Kristin School and Saint Kentigern College are both in Auckland, about 25 km apart. Both schools offer IB programmes, and Saint Kentigern College also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are NZ$500 - 29,056 at Kristin School and NZ$28,422 - 51,232 at Saint Kentigern College, which puts Saint Kentigern College roughly 170% higher. Kristin School takes pupils from 0 to 18, and Saint Kentigern College from 11 to 18. Saint Kentigern College is the larger school, with around 2,325 pupils to Kristin School's 1,800. Typical class sizes are 15 at Kristin School and 24 at Saint Kentigern College.
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Kristin School
Auckland, New Zealand
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Saint Kentigern College
Auckland, New Zealand
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year NZ$500 - 29,056 | Fees / year NZ$28,422 - 51,232 |
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Age range
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Age range 0 - 18 years | Age range 11 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding) |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) | Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum |
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Pupils
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Pupils 1,800 | Pupils 2,325 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 15 | Typical class size 24 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1973 | Opened 1953 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location 360 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand. Based in Albany on Auckland's North Shore, the campus sits on a purpose-built 50-acre site set among native bush. A fleet of Kristin buses provides transport to multiple routes around Auckland. | Location Pakuranga Campus, 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus sits in the Pakuranga area of Auckland and is part of Saint Kentigern College. Directions and bus information are available to assist travel to the campus. |
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Stages
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Stages Early Learning to Senior School (Early Childhood Education 6 months–5 years; Kindergarten through Year 13) | Stages Years 7-13 (ages 11-18) |
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School type
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School type Independent, co-educational school | School type — |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support — | Additional learning support — |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation New Zealand | Country affiliation New Zealand |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation non-denominational | Religious affiliation Presbyterian |
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School day structure
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School day structure — | School day structure — |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details Dedicated Kristin buses operate for Kindergarten through Senior School with routes across Auckland. Drivers know students by name. Route information is available by selecting AM or PM tabs on the bus route page. | Bus service details Bus information is available for the Pakuranga Campus. |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application and Entrance Fees - Application fee (payable on submission; non-refundable): NZD 300 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Entrance fee (required to confirm acceptance; non-refundable): NZD 900 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Kristin Education Bond (non-interest bearing; payable on acceptance and repaid when the student leaves provided correct notice and accounts are clear): NZD 3,000 for Junior/Middle/Senior and International applicants. - Kindergarten-specific charges: Entrance Fee NZD 200 (non-refundable) and Kristin Education Bond NZD 500. Tuition fees — Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten (consolidated) - With 20 hours ECE funding (Full day 8:00am–4:00pm): Tuition Fee per term NZD 5,518; per month NZD 2,207. Activity fee per term NZD 90 (Total per term NZD 5,608; per month NZD 2,243). - Without 20 hours ECE funding (Full day 8:00am–4:00pm): Tuition Fee per term NZD 7,174; per month NZD 2,870. Activity fee per term NZD 90 (Total per term NZD 7,264; per month NZD 2,906). Tuition fees — Domestic students (2026) — annual and instalments - Junior School (Years 0–6): Annual tuition NZD 24,021. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 6,005.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 2,402.10 per month. - Middle School (Years 7–10): Annual tuition NZD 29,669. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 7,417.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 2,966.90 per month. - Senior School (Years 11–13): Annual tuition NZD 30,291. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 7,572.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 3,029.10 per month. Tuition fees — International students (2026) — annual and instalments - Junior School (Years 0–6): Annual tuition NZD 42,195. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 10,548.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 4,219.50 per month. - Middle School (Years 7–10): Annual tuition NZD 52,053. