programs.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation New Zealand	Country affiliation New Zealand
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Anglican
School day structure	School day structure 7-period day with a 9:00am assembly and a 3:15pm finish for most students. On Tuesdays Form 5 students have an 8-period day finishing at 3:30pm, while other year levels finish at 2:50pm.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Auckland Transport provides a regular school bus service that begins after school daily around 3:20pm.	Bus service details Seven buses operate daily, transporting over 300 girls from across Auckland to the school gates. Buses are GPS-tracked, reach by 8am, and depart Dio at 3:40pm. Routes include Eastern, Grey Lynn/Herne Bay, Pt Chevalier/Herne Bay, Glendowie/St Heliers, Stonefields, Mt Roskill/Mt Eden, Helensville, Devonport Shuttle and other connections.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Tibbs House (boarding) application fee: NZD 50 payable when the Tibbs House application form is submitted. - International student administration fees: New student administration fee (non‑refundable) NZD 1,000; returning student administration fee (non‑refundable) NZD 700. Tuition fees by year group and per term - Domestic (New Zealand/Australian resident) students: there is no tuition charge for domestic students; domestic students are charged for external examination entries only where applicable and asked to pay voluntary school donations and specific course charges. - International students (all year levels/Forms 3–7): tuition fee NZD 26,250 per year. For budgeting, this equates to NZD 6,562.50 per school term (annual tuition divided across four terms). Billing schedule and payment terms - International students receive an Offer of a Place accompanied by an invoice for the annual tuition and any living costs. Fees stated on the Offer must be paid in full to accept the Offer and secure the Confirmation of a Place required for visa purposes. The Offer remains valid for the period stated on the Offer. - Tibbs House boarding: when an offer of a boarding place is made a deposit (amount set by Tibbs House) must be paid to confirm the place; this deposit is non‑refundable and must be paid within four weeks of the offer. The published annual boarding fee is invoiced in accordance with Tibbs House acceptance terms. - Domestic charges and voluntary payments (donation, Pre‑Q donation, exam-related charges) are invoiced through the School's usual finance process and may be collected by periodic invoices, Parent Portal billing, or at time of event/course registration as appropriate. Parents are encouraged to use the Parent Portal for payments and invoicing. Boarding and accommodation fees - Tibbs House annual boarding fee: NZD 19,500 (published boarding fee). - Homestay for international students (where applicable): NZD 440 per week (NZD 20,240 based on 46 weeks). Homestay placement and monitoring fee NZD 450 per year; homestay change administration fee NZD 350 per change; homestay holding fee for Christmas closure NZD 350 where applicable; residential monitoring fee (Agent Homestay/Designated Caregiver/Live with Parent) NZD 400 per household. Other fixed and variable costs - School uniform (by Form): Form 3 uniform NZD 673; Form 4 uniform NZD 648; Form 5–7 uniform NZD 613. Stationery and art pack (Form 3) NZD 60 (subject dependent). - Extracurricular activity fee (refundable if unused): NZD 200. School camp fee (Form 4): NZD 695. - Travel and medical insurance for international students (external provider): NZD 633 per year. Additional stationery and specific uniform items: NZD 100–210 depending on subject. Extracurricular activity costs vary (examples given by the School range NZD 20 up to NZD 4,000 depending on activity). - External examination fees: NCEA standard examination fee NZD 383.30 per year (where applicable); Cambridge AS/A2 examination fees are charged per subject (example figure shown NZD 210.50 per subject) — domestic students are not invoiced for NCEA external entry in the same way as international students. - Voluntary School donation: published School donation for 2026 is NZD 1,825 (paid by many families to support additional school services and staff). The School accepts donations and other voluntary contributions via the standard payment methods. Refund information and fees protection - International tuition: there is generally no refund of tuition fees except in very exceptional circumstances. If withdrawal occurs prior to arrival in New Zealand, fees paid will be refunded in full minus a NZD 1,000 administration fee. Once a student has arrived and commenced study, no refund is made except where the student is required to return home due to serious illness or the bereavement of an immediate family member; in such cases refunds are calculated according to the Board's procedures addressing costs already incurred. No refunds are made for dismissal due to misconduct, poor attendance, poor performance, withdrawal to transfer schools, visa cancellation, or if the student becomes a permanent resident after enrolment. The School operates a fees protection procedure for international fees paid in advance. - Homestay fees: homestay fees are refundable in proportion to unused weeks, less two weeks' written notice and less placement/monitoring fees and any other prescribed fees. Fee payment options - Parent Portal (online billing and payments) is the School's preferred channel for many routine payments and invoicing. Additional accepted payment methods include: - Cash, credit card or EFTPOS at the School Finance Office. - Internet banking to the School account (example banking reference used by the School: 12-3011-0156506-00 with instructions to reference the student's name and form class). Cheques may be sent to Auckland Grammar School (Private Bag address) where required. Notes on scholarships and fee variations - Tibbs House offers a small number of boarding scholarships (full or partial) that reduce or cover boarding fees for selected recipients; scholarship availability and application conditions are published by the School. Boarding fees and other charges are reviewed annually and may change in subsequent years.	