Diocesan School for Girls vs Macleans College

	D Diocesan School for Girls Auckland, New Zealand	M Macleans College Auckland, New Zealand
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year NZ$22,832 - 53,941	Fees / year NZ$26,000
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 13 - 18 years
Type	Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 1,700	Pupils 2,902
Typical class size	Typical class size 20	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1903	Opened 1980
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	Location 2 Macleans Road, Bucklands Beach, Auckland 2014, New Zealand. The school is located in Bucklands Beach, Auckland. The International Department lists the address for the campus at this location. School buses are operated by Gobus; students pay their own bus fares. Public transport options are available for students as part of the Auckland Transport network.
Stages	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.	Stages Year 9–13 (secondary school)
School type	School type Independent Anglican all-girls day and boarding school	School type co-educational high school
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix 3,000+ students; Students come from 20+ countries, representing over 80 cultures.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support Dedicated English language support (ESOL) for international students at all levels.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation New Zealand	Country affiliation New Zealand
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Anglican	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day begins with an Early Warning Bell around 8:30, followed by Form Period, Assembly and five class periods with a mid-morning interval. Sit-down lunch occurs around midday, and lessons continue until 3:15 pm (Fridays end earlier at 2:45–3:15 pm depending on timetable).
Bus service details	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.	Bus service details School buses are operated by Gobus; Gobus can be contacted at 09 257 7690. Students are responsible for paying their own bus fares.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	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.	Fee details Application / Enrollment fees - Enrolment Fee (new international student, non‑refundable): NZD 1,000. - Administration Fee (all international students): NZD 1,000. Tuition fees (international students) — full details by academic year - 2026 Annual tuition and core fee (single flat amount for international students): NZD 25,000 per year. - 2027 Annual tuition and core fee (single flat amount for international students): NZD 26,000 per year. Note: the published fee schedule for international students is expressed as an annual school fee; a per‑term or per‑New Zealand school year‑level breakdown is not published in the fee schedule. Billing schedule and payment terms - Invoicing is issued in advance of the school term or the academic year. Payments must be made by the due dates shown on invoices or charge notices. - Full or partial payments are accepted. Direct debit (weekly/fortnightly/monthly) payment plans are available and will be applied to outstanding amounts according to due dates on the student account. Boarding / Accommodation fees (homestay and caregiver options) - Homestay Placement Fee: NZD 500 (one‑off). - Homestay Fee 2026: NZD 380 per week (budgeted for 47 weeks = NZD 17,860). - Homestay Fee 2027: NZD 400 per week (budgeted for 47 weeks = NZD 18,800). - Homestay Change Fee: NZD 500. - Designated Caregiver (DCG) Placement Fee: NZD 1,000; DCG Change Fee: NZD 1,000. These options are listed where accommodation is arranged privately or via a caregiver. Other required or commonly expected costs - Insurance (student travel/medical insurance): NZD 675 for 2026; NZD 750 for 2027. - Miscellaneous expenses deposit (examples given: deposit for exam fees, extra‑curricular activity fees, textbook bond — refundable on sign‑out where applicable): NZD 1,000. - School uniform and shoes (typical cost indicated): NZD 800. - Stationery (typical cost indicated): NZD 400. - Subject‑related fees, field trips, external examination fees and personal spending are additional and depend on subject choices and activities. Estimated annual total ranges are provided for budgeting: students in homestay should budget approximately NZD 48,235–NZD 50,250 per year; students living with a Designated Caregiver should budget approximately NZD 30,875–NZD 31,950 per year. Refund information - Payments made for school‑related charges, voluntary donations, trips, sports, tournaments and registrations are generally non‑refundable. Where a refund is approved, it will first be credited against any outstanding amounts on the student's account. Refund inquiries for school charges are handled through the school's refund procedures (inquiries directed to the Teacher in Charge or the Accounts Office). - Specific published conditions for refund of international tuition (for example, refunds related to visa refusals or early withdrawal) are not detailed in the public fee schedule; families should consult the International Department or Accounts Office for the precise refund conditions that apply to a particular enrolment. Fee payment options - Preferred payment method: Parent Secure Portal (online), which accepts secure direct bank transfer (account‑to‑account) and credit card payments processed via the school's payment processor (Windcave). - Other accepted methods: direct bank deposit (include student ID/surname as reference) and direct debit arrangements. Internet banking details and further payment instructions are provided on the school's payment pages and on invoices. Additional notes about published information and gaps - The school's published international fee schedule gives annual flat tuition fees for international students (NZD 25,000 for 2026; NZD 26,000 for 2027) and detailed accommodation and ancillary charges, but it does not publish a per‑term or per‑New Zealand year‑level (Year 9–13) breakdown of tuition. Billing is stated to occur in advance of terms or the year, and payment methods and general refund handling are described, but detailed, itemised refund conditions for international tuition are not published in the publicly displayed fee pages. For exact invoice due dates, payment deadlines and any case‑specific refund conditions, the Accounts Office or International Department administers the student account.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	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.	Boarding arrangements Homestay Programme with host families for international students.