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 13,013.25 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 5,205.30 per month. - Senior School (Years 11–13): Annual tuition NZD 53,135. Term instalment (four equal instalments) = NZD 13,283.75 per term. Monthly amount if paid by 10-month direct debit = NZD 5,313.50 per month. Billing schedule and payment terms - Direct Debit over 10 months: due on the 20th of each month from February to November. Monthly amounts equal the annual tuition divided by 10. - Direct Debit termly instalments: four equal instalments due on 20 February, 20 April, 20 July and 20 October (term instalments equal the annual tuition divided by 4). - Single payment discount: a 1% discount on the annual tuition fee when the full year tuition is paid by 15 December of the prior year; to arrange payment via accountsreceivable@kristin.school.nz. - Credit card, Alipay or WeChat payments incur a bank surcharge of 1.4%. - Fees billed for incidental items (co‑curricular activities, camps, IB exam fees, etc.) are charged to the school account as they arise and are communicated to families in advance. Additional recurring and one‑off costs - Development Contribution (annual, per child): NZD 1,150. - Activity Fee (covers field trips and curriculum-related activities): up to NZD 699 (varies by year level). - Kristin Alumni Association Fee (one‑off on entry; lifetime membership; non-refundable): NZD 500. - Uniform (new students can expect approximate initial cost): NZD 1,100 for a full uniform; second‑hand options available through school sales. - Digital learning: Year 4–6 iPad lease (managed and owned by the school until student finishes Junior School, then transferred to family) estimated NZD 1,600. Years 7–13 bring-your-own-laptop. - Bus fares: dependent on route and distance; concession cards available for casual users. - International-specific extras: homestay accommodation NZD 410 per week; English acquisition lessons (if required) NZD 1,850 per term; medical insurance approximately NZD 650 per year. - Other incidental charges: co‑curricular activities, outdoor education (camp) charges and IB Diploma exam fees are billed to the school account when applicable. Sibling discounts - A sibling discount applies to tuition only: 10% off tuition for the third sibling attending Kristin Junior–Senior School (excludes Little Doves ELC and Kindergarten). The discount increases to 15% for the fourth and subsequent siblings. Refunds, transfers and fee protection - Entrance fees and the alumni fee are non‑refundable. Kristin Education Bonds are repaid when the student leaves provided the required notice has been given and all accounts are paid. - International students: prepaid tuition and certain annual fees must be paid in full by set deadlines for visa processing; fees are not refundable within the first 12 months if an international student gains permanent residence or a work permit and seeks to transfer to domestic fees. In later years, a full term's notice and evidence of change of status are required before a fee change will be applied. - Tuition Fee Protection: prepaid tuition fees are held in a reserve; at the beginning of each term a quarter of pre‑paid tuition fees are transferred from the reserve to the school's income account to ensure the pre‑paid portion can be identified at any time. Accepted payment methods and surcharges - Direct debit (termly instalments or over 10 months) and single upfront payments are accepted. Credit card, Alipay and WeChat are accepted but incur a 1.4% bank surcharge. Single upfront payments eligible for a 1% discount if paid by the specified deadline. Bank transfer and direct debit arrangements are used for regular instalments. Notes on incidental timing obligations - Certain categories of fees (for example, full-year tuition, homestay, alumni fee in the entry year, activity and development contribution, and medical insurance) are required to be paid in full by the deadlines set for international enrolment to permit timely visa issuance and renewal. | Fee details Enrolment and application fees - APPLICATION FEE: NZD 300.00 (payable when submitting an application; non-refundable). - ACCEPTANCE FEE (enrolment confirmation): NZD 500.00 (invoiced when a place is offered; non-refundable). - ASSOCIATION FEE (lifetime Alumni / Parents & Friends membership): NZD 775.00 (invoiced on offer; non-refundable). - CONTRIBUTION LEVY (all students): NZD 1,500.00 (invoiced on offer). Tuition fees — College (Years 9–13) - Annual tuition fee (applies to College students): NZD 28,422.00 per year. - Per term (calculated): NZD 7,105.50 per term (annual tuition divided by four). (This per-term figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition.) - Per month if using the 10-month instalment plan (calculated): NZD 2,842.20 per month (annual tuition divided by 10). (This per‑month figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition and the school's 10‑month instalment option.) Boarding fees (Bruce House) - Annual boarding fee (term time only): NZD 21,810.00 per year. Boarding fees are charged in addition to tuition. - Per term (calculated): NZD 5,452.50 per term (annual boarding fee divided by four). (Per‑term figure is a calculation.) - Boarding does not include tuition; weekly and full‑term boarding options are available within the boarding programme. Other compulsory and typical