Fee details Registration and Enrolment Fees - Registration fee: NZD 300.00 (all applications). This fee is non‑refundable. - Enrolment (acceptance) fee: NZD 1,750.00 (all year levels). This fee is additional to tuition and is non‑refundable. Tuition fees by year group (2026 academic year amounts) - Foundation Class (Preschool): NZD 619.89 per week with ECE contribution; NZD 704.89 per week without ECE contribution. For four‑day attendance the published amounts are NZD 478.92 (with ECE) and NZD 563.92 (without ECE). - Junior School (Year 1–Year 6): NZD 26,786.00 per annum; billed as NZD 6,696.50 per term (quarter). - Junior High and Senior High (Year 7–Year 13): NZD 30,916.00 per annum; billed as NZD 7,729.00 per term (quarter). - Building levy (Foundation–Year 13): NZD 800.00 per annum; NZD 200.00 per term. This is charged in addition to tuition. Course / subject fees (per student, where applicable) - Foundation Class: NZD 125.00 per year. - Junior School (Year 1–6): NZD 330.00 per year. - Year 7: NZD 335.00 per year. - Year 8: NZD 330.00 per year (additional NZD 40 for Art Pack if required). - Year 9: NZD 265.00 per year (some subjects such as Material Design, Food Design and Visual Arts carry additional costs). - Year 10: NZD 330.00 per year (additional subject costs apply for certain practical subjects). - Senior High (Years 11–13): Course fees vary by subject and options; individual senior option/course fees apply. Boarding fees - Innes House boarding (Years 9–13): NZD 21,960.00 per annum; NZD 5,490.00 per term (quarter). Boarding is an additional charge to day tuition. Other regular or likely costs (examples and how they are billed) - Incidental and activity charges: stationery, class trips, photographs, laptop charges, sports activities, outdoor education, specialist subject materials, and Parents & Friends Association subscriptions are charged in addition to tuition and are invoiced termly as required. - Uniform and clothing: items are sold through the school shop; typical item prices (guides) include examples such as a school blazer (around NZD 240), Dio hoodie (around NZD 85), house T‑shirt (around NZD 32), swimwear (from about NZD 75–85), and other items. Uniform prices are indicative and subject to change. Uniform purchases and any returns/exchanges are handled through the school shop. - Alumnae Association one‑off fee on entry: NZD 700.00 (non‑refundable). Billing schedule and payment terms - Billing frequency options: quarterly billing (per term), annually in advance, or ten monthly instalments (automatic payments). Accounts are normally paid by direct debit/automatic payment. - Payment methods accepted: direct debit/automatic payment and internet banking (bank transfer). Credit cards and EFTPOS are not available for fee payments. The school provides bank account details for internet banking on account documentation. - Accounts are due on receipt of invoice. Parents are required to maintain current payment arrangements; unpaid accounts may incur collection costs or interest and may result in required withdrawal until fees are brought up to date. Refunds and withdrawal notice (domestic and general rules) - Registration and enrolment (acceptance) fees are non‑refundable. - Notice of withdrawal: a minimum of one term's written notice to the Principal is required to withdraw a student; if proper notice is not given, one term's fees are payable in lieu of notice. Fees remain due even if a student is unable to attend at the start of term for any reason. The Board does not undertake to remit or refund fees in lieu of notice for illness, quarantine, or other causes. - Fee Protection Scheme: on payment of the first term's fees, a Fee Protection Scheme is included which, in cases of the death or terminal illness of a fee‑paying parent or guardian (subject to conditions and age limits), provides for payment of fees for the remainder of the student's education; this scheme does not cover incidental charges and does not apply to international students. Refunds and cancellation rules for international students - International student refund entitlements and procedures differ and are governed by the school's International Student Fees Policy. Refunds for voluntary withdrawal, failure to obtain a visa, or cancellation by the school have specified timeframes and minimum tuition‑fee deductions (for example minimum ten weeks' tuition in some circumstances) and require written notice; detailed conditions and refund calculations are set out in the International Student Fees Policy. Practical notes on invoicing and account administration - Invoices are issued for fees and additional termly incidental charges; the school expects payment arrangements (direct debit/automatic payment) to be in place. Only one invoice is issued per student; if a third party is nominated to pay fees, that person remains additionally responsible unless otherwise agreed. Unpaid accounts may be subject to collection action. Summary of key headline amounts (NZD) - Registration fee: NZD 300.00 (non‑refundable). - Enrolment (acceptance) fee: NZD 1,750.00 (non‑refundable). - Junior School (Y1–Y6): NZD 26,786.00 per annum / NZD 6,696.50 per term. - Year 7–13 (day tuition): NZD 30,916.00 per annum / NZD 7,729.00 per term. - Boarding (Innes House): NZD 21,960.00 per annum / NZD 5,490.00 per term. If you require a compact extract of just the numeric fee lines (for database fields) those figures above correspond to the school's published 2026 fee schedule and the international fee policy for international‑student refund rules.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school provides Tibbs House boarding. Tibbs House opened in 1962 to enable boys outside the Grammar zone to attend Auckland Grammar School. Tibbs House can accommodate up to 125 boarders from Form 3 to Form 7 and is supported by a dedicated boarding staff and student leaders.	