Uniform requirement	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.	Uniform requirement The school has a formal uniform. Junior and Senior uniforms are worn, and correct official uniform is required for attendance, travel, and school functions. There are blazer options for premier groups: rental at 90 NZD per year, second‑hand at 120 NZD, or a new blazer at 255 NZD.
Food options	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.	Food options Lunch is provided through the Dollar for Schools program (interim arrangement started March 17, 2025) with a rotating menu including Subway, sushi, Hell Pizza, and other items; a lunchtime delivery system is in place.
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.	House system The Whānau House System is the school's extended family of students and staff. The eight Whānau Houses are Batten, Hillary, Kupe, Mansfield, Rutherford, Snell, Te Kanawa and Upham.
Governance and ownership	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.	Governance and ownership The school is governed by the Macleans College Board, a Crown entity. New Zealand state and state‑integrated schools have a Board that sets strategic direction and hires the principal; the Board includes elected parent representatives, a staff representative and a student representative (when Year 9+).
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	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.	Curriculum details The school delivers a knowledge-rich curriculum with a wide range of subject choices and clear academic progression from junior to senior levels. Students develop strong subject knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and academic confidence and independence. The curriculum prepares students for success in both national and international qualifications. Senior students can follow flexible qualification pathways, including NCEA, NZQA Scholarship, Cambridge International Education (CIE) and Vocational pathways, allowing alignment with future goals. English language support (ESOL) is available for international students.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Junior High School has small class sizes with low teacher-to-student ratios.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results In 2024, 98.3% of leavers attained NCEA Level 3 and 97.2% attained University Entrance.	Exam results The school has a strong and consistent record of academic achievement. It reports consistently high NCEA achievement rates, strong NZQA Scholarship results, and outstanding Cambridge International results, including Top in the World and Top in New Zealand awards. Graduates are accepted into leading universities worldwide.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% university entrance in 2025; IB Diploma graduates continue their studies in New Zealand and overseas.	Higher education progression The school regularly supports graduates to progress to leading universities in New Zealand and around the world. The Careers Department assists with subject selection and pathway planning, university applications and scholarship opportunities.
Gifted and talented	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.	Gifted and talented The school offers a scholarship programme for high-achieving students, including NZQA Scholarship results. Music scholarships are available for instrumentalists Grade 6 or above. Cambridge International Education (CIE) pathways are available as part of flexible qualification routes.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	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.	Social & emotional learning Macleans College prioritises pastoral care as part of everyday student life. The Whānau House system places students in small, supportive communities to foster belonging and wellbeing. The school emphasises a caring, inclusive environment within the whānau framework. There is a dedicated international team providing guidance and support to international students. A broad range of extracurricular activities complements academic study and supports social and emotional development.
Special educational needs (SEN)	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.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	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.	English as an additional language Macleans College provides dedicated English language support for international students at all levels. ESOL programmes build confidence in English, support learning across all subjects and help students participate in school life. Students move into mainstream classes with pastoral and academic support. ESOL support is available to long-term international students only; short-term stays are not eligible.
Mental wellbeing	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.	Mental wellbeing Guidance and Counselling are available to support student wellbeing. The school provides a Student Support area with resources for welfare and academic guidance. An International Support Team offers tailored assistance to international students. The pastoral approach underpins student wellbeing through the Whānau House system and associated support structures. The Careers Department helps students plan pathways to university, reducing stress and contributing to overall wellbeing.