costs - SOFTWARE LICENCE FEE (one-off): NZD 250.00. - PUBLICATIONS FEE (annual, approximate): NZD 200.00. - UNIFORM (approximate cost for newly enrolled students to obtain full uniform): NZD 1,300.00 (approx). Second‑hand options may reduce this cost. - LAPTOP BUNDLE: Variable — an approved laptop bundle (device, accidental damage cover, extended warranty, carry case) is required from Year 6 and is available through the school's preferred supplier. - IB DIPLOMA CHARGE (for students taking the IB in Years 12–13): NZD 1,000.00 per year (charged in instalments where indicated). - ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM / SUBJECT COSTS: Variable — extra charges may apply depending on year level and subject selection (examples: specialist subject levies, field trips, workbooks, camps, overnight excursions, external exam fees). - SPORTS / CO-CURRICULAR TRIP COSTS: Variable — charges depend on participation and event. - BUS FARES: Variable — fares depend on route and distance; route and fare details are updated each year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Domestic (NZ) accounts: All accounts require payment by Direct Debit unless tuition is paid in full under the early‑payment options. Direct Debits (including incidentals) are processed on the 20th of each month (January to December). - Early payment discounts: - Full payment in advance by 05 December of the prior year: 1.5% discount on net tuition. - Full payment by 20 January: 0.9% discount on net tuition. - Instalment option: Tuition may be spread over 10 months (February to November) by Direct Debit; incidentals may be direct‑debited January–December. - Overdue and transaction charges: Interest on overdue balances may be charged at 1% per month. Payments made by credit card incur a 2% surcharge. Dishonoured payments attract a dishonour fee (NZD 20). - International student billing: Annual international tuition and boarding costs are billed in November of the year before entry and are payable in a single lump sum by the end of November; a paid receipt is required to support a student visa application. Refunds, notice and withdrawal - APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE and ASSOCIATION FEES are non‑refundable. - If a student is unable to attend at the beginning of a term, fees remain due; the Trust Board does not undertake to remit or refund fees for illness, quarantine, or other causes. - NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL: A minimum of one term's written notice to the College Principal is required to withdraw a student (day or boarder). Without correct notice, full fees for the following term will be charged in lieu of notice. - FEE PROTECTION: The Trust Board operates a Fee Protection Scheme that may cover tuition (and boarding where applicable) in the event of the death of a fee‑paying parent or legal guardian; entry is automatic upon payment of the first fee instalment and eligibility restrictions apply. Sibling discounts and concessions - SIBLING DISCOUNT: 5% off tuition for two family members attending Saint Kentigern campuses; 10% off tuition where three or more family members attend. Students receiving scholarships or other concessions are not eligible for the sibling discount. Payment methods and practical notes - Direct Debit is the required method for ongoing billing and instalments. Credit card payments are accepted but attract a 2% surcharge. Overdue amounts may accrue interest. Dishonoured payments incur an NZD 20 fee. For international enrolments, annual tuition and boarding are billed and must be paid in full to provide a receipt for visa purposes. How additional charges are handled - Many costs beyond tuition and boarding (subject levies, EOTC camps, field trips, workbook charges, elective programme fees, sports tours) are variable and billed as required; these are direct‑debited as incidentals unless otherwise invoiced. Contacts for accounts and payments - Accounts / Finance contact for fee queries: accounts@saintkentigern.com ; Phone: +64 9 577 0747. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements Homestay accommodation: Kiwi host families; international students usually live with a host family arranged by Kristin's International Services. Host families are carefully selected and police checked to ensure safety and welfare. The homestay provides a fully furnished bedroom with study facilities, three meals a day plus snacks, and transport to school and activities as needed. | Boarding arrangements Bruce House is the on-campus boarding facility for Saint Kentigern College students in Years 9–13 (ages 13–18). It is a small, welcoming hostel set in landscaped grounds with views of the Tamaki Estuary. Boarders benefit from supervised evening prep time and dedicated duty staff who are College teachers, with a diverse community that participates in College life, sport and cultural activities. |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement Kristin has a formal uniform. An on-site uniform shop sells items with fittings by appointment; some items can be purchased direct from Argyle Online; secondhand uniform sales are held regularly. House colours are used in PE and in house T-shirts as part of the school's house system. | Uniform requirement There are two daywear uniforms—Years 7–10 (Middle School) and Years 11–13 (Senior School)—with a formal uniform worn on Formal Friday during winter. Prefects wear kilts for formal occasions, and a separate sports uniform is worn for Physical Education. Uniform items are available from the on-site Mungo's Uniform Shop or online; sample sizes are available and second-hand uniforms can be purchased. |