Boarding arrangements Boarding at Dio accommodates up to 57 Year 9–13 students, including international students. Boarders live in four houses; Middle School residents stay in 4–6 dorm rooms and Senior students in twin shared rooms. A daily routine includes wake times of 6:45–7:20am, departure for school at 8:20am, hot lunch at 1:00pm and dinner at 5:30pm; middle-school study is supervised 6:30–7:30pm, while seniors study in their rooms. Bedtimes start from 9:30pm. Each wing has a bathroom and toilet for 6–7 girls, and wifi is available until 11pm. Boarding scholarships are available through Doris Innes House Trust, contributing up to 50% of boarding fees for up to five years.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The uniform is compulsory for all students. The official uniform includes navy regulation shorts and a navy regulation shirt with long sleeves, a black leather belt, long plain black socks with garters, black hard leather lace-up shoes, and a navy pullover with two gold bands and the Auckland Grammar lion; brown leather sandals with a back strap may be worn in Terms 1 and 4; Physical Education uniform is required for Forms 3 and 4 and is sold by the School Shop, which is on Floor D of the Main Block and also sells stationery and sports gear.	Uniform requirement The uniform is blue, red and white and is worn across Foundation School, Junior School, Junior High School and Senior School. The summer uniform is worn in Terms 1 and 4 and the winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3. The Diocesan Shop is the exclusive stockist of the uniform, with second-hand options available and online ordering available. A new Junior High School uniform was introduced for 2025 and will be phased in over two years, fully in place by 2027.
Food options	Food options Food options are provided through the on-site tuck shop and School Shop; The 2026 Food and Nutrition Policy states that food served within the School Tuck Shop, Tibbs House, and Staff Common Room cafeteria provides a range of healthy options. Boarders may make or order their lunch, and dinner is served in the Tibbs House Dining Hall from 5:15pm to 5:55pm.	Food options Boarding meals include a hot lunch at 1:00pm and dinner at 5:30pm; meals are prepared in well-equipped kitchens and eaten in the dining facilities, with middle school meals taken in the main dining hall and senior students eating in their houses; wifi is available in the boarding houses until 11pm.
House system	House system —	House system Boarders live in four houses; rosters include setting tables for dinners and supporting staff with small tasks around the houses; middle school boarders reside in 4–6 dorm rooms while senior boarders occupy twin shared rooms.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The School is governed by the Auckland Grammar School Headmasters Council, with governance historically anchored by a Board of Trustees. The 2024 Auckland Grammar School Annual Audit notes that The Auckland Grammar Schools Combined Trust has been wound up and assets transferred to the Auckland Grammar School Headmasters Council as at 1 July 2024.	Governance and ownership Diocesan School for Girls is an independent Anglican school governed by the Diocesan School Board of Governors. The governance board oversees the school to deliver the vision of being more than you imagined and supports a dual pathway through IB and NCEA, while maintaining the school's Anglican character through chaplaincy, service learning and religious studies.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Auckland Grammar School offers a dual qualifications pathway with the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and Cambridge International Examinations (AS and A Levels). From Form 6 onwards, students choose either Cambridge or NCEA as a coherent two-year programme leading to Form 7 examinations and University Entrance. Form 5 introduces the Pre-Q programme to bridge the move to senior Cambridge AS Level and NZQA Level 2 courses. Full details of the pathways, progression criteria, subject options and University Entrance are contained in the Course Handbook issued annually. Languages offered include French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori. The school operates a seven-period day (eight periods on Tuesdays) and uses GrammarNet as its learning management system; School Examinations are held three times a year to classify students into appropriate classes.	Curriculum details Junior High School follows the New Zealand Curriculum; Senior High School offers two senior qualification pathways: the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). In 2025 Year 11 draws on Level 1 NCEA content and the NZ Curriculum to prepare for NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or the IB Diploma, providing a coherent pathway to either qualification.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Junior High School has small class sizes with low teacher-to-student ratios.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results In 2024, 98.3% of leavers attained NCEA Level 3 and 97.2% attained University Entrance.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression University Entrance is the minimum standard for entry to New Zealand universities and can be gained through either the Cambridge or the NCEA pathway. Admission to many university courses, particularly restricted-entry programmes, depends on achieving higher grades and meeting subject requirements as detailed in the Course Handbook.	Higher education progression 100% university entrance in 2025; IB Diploma graduates continue their studies in New Zealand and overseas.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented New Zealand Scholarships are available for Auckland Grammar School students, with a wide range of options to support tertiary study. Careers and Counselling staff assist students with scholarship questions and applications.	