Safeguarding	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 Emergency and Student Safety Information is provided for international students. The emergency number in New Zealand is 111 for Police, Fire or Ambulance. For international student support, during school hours contact is +64 9 535 2620. After hours emergency contact is +64 27 420 3917. Safety procedures are published for emergencies.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	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.	Facilities overview Macleans College provides modern, well-maintained facilities that support learning and student wellbeing. Students benefit from well-equipped classrooms and specialist Science, Technology and Art blocks, extensive sports facilities, and performing arts venues. The campus includes Whānau House common areas for student life, a library for study and research, and an on-site Health Centre. Convenience facilities include a Uniform Shop and Tuck Shop for daily needs.
Sports facilities	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.	Sports facilities Extensive sports facilities support a wide range of activities, including a broad program of teams at all levels. The facilities include FIFA and IRB certified artificial turfs as part of the school's sporting offerings.
Academic facilities	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.	Academic facilities Well-equipped classrooms and specialist Science, Technology and Art blocks provide modern learning spaces. The Library is a well-resourced space for study and research.
Extra curricular facilities	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.	Extra curricular facilities Over 100 activities are available, including academic clubs, cultural groups, performing arts (music, drama and dance) and sports teams at all levels. Outdoor Education offers surfing, hiking, scuba diving and camping. International students can take on leadership roles such as International Prefects, Student Leaders and Ambassadors, and peer mentors.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	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.	History Macleans College was opened in 1980 by the Governor General, Sir David Beattie. It is a co-educational school and was the first S80 or whānau house school built in New Zealand. The campus spans about 13 hectares (32 acres) of land. The school is named after the Maclean family, who immigrated to New Zealand in 1850 and farmed the land on which the school sits. The whānau house system creates a mini school within the college, with each whānau of around 360 students.
Community	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.	Community Macleans College maintains an active community that connects alumni, staff, parents and supporters through sharing of news, events and projects. The Alumni section supports engagement with features such as joining or updating details, Distinguished Alumni, Where are you now?, Alumni News & Events and the Alumni Speaker Series. There are opportunities for involvement through Giving and volunteering via the Ways to Give and Volunteering or Mentoring sections. Principal's Campus Tours are offered for alumni and other local community members to view the campus and observe classes.
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.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	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.	Academic & intellectual Model East Asian Relations Conference (MEARC) is hosted for secondary students to engage in structured debate on international affairs. Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) involves Macleans College students in a simulated UN setting. Grace Baylis (Year 13) was selected as part of the New Zealand Schools' Debating Team. There are over 100 activities available, including academic clubs, sport, drama and intercultural programs.
Arts & creative	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.	Arts & creative Performing Arts is a central part of student life, with events such as a Gala Concert celebrating the year's performing arts. Creative Arts, Design & Industries are highlighted within the extra-curricular program. A broad range of arts‑based activities includes music, drama and related disciplines.
Cultural & language	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.	Cultural & language Intercultural clubs are available as part of the extra-curricular program. Senior Spanish language students explore the cultures of 20 countries. The Intercultural Committee (ICC) runs events and supports intercultural groups such as Chinese Culture Club, Lion Dance, K‑Pop groups and more.
Social & hobbies	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.	Social & hobbies Groups and Clubs cover a wide range of social and hobby interests; sign-up lists are available through the school. Group activities include clubs and shared lunches as part of student life. The Whānau House System provides an extended family network across houses.
Community & service	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.	Community & service Volunteering or mentoring is available through Ways to Give. International Prefects celebrate a year of service. Community service opportunities are demonstrated through events such as charitable fundraisers and festival activities.
Leadership & professional	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.	Leadership & professional Student Leaders and House Prefects provide leadership across the school, with Year 12 Camp Leaders and Year 13 House Prefects and School Prefects included in the leadership structure. The Careers Department offers career development support. MEARC and MUNA provide leadership opportunities in international affairs and debate.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	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.	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Whānau House System creates an extended family of students and staff, supporting belonging and wellbeing. Outdoor adventures are part of the extra-curricular life. Sport and fitness activities contribute to overall wellbeing and resilience.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	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.	Language provision English language support (ESOL) is provided for international students at all levels. ESOL programs are designed to build confidence in the English language, support learning across all subjects, and help students fully participate in school life. Students move into mainstream classes with pastoral and academic support. ESOL is available to long-term international students; short-term stays are not eligible.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	Admissions —
Scholarships	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.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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