Gifted and talented Gifted students have mentoring opportunities, including performance and composition programmes with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and dance and choreography workshops with the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school has a Counselling team with NZAC membership providing a safe, confidential environment for students. The counselling program helps develop skills for living, including problem solving, anger management, decision making, motivation, effective communication, and identity/self-discovery. It offers career guidance and support with issues such as alcohol/drug concerns, stress, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, coping with change, fear and anxiety, and it can arrange contact with outside agencies when necessary. The service includes both individual and group sessions, and the school provides wellbeing resources such as SchoolTV and access to external helplines for additional support as needed.	Social & emotional learning Circles of Care extend pastoral support beyond classmates to include housemates, buddies, tutors, Deans, Chaplains and family. The school offers counselling, health and chaplaincy services, careers advice and personalised tutoring, with someone always available for care and guidance. Deans and year-based tutor groups meet daily to discuss wellbeing and individual goals. Circle Leaders and Orientation Leaders provide peer support for Year 7 students and new Year 9 students, while Buddies help newcomers settle in. Chaplains support faith and personal growth as an everyday part of school life, and the on-site Health Centre provides nursing care. Waiora provides additional learning and wellbeing pathways for all learners.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The Learning Support Department provides an inclusive learning environment and focuses on removing barriers to learning to enable participation, progress and achievement. Needs are identified through standardized assessments, teacher referrals, classroom observations, information from contributing schools and external agencies, and whānau input. Barriers to learning include neurodiversity, organisational and executive functioning challenges, low confidence or engagement, attention and behaviour needs, and gaps in prior learning; interventions are implemented early to address these. Provision includes differentiated support within mainstream classrooms, targeted literacy and numeracy instruction, explicit learning strategies and self-management skills, organisational support, and collaboration with staff to adapt programmes and assessments. The department emphasises student wellbeing and engagement and regularly reviews goals and interventions to ensure effectiveness.	Special educational needs (SEN) Waiora is the learning area that supports neurodiverse learners and those needing recovery or extension, offering individualised plans developed with whānau and staff. Support options include high and complex needs support, learning support classes, targeted short-term interventions and access to Special Assessment Conditions. Gifted and Talented programmes provide extension and acceleration opportunities, with Waiora staff mentoring students on accelerated pathways to balance challenge, wellbeing and success. The service partners with families and teachers to develop independence and confidence in learning.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The English Language Department assists students from non-English speaking backgrounds, with specialist staff teaching the English language needed for achievement across all curriculum areas. Senior ESOL classes prepare students to gain NCEA Literacy and University Entrance Literacy, and Forms 6 and 7 offer English courses with support for academic vocabulary development and grammar. Form 4 ESOL continues cross-curricular language support, while Form 5 ESOL focuses on fluency, accuracy, and targeted grammar and vocabulary development to prepare for NCEA English Level 2. The English language learning progression is used to monitor development, and students may continue ESOL into Form 6 or join mainstream English as appropriate; Form 7 ESOL can lead to NCEA Level 3 English or other pathways.	English as an additional language The English Language (EL) Department helps international students feel welcome and safe and supports language acquisition alongside whole-school learning. English Language Learners (ELLs) are supported, with lunchtime tutorials and mentoring sessions available. EL teachers work closely with students daily to monitor progress and wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The Health Centre provides a healthy and safe environment for all students, and the Student Services team offers confidential counselling to support students' wellbeing. The counselling service covers a range of issues including stress, relationships, and personal well-being, with the option to interact with outside agencies when needed. The school provides a range of wellbeing resources and helplines for support outside school hours, and SchoolTV offers additional wellbeing content to assist students and families. Students can access counselling services on a self-referral basis, with staff and parents able to support referrals when appropriate.	Mental wellbeing Three counsellors are available to support staff and students. Chaplains nurture faith and personal growth and provide confidential care as part of everyday school life. The Buddy and Circle Leader systems offer peer support, and the Health Centre provides on-site nursing care for student health needs. The pastoral framework, including tutors and Deans, supports wellbeing and goal setting for every student.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school has a Child Protection policy approved in 2023 that commits to the well-being and safety of students and provides guidelines for identifying, reporting and responding to child abuse and neglect by staff and contractors. The policy is aligned with the Children's Act 2014 and the Education (Pastoral Care of International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, and applies to staff, volunteers and students. The designated person responsible for overseeing and reviewing child protection policies is the Associate Headmaster – Operations, with responsibilities laid out for the Board and Headmaster to ensure safe practices, confidentiality, and timely reporting. The policy emphasises a culture of reporting concerns, safeguarding rights of families, and ongoing professional development to support child protection responsibilities.	Safeguarding The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice provides schools with a framework for the care and support of students. The Pastoral Care Team, the Director of International Students and the International Student Support Coordinator provide comprehensive care for international students, ensuring a smooth transition. Regular international student meetings and one-on-one interviews throughout the year help assist students with settling into the school and receiving ongoing support.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has a purpose-built Centennial Theatre at the heart of the campus with seating for 360 for performances and events, though it is closed indefinitely for external hire. Te Ara Mātauranga is the School Library opened in March 2024, providing extensive print and digital resources and staffed by professional librarians. Computer Suites offer state-of-the-art technology with on-site IT support, high-speed network access and flexible classroom layouts. The campus includes six grass sports fields (three Rugby, three Football) plus an all-weather Hockey Turf and a lower artificial turf, with two cricket wickets. Tibbs House is the on-site boarding facility and Venturelodge in Ohakune offers accommodation for groups, alongside spaces such as the Old Boys' Pavilion, Hockey Pavilion and the Heritage Room.	Facilities overview The Dio campus includes state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings and exceptional spaces for learning. It features a historic Chapel, a purpose-built Arts Centre, a high-tech science and innovation block, and a multi-purpose indoor heated pool. The campus sits on landscaped grounds in Epsom, about 15 minutes from Auckland's CBD and close to Newmarket. It offers purpose-built performance spaces for the arts and a MakerSpace that supports hands-on, STEAM learning. The campus demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and high-quality learning environments.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Auckland Grammar School has six grass fields: three full-sized Rugby fields on the top level and three Football fields on the lower level, with the top-level fields designated for the 1st XV Rugby and Colts Cricket teams and the lower fields for the 1st XI Cricket and Football teams. The all-weather Hockey Turf at the corner of Clive and Normanby Roads is used for practice and games and is also used extensively by outside groups in summer and winter. The Lower Artificial Turf is used for Football, Rugby and Touch Rugby. There are two cricket wickets—one by the Lower Pavilion and the second on the top fields.	Sports facilities The Dio sports program emphasizes participation, competition and high performance, with more than 85% of students taking part. Junior High offers a wide range of sports codes including athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cycling, hockey, netball, swimming, tennis, water polo and more; From Year 9 onward, additional options include snowboarding, lacrosse, rowing and table tennis. The sports department is led by experienced professionals, including the Director of Sport Angie Winstanley-Smith, with coaching and mentorship. The school maintains strong connections with local clubs and regional sporting organisations to support trips, competitions and events. The Dio Swim School provides two indoor heated pools for swimming, health and fitness.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Te Ara Mātauranga is the School Library opened in March 2024. It supports a rigorous academic education and literacy engagement with over 19,000 resources across fiction, non-fiction, magazines, study guides, ebooks and audiobooks. The library is staffed by three professional librarians and offers 36 desktop computers, two soundproof classrooms with Chromebooks, and two small soundproof collaborative meeting rooms, plus printing, scanning and photocopying facilities. The library subscribes to electronic databases for curriculum use and borrowing terms allow books to be borrowed for 28 days and graphic novels for 14 days. Computer Suites provide state-of-the-art IT technology with dedicated on-site IT support, high-speed internet, secure networks and a Tutor computer connected to projectors and sound systems, with laptop and Mac labs.	Academic facilities The campus houses a purpose-built Arts Centre and a high-tech science and innovation block to support STEM learning. It uses state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings to facilitate teaching and learning. A Junior School MakerSpace provides zones for construction, digital learning, soft and hard materials, a green screen, cooking and hard materials, with LEGO, robots and a 3D printer. The Arts Centre and science block are complemented by dedicated spaces for performance and experimentation. The Chapel is a central part of school life, reflecting the longstanding spiritual and cultural heart of the Dio community.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities cover sport, performing arts and culture. A wide range of sports is offered year-round, including archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, cycling, fencing, football, golf, hockey, rugby, skiing, snowboarding, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, touch rugby, volleyball, water polo and more. Performing Arts groups provide tuition and performance opportunities, with major productions, theatre and events such as the Winter Concert Series. Cultural groups include Kapa Haka, Pasifika, Sri Lankan, Korean, Asian and Indian communities. Instrumental and singing lessons are delivered by itinerant teachers for many instruments and there are opportunities to participate in drama, theatre and production. Registration for summer sports and many groups begins in the first weeks of Term 1, with winter sports registrations occurring later in Term 1.	Extra curricular facilities Performing Arts offers specialist teaching in Music, Singing, Dance and Drama, orchestras and choirs, annual productions and opportunities to work with major arts organisations such as the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and NBR New Zealand Opera. The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award provides Bronze, Silver and Gold levels with four award sections: Skills, Physical Recreation, Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey. The Dio Swim School operates two indoor heated pools for swimming, health and fitness. The After School Activity Programme provides additional activities beyond the core curriculum. Outdoor Education (EOTC) includes field trips and outdoor experiences as part of activities beyond the classroom.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Auckland Grammar School was endowed by Governor Sir George Grey in 1850 to educate all New Zealanders. It opened in 1869 at Howe Street with 78 boys. During the 1880s Depression, girls from the Girls' High School joined Auckland College and Grammar School, and in 1909 Auckland Girls' Grammar School opened, after which Auckland Grammar School became an all-boys school. The Mountain Road site was acquired between 1911 and 1913. During World War I a major building program produced the Spanish Mission-style Main Block and a War Memorial honoring those who served and died in World War I and II.	History Early in 1903, Bishop Moore Richard Neligan arrived in Auckland to begin his ministry as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. He decided to establish an Anglican girls' school modelled on the British high schools to bring education and Anglican life together. His vision was to offer the best scholarship available across the colony within a Diocesan School for Girls, on sound Anglican lines. Today, Neligan's vision informs the school's holistic educational, spiritual and ethical approach from Foundation Class to Year 13.
Community	Community There are a myriad of opportunities to perform through music and cultural groups, productions and debating. Music Groups and Cultural Groups, Theatresports, and the major School Production (Les Misérables in 2026) are part of the arts program. The Auckland Grammar School Haka was written in the early 2000s by elders of Ngāti Whātua. The Old Boys' Association and the Augusta Fellowship are long‑standing community bodies; the Old Boys' Association celebrated its quasquicentenary (125 years) in 2018, and the Development Office and Foundation Trust support fundraising. The Heritage Room documents the school's history and includes eight wall panels describing the early history.	Community Diocesan has enjoyed a strong sense of community for more than 100 years. Fundraising priorities include the Ko Tātou Scholarship Fund, the Chapel restoration, and the redevelopment of the Shrewsbury Building, with opportunities to support other areas of school life such as sport and the arts. Support helps ensure the Dio girls continue to be more than they imagined. For further information about directed support or bequests, contact the Director of Development, Angela Coe.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association Auckland Grammar School runs a Parent Portal to give parents access to information about their sons, including attendance, marks and reports. The Portal also enables online payments for the School donation and other fees. The Portal includes an Absence Notification function for day-to-day attendance. The school publishes a 2025/2026 Parents Handbook and Form 3 Parents information to assist families. The Auckland Grammar School Old Boys' Association was founded in 1893 and the Augusta Fellowship is the School's bequest society; governance and fundraising involve these groups and the Development Office rather than a standalone Parent-Teacher Association.	Parent teacher association Dio Parents and Friends is an incorporated society that fosters a strong sense of community among Dio families, supports the school in its endeavours and enhances the Dio experience. Getting involved means joining social events and fundraising activities organized by a dedicated committee. Membership is automatic for all Dio School families, with an annual subscription of $35 payable through the school account. Volunteer opportunities include helping in the School Cafeteria, with volunteers rostered one day per term. Throughout the year, Parents & Friends hosts events such as New Student Welcome Morning Tea, New Student Welcome Picnic, New Parents' Cocktail Party, Father & Daughter Breakfast, and an End of Year Cocktail Party. Initiatives include Dio Charms, the Dio House Tour: Houses for Causes, the Dio School Cafeteria, and the Herb and Vegetable Garden.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Debating is a prominent extracurricular at Auckland Grammar School. The Auckland Schools Debating Competition is the largest regular debating competition in New Zealand. Chess is offered as a sport within the school's extracurricular program.	Academic & intellectual MakerSpace provides a digitally capable learning environment where students explore STEAM through hands-on projects. It features LEGO, robotics, sewing machines, a 3D printer and dedicated zones for construction, digital learning, soft materials and hard materials. Maker education plans integrate science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to encourage inquiry, collaboration and creative problem-solving. Students are supported to pursue their interests and develop practical, real-world applications.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Arts and Cultural Activities program provides wide opportunities for music, theatre and performance. Music groups include Big Band, Concert Band, Chamber Music ensembles, Grammarphonics, Grammar Virtuosi, Grammar Voices, Jazz Combo, Pipe Band and Drum Corps, Rock Bands, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Band. Most groups are auditioned and require proficiency, with itinerant lessons available in a wide range of instruments. Dramatic opportunities include Major Productions, Student Run Productions and Theatresports; the 2026 Major Production is Les Misérables, in collaboration with Epsom Girls' Grammar School.	Arts & creative Dio offers specialist teaching in Music, Singing, Dance and Drama. A Performing Arts Director coordinates co-curricular opportunities and mentoring with professional ensembles; Gifted students have performance and composition programmes with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, plus dance workshops with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Students regularly compete, perform and excel at regional and national levels; Shakespeare Festival, Sheilah Winn Festival of Shakespeare in Schools and Stage Challenge are among the productions and festivals available. Regular opportunities allow beginners to progress to high-level performers.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Cultural Groups reflect the diverse Grammar community, including Kapa Haka, Pasifika, Sri Lankan, Korean, Asian and Indian groups. Groups showcase heritage through assemblies, cultural evenings and local competitions. The School Haka was written in the early 2000s by elders of Ngāti Whātua. The Arts and Cultural Activities program includes a range of music and drama opportunities and there are myriad opportunities to perform through music and cultural groups, productions and debating.	Cultural & language English Language (EL) support helps international students study alongside domestic students, with ESL provision and targeted tutorials. Lunchtime tutorials and mentoring assist with language development and academic progress. The school offers language activities through the After School Activity Programme, including French and Chinese. The Lunar New Year Festival provides a cultural celebration and learning opportunity for Dio's diverse community.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A wide range of sports is offered year-round, including archery, athletics, chess, cycling, mountain biking, rowing, rugby, hockey, football, cricket, water polo and more. Registration for summer and winter sports is handled in the first weeks of Term 1, with pre-registration for some teams to support planning. In addition to sport, Performing Arts groups and cultural groups provide social and hobby-based activities. Theatresports and Major Productions offer team-based creative activity beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies More than 30 co-curricular sports codes provide broad participation, with 85% of students taking part. The sport program emphasizes participation, competition and high performance and includes opportunities to compete at regional, national and international levels. The After School Activity Programme in the Junior School offers cookery, art, chess, French, Chinese and performing arts, alongside sports and other activities to broaden hobbies and social engagement. These programmes extend learning beyond the classroom.
Community & service	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered at Auckland Grammar School with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The Award requires four core sections: Physical Recreation, Skill Development, Voluntary Service, and an Adventurous Journey; at Gold, participants also undertake a Residential Project. The programme is open to Form 4 to Form 7 students. Through participation, students cultivate commitment, self-awareness, initiative, self-confidence, determination and motivation, while developing leadership and teamwork skills.	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award challenges students to dream big and discover their potential. The programme spans Bronze, Silver and Gold and includes four sections: Skills, Physical recreation, Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey. It emphasizes service to the community, personal development and wellbeing, and is recognized by employers and universities worldwide. The Gold Award fosters self-confidence, resilience and lifelong leadership skills.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional The school appoints a Prefect Team to help lead the student body, including a Head Prefect, Deputy Head Prefect and Senior Prefects. Senior students serve in a range of leadership roles across school life, including involvement in Interact, MUNA, Grammarphonics, Grammar Voices and Major Production casts. The Prefect Team is complemented by a broad spectrum of student leadership across clubs and committees.	Leadership & professional Leadership development is provided through the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award and through Dio's formal leadership pathways, including School Leadership and Building Leadership programs. The Duke of Edinburgh award cultivates self-motivation, teamwork and project management, building applicable life skills. Dio also maintains a structured leadership framework within its governance and leadership teams.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Extracurricular activities are regarded as an important part of a young man's personal development. Facilities are world-class, providing a strong foundation for every boy who wants to immerse themselves in extracurricular activities. Pastoral care and health and well-being support are available to students. Camps provide opportunities to develop leadership and teamwork skills.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sport is a major wellbeing pillar with more than 85% participation and the school offers over 30 sport codes, emphasizing participation, competition and personal bests. The Sports Department supports athletes with coaching and leadership opportunities, and Girls' wellbeing is supported by the school's Pastoral Care team. Lunchtime tutorials, EL support and international student pastoral care further bolster student wellbeing and safe adaptation. Counselling services are available to support mental health and overall wellbeing.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages offered at Auckland Grammar School include French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori. These languages are taught within the school curriculum. Language study is integrated with other subjects.	Language provision The school teaches Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Spanish and Te Reo Māori. These languages are offered as part of the Junior High School language options (Year 7–10) and continue into the Senior School, with language study aligned to both the NCEA and IB pathways. French Ab Initio and Latin are included among the IB/NCEA language offerings. English and ESOL support is provided for learners of English.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs Short-term international student enrolments have access to a full language immersion and cultural exchange experience.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions International student admissions follow a six-step process. 1) Complete the Application Form. The form is submitted through the online system (enroller.app). An application is a prerequisite for admission but not a guarantee of admission, and the school acknowledges receipt after submission. 2) Attend an Admission Interview. The interview is conducted via WeChat, Zoom, Skype or in‑person and lasts about 15 minutes; it is an opportunity to learn more about the applicant's interests and goals, and for parents to ask questions. 3) Receive an Offer of Place. The Offer specifies the year level and the start and end dates of enrolment and includes the International Student Tuition Agreement and other relevant policies. 4) Accept the Offer. Tuition and homestay fees are paid to the School; the Tuition Agreement, Code of Conduct, Statement of Designated Caregiver Arrangements/ or Homestay Contract, ICT Acceptable Use Policy and Health Record are signed and returned to acknowledge acceptance. 5) Apply for a Student Visa. The student or their representative must apply online for a New Zealand student visa and ensure a valid visa before enrolment. 6) Attend Orientation. The student attends Orientation as part of the enrolment process.	Admissions 1. Intake years and availability. Main intake years are Preschool, Year 0/1, Year 4, Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11. Availability to admit new students exists throughout the year if vacancies arise. Diocesan can accept students at other year levels when places are available. 2. Apply online and deadlines. Complete the online application form. The closing date for applications is approximately 18 months prior to the entry year; for 2028 intake, it closes on Friday 29 May 2026. The application requires a non-refundable NZ$300 fee and your daughter's NZ birth certificate or NZ passport, or current passport and visa, along with a recent photo and her latest school report. If there are educational assessments, upload these with the application. 3. Documentation and review. Around 18 months ahead of entry, the Admissions Team will request additional supporting documentation. When all requested documentation has been received it will be reviewed by the Senior Academic Team. Timelines depend on the closing date and the volume of applications. 4. Interview. Following the review of your daughter's application and supporting documentation you will be advised if your daughter has been selected for an interview. 5. Offer and enrolment. Students are offered a place formally in writing. You will have a week to accept. When you accept you will be asked to pay a non-refundable enrolment fee of NZ$1,750. This represents your commitment to accepting the place offered to you. 6. Start of process. If you haven't yet applied but are interested, contact Admissions to find out availability. Please read the Selection Criteria for Enrolment and the Terms & Conditions.
Scholarships	Scholarships Auckland Grammar School offers four Tibbs House boarding scholarships: Cooper-Connell Boarding Scholarship (for applicants outside the Grammar zone; half boarding at Tibbs House for up to five years, renewable). Sir John Buchanan Boarding Scholarship (for Year 8 entrants; full five-year boarding). Sports Scholarship (for an outstanding sportsman; full or partial Tibbs House boarding). ASAP Finance Pathway Scholarship (for applicants outside the zone with financial hardship and leadership potential; scholarship applications must be posted as a hardcopy form; note that the ASAP Pathway Scholarship is closed for 2027).	Scholarships Diocesan offers an internal scholarship programme that invests in current students by recognising high achievers. Consideration for a scholarship or bursary will also be given to a limited number of students who are new to Diocesan. Sports and Music scholarships are offered from Years 11-13 and will only be made available if there are places in these year levels. Diocesan Alumnae Association bursaries and Buchanan Foundation scholarship are available from Year 7. One Ko Tātou scholarship is offered to a Year 9 student, covering Years 9-13. Applications for 2027 scholarships and bursaries are now closed. Applications for 2028 scholarships and bursaries will open in January 2027. Scholarships at a glance: Sports and Music scholarships have a maximum value of 50% of the tuition fees. The Diocesan Alumnae Association Bursary was established for girls whose Mother or Grandmother is a Diocesan Alumna, with selection criteria including financial circumstances and the Dio Alumna's past involvement in the school, for up to 50% of tuition fees. The Ko Tātou Scholarship was established in 2022 to open the doorway for students to attend Diocesan who would not otherwise be able to. One scholarship is offered each year to a Year 9 student, covering Years 9-13. Scholarships for Boarding: 2028 will be available, with applications opening in 2027.
Waitlist	Waitlist Out-of-zone places are allocated by priority groups and then by ballot when there are more applicants than places. The School publishes the likely number of out-of-zone places and the ballot dates each year. In the 2027 Out-of-Zone ballot held on 9 September 2026, all Form 3 priority applicants were offered places; Form 4–7 priority applicants were placed on waitlists, and the School will contact waitlist applicants directly if places become available.	Waitlist —
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