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Food options
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Food options For international students in homestay, food is provided by the host family: three meals a day plus snacks; breakfast typically includes cereal and toast, lunch is usually a sandwich, and dinner is typically meat with vegetables. | Food options Saint Kentigern Trust runs the Senior School Saints Café and the Middle School Kents Café, offering a range of healthy foods and drinks with much of the food prepared onsite and menus that change regularly. Saints Café operates before school, at interval, and at lunch from 7:00am to 2:00pm, with online ordering for collection through the OLE and charges to the parent account; orders must be placed by 9:00am. The Cafés accommodate dietary requirements and provide contact details for the Café Manager. |
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House system
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House system The school uses a house system; house colours feature on PE shirts and House T-Shirts; House Deans oversee house matters in the Senior School. | House system All students belong to one of six houses: Cargill, Chalmers, Hamilton, Wishart, Stark, and Wilson. Within each house, students are organised into Tutor Groups, with Year 7–8 forming Form Classes. Heads of House oversee pastoral care within a tutor-based family structure across the College. |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership Kristin School is owned by a charitable trust and governed by a Board of Governors comprising four Trustees and six Parent Governors. | Governance and ownership The Saint Kentigern Trust Board is the governing body for Saint Kentigern College and the four Saint Kentigern schools. It is an independent body with the power to appoint its members and was founded in 1949 to provide schools for boys in Auckland; the Trust Deed was amended in 1995 to educate girls as well. In 2009, the Corran and Saint Kentigern Trust Boards merged, with staffing and operations for the Girls' School campus brought under the Trust. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School with dual curriculums: IB and NCEA; senior students choose between the IB Diploma Programme and NCEA. | Curriculum details The Senior School offers a broad range of subjects across Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. In Year 11, every student undertakes the NCEA Level 1 qualification. In Years 12 and 13, students may choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's NCEA. The IB Diploma is a two-year program with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), one language as a second language, and core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service. The NZQA/NCEA path comprises Levels 1–3 with internal and external assessments; most subjects offer 16–20 credits per subject, and Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 enable progression toward certificates. A Course Handbook provides comprehensive information about the core curriculum and elective subjects. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio Small class sizes; senior school classes have an average of 15 students. | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results The school has a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma and 97% of students achieving University Entrance (UE) in 2024. | Exam results In 2023, Level 1 NCEA achieved a pass rate of 98.8% (415/420), with 40.96% Excellence Endorsement and 44.82% Merit Endorsement; 86% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 2 NCEA achieved 99.29% (279/281) with 31.54% Excellence Endorsement and 47.67% Merit Endorsement; 79% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 3 NCEA achieved 97.84% (272/278); 21.94% Excellence Endorsement and 48.2% Merit Endorsement; 70% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. The University Entrance rate for the year stands at 91%. |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression 97% of students achieved University Entrance (UE) in 2024. | Higher education progression Graduates have progressed to universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, New York University, University of Melbourne, and University of Sydney. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented — |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The school emphasises intellectual and personal development through academics, experiential learning, service and leadership. It aims to develop students who are curious, caring and responsible global citizens within an environment that supports wellbeing. | Social & emotional learning The Navigate programme enhances student well-being and character development. Tutor groups and the six Houses provide ongoing pastoral care, with two adult Heads of House. Every teacher acts as a tutor, maintaining strong relationships with their tutor group and parents. Chapel services are held weekly in house groups, and family house services are conducted once a term. Student Futures experts help students navigate life beyond Saint Kentigern. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) — | Special educational needs (SEN) The Enhanced Learning Centre (ELC) liaises with classroom teachers to enhance learning for individual students. All students referred to the Enhanced Learning Centre are assessed to determine their learning needs and the assessment results are used to determine appropriate support in collaboration with parents and teachers. Gifted and Talented students are provided with opportunities to showcase their achievements and are celebrated, school-wide, during Gifted Awareness Week. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language — | English as an additional language — |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing — | Mental wellbeing The Guidance Department includes the Head of Guidance, counselling psychologists and clinical psychologists, who are available to students during school hours. The Pastoral Care team comprises Deputy Principals, Heads of House, Head of International Students, Guidance Counsellors, the Chaplaincy team, Nurse, Head of Student Futures (Careers), Maori and Pasifika Director, and Director of Boarding. The Health Centre is staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00am–4:00pm. Weekly Chapel services are a central feature of school life, and Student Futures provides career guidance and information about future pathways with regular tertiary institution visits. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding — | Safeguarding Saint Kentigern follows the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021 for international students. Emergency contacts for international students are provided by the Director of International Students. Bruce House is the boarding facility for students (years 9 and above), with the Director of Boarding acting in loco parentis. A College Code of Conduct for Students outlines expected behaviour and disciplinary procedures. The Health and Safety policy sets safeguarding and safety protocols, and incidents or hazards must be reported. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview The Kristin campus spans 50 acres of park-like grounds with modern facilities. It provides well-resourced classrooms and laboratories, complemented by an extensive library, auditoriums, a media studio, and sports facilities. The grounds include gardens, age-specific playgrounds and expansive natural spaces for exploration. The campus supports intellectual, physical and emotional development. It enables a wide range of learning experiences across the sciences, technology, arts and physical education. | Facilities overview Set on 100 acres overlooking the Tamaki Estuary in Pakuranga, Saint Kentigern College provides expansive facilities designed to support holistic student development and educational outcomes. Learning spaces are light and spacious with technology and reliable connectivity. The campus features specialist spaces for arts, science, commerce, and design, supporting a range of creative and academic activities. The facilities include spaces for performance and movement across the campus. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Kristin offers a wide range of sporting facilities. The campus includes a competition-sized hockey turf with stadium lighting, rugby and football pitches, and multiple cricket pitches and football fields. There is a multi-purpose indoor facility named Tūrama for netball, basketball or tennis. The hockey turf is located at the rear of the Junior School and is equipped with stadium lighting. Kristin has two gymnasiums—the Roy Munn Gym in the Junior School and the Old Gym near Gate 1—and a rock climbing wall used in Outdoor Education. The Institute of Golf is nearby and provides a driving range with 10 undercover bays. | Sports facilities The Sports Centre houses two versatile indoor courts that can be configured into a single 1,800 m² space with an electronic curtain. It includes five PE/Health teaching rooms, changing rooms, and offices for teaching and coaching staff. A strength and conditioning centre, a physiotherapy room, and a video-analysis presentation room support training and assessment. Beyond the Sports Centre, groomed fields, an artificial turf surface, tennis courts (one under cover), an indoor cricket facility, a competitive-length swimming pool, and an on-site rowing programme extend the sporting facilities. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities The Science and Technology Centre provides 16 teaching spaces and laboratories, arranged around a central atrium with social spaces, ample natural lighting, and energy-efficient heating and cooling. The Library and Information Centre (LIC) houses the library, Information Services, a Senior Study Centre, Senior School Administration, a public gallery and conference facilities. The Senior Study Centre includes a study room and a senior common room with an external courtyard. The Canon Creative Studio is the hub of media production, featuring a blackout studio, a nine-metre-wide green screen with ARRI lighting, Apple M2 Macbooks for editing and Canon cameras and lenses. | Academic facilities The Jack Paine Centre (JPC) houses art rooms, food technology, hard materials, soft materials, and design classrooms. The College provides dedicated Commerce and Science spaces, and the Science block is fully equipped with labs supported by technicians. The Music Centre offers facilities for individual and group practice and includes a performance auditorium for choral and instrumental programmes. The dance studio is a hub of movement that can be divided into two teaching spaces and accommodates performances, with a cushioned floor in the downstairs activity room. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities Arts and performing arts facilities include the Dove Theatre (approximately 200 seats) and the Auditorium (over 1,000 seats), with the Arts Centre connecting to music suites, drama and dance studios. The Canon Creative Studio supports media production for student projects. The LIC provides a public gallery and conference facilities for exhibitions and events. Kristin offers co-curricular opportunities in Performing Arts, Sports, Volunteer and Leadership, and Experiential Learning. | Extra curricular facilities Rowing on Tamaki Estuary; music programs including choral and instrumental offerings housed in the Music Centre; a dance studio; a broad range of sports supported by the Sports Centre and outdoor facilities. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History The school was founded in 1973 by a group of parents seeking quality, holistic education. It began with 42 students. The school is owned by a charitable trust and governed by a Board of Governors with four Trustees and six Parent Governors. Founding patrons remain active and valued members of the Kristin community, providing a direct connection to the school's origins. | History Saint Kentigern College opened in 1953 on a rural site near Auckland, 16 kilometres from the centre of the city, near the Tamaki Estuary. The foundation Headmaster was Reverend Adam MacFarlan, appointed in 1952 to lead the College in the Presbyterian tradition. Bruce House opened in 1954 to house boarders, with 103 boarders by 1956, and Elliot Hall was completed in 1958 as an Assembly Hall and Gym. In 1996 the Trust Deed was amended to admit girls, and the first girls joined in 2003, introducing a parallel education model with single-gender classrooms and shared opportunities. Governance has evolved through a sequence of leaders and the Saint Kentigern Trust; Warren Peat served as Executive Head from 2001, and in 2023 Damon Emtage became College Principal with Dr Kevin Morris as Executive Trustee since 2022, and the College is authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Source: College History |
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Community
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Community Service and the community have always been a vital part of Kristin. Getting involved with the school community connects families with daily life at Kristin. The Kristin Family and Friends (KFF) facilitates activities and events and serves as the parent body. Founding patrons remain active and valued members of the community, and former students frequently return to Kristin with their own children. The community includes international and cultural groups, with ethnic parent committees for Chinese, Korean, German, Russian, Japanese, Salaam and Hispanic communities. | Community The College community is anchored in faith, with Christian Education, weekly chapel services and a focus on service to others. Termly House Chapels bring families together, reinforcing shared Christian values within the community. The community is grounded in values of respect, integrity, service, excellence and love that shape student character. Source: College page (Why Saint Kentigern College) |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association Kristin Family and Friends (KFF) is the parent body and facilitates activities and events on behalf of the school, providing opportunities for families to participate. Examples of events include the Summer Carnival, International Peace Night Concert, Wednesday Walks, and Second-Hand Uniform Sales. | Parent teacher association The Parents and Friends Associations of each Saint Kentigern school play a vital role in building a sense of community and supporting school activities and initiatives. Membership consists of dedicated volunteers, with an annual AGM in March and multiple opportunities to contribute. Each of the three school associations meets about eight times per year to plan activities, with updates from senior staff and a Trust Board delegate. The College Association volunteers and raises funds, operates Kents Café for Middle School and Saints Café for Senior School, and organises special fundraising events. The Girls' and Boys' School associations contribute through fundraising and events such as Fireworks Night, Celtic Day, and Flora MacDonald Day, celebrating Celtic heritage. Funds raised are used at the committees' discretion to provide equipment or facilities that enhance the students' educational experience. Source: Parents and Friends |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual The school participates in mathematics competitions, including the European Girls' Maths Olympiad, Inter School Maths Olympiad, Auckland Maths Olympiad, Mathex, Calcex and the New Zealand Maths Olympiad. The co-curricular programme includes enrichment opportunities, workshops, futures evening and futures camp, and university visits to extend learning beyond the classroom. The school is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and offers IB Diploma pathways and international placements in line with its international curriculum. | Academic & intellectual Saint Kentigern College runs multiple academic competitions and intellectual enrichment programs. Three College teams qualified for the World Scholar's Cup Global Round, competing in team debates, collaborative writing, the Scholar's Challenge and the Scholar's Bowl. A student has represented New Zealand in Debating at national and international events, reflecting the College's strong debate program. The College also hosts the STEM Racing competition, showcasing student engineering and teamwork across Development and Professional classes. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative The Performing Arts program encompasses music, art, dance and drama for students in Junior through Senior School. The program includes award-winning productions and practical theatre experiences in a fully functioning theatre environment. Our musical productions include Disney's Lion King KIDS, Frozen JR, the Addams Family and Disney's The Little Mermaid JR, among others. There are choirs, orchestras, chamber music, contemporary ensembles and itinerant music tuition across more than 20 instruments. | Arts & creative The College provides extensive arts opportunities, led by seven music programmes: Orchestra, Strings, Rock, Chamber, Concert Band, Jazz, and Choral. Co-curricular music groups are available to all levels, with both auditioned and all-comer ensembles, fixed weekly rehearsals, and weekend workshops and performances. The performing arts program also includes Speech & Drama, theatre sports and school productions, and an Oral Assessment Programme with Speech New Zealand. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Kristin offers long-term placements through its International Programme and short-term placements by arrangement. Language, cultural and service trips enrich language learning and provide immersive experiences, with the Dovetail Exchange Programme enabling Middle and Senior School students to live and study in other cultures. Kristin participates in the Global Alliance for Innovative Learning (GAIL), linking with partner schools and offering annual GAIL conventions. The International brochure is available in English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish and Italian. | Cultural & language Language and cultural activities include competitive events in French, with Saint Kentigern students taking part in Alliance Française Auckland debates. The College hosts international engagement through visits such as Ōtaki Scholars, and participates in cross-cultural competitions such as the World Scholar's Cup, which involves students from many backgrounds. These programs foster cultural awareness and global collaboration. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Co-curricular opportunities include Performing Arts and Sports, with more than 20 sporting codes and top-quality facilities on-site. Performing Arts spans choir, orchestras, chamber music, jazz and other ensembles, and includes major productions such as Disney's The Lion King KIDS, Frozen JR, The Addams Family and The Little Mermaid JR. Dance programmes, theatre activities and theatre productions provide broad opportunities for creative and collaborative work, including Dance in the Dove and Theatre/Drama activities. Toastmasters and other clubs operate as part of Kristin's co-curricular life. | Social & hobbies Students engage in social and hobby activities through drama productions, music ensembles, and arts events. The College hosts school productions and participates in national arts competitions such as the Shakespeare Festival Nationals. The arts and culture programs also provide opportunities for creative writing, film projects and other peer-led activities. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Leadership and service go hand in hand at Kristin; as an IB World School, leadership and service are integrated to benefit the school and wider community. Through leadership roles and active community-minded groups, students learn to support peers and engage in service activities; programmes align with the PYP Exhibition, MYP Community Project and IB Diploma CAS. Kristin has ongoing partnerships with community organisations such as Ronald McDonald House, Restoring Rosedale Park and Wairau Special Valley School. Experiential Learning also includes service learning opportunities and overseas experiences. | Community & service Service and leadership are central to College life. College Prefects and leadership groups lead service initiatives and model Saint Kentigern values. Action and service activities are embedded in the Middle College program, including Mataatua Marae visits and Saint John First Aid training. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional Leadership and service roles are structured to provide learning and growth that complement the curriculum. Through ongoing partnerships with community organisations, students engage in meaningful service projects. The Senior School offers mentoring, enrichment opportunities, workshops, futures evening, futures camp and university visits to support career development and future planning. | Leadership & professional Leadership is formalised through College Prefects, Head Prefects and a College Leadership Team. The Prefect Commissioning ceremony marks the official induction of student leaders, who guide peers and drive College life. Leadership development includes leadership camps and ongoing roles in student councils and committees. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports are a core focus, with more than 20 sporting codes and top-quality fields, a high-performance gym, climbing wall, an all-weather hockey turf and covered tennis and netball courts. The school aims to develop lifelong physical activity through quality coaching across codes. Camp Week is a major outdoor learning experience for Years 7–13, designed to build teamwork, independence, resilience and personal development. Physical Education/Health/Learning for Life is a compulsory part of the Senior School, reinforcing wellbeing as part of Kristin's approach. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Wellbeing and physical development are supported by extensive sport and fitness programs, with over 25 regular sports codes and a dedicated development program. Mountain biking is offered as a co-curricular activity, and the College provides a state-of-the-art fitness centre with Athletic Development Coaches to support training and holistic wellness. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision Mandarin Chinese and Maori are taught throughout the Kindergarten and Junior School. Language classes for Middle and Senior School include Chinese, Spanish, French and Japanese. | Language provision Te Reo Maori, French, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish are offered for language learning. In Years 7 and 8, two languages are introduced: a European language (French or Spanish) and an Asian language (Mandarin). In Year 7, these two languages are studied for a semester; in Year 8, one language is studied for the full year. Languages are available across senior years as semester-long and full-year courses, and Saint Kentigern College provides two qualification pathways: NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards — |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Apply online: Applications take about 15 minutes to complete and require documents such as the photo page of the applicant's passport or NZ birth certificate; for non-New Zealand passport holders, a visa copy; a recent head-and-shoulders photo; two most recent school reports; and copies of any educational assessments if applicable. 2. Little Doves ELC and Kristin Kindergarten: Applications are open year-round; after submission, the child is placed in an Applicant Pool and will be contacted for an interview if a place becomes available; tours are invitation-only. 3. Junior School (Year 0 and Year 1): Applications are open year-round; selected candidates are notified for an entrance interview closer to when the child turns five; tours are offered by invitation. 4. Middle School (Years 7 and 9, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand not all applicants will be selected for an entrance interview; those not selected will be placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if opportunities arise. 5. Senior School (Years 11–13, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand and limited places not all applicants will be shortlisted; shortlisted candidates and their parent(s) or guardian(s) must attend an entrance interview with the Senior School Principal or delegate. 6. International students: Kristin generally does not accept international students under 14 unless they live in Auckland with a parent permanently present; a copy of the birth certificate and passport must be provided with the International Student application. 7. What we look for: Kristin seeks students with real potential to be intellectual and independent learners and to contribute across the co-curriculum; selection considers academics, character, interests and personality. 8. Community connections: connections to the Kristin community (such as being siblings of current students or children of alumni) are considered as part of the process, but do not guarantee a place. 9. | Admissions 1. Application: To apply to Saint Kentigern College, complete the Online Application Form. Applications can be submitted up to three years before the intended entry year. A non-refundable application fee of $300 is charged per application. Attach a copy of the child's NZ Birth Certificate or NZ Passport or current passport, along with their latest school reports; if there have been any educational or medical assessments, provide the reports as well. 2. Request for documentation: Around 12 months ahead of entry year, the Admissions team will be in touch to request additional supporting documentation, such as school reports. 3. Interview: After the application and documents are received, prospective students and their caregiver may be invited to attend an enrolment interview in an informal, friendly setting. Interviews are held the year prior to entry. Not every student will be offered an interview and may be placed in a wait pool. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided. 4. Offer of Place: Following a successful interview, a written offer for the child's place will be issued. The offer is usually sent within a week of the interview. To secure the place, an Enrolment Agreement must be signed by both Parents or Caregivers and returned along with the non-refundable Acceptance Fee, Association Fee and Contribution Levy. 5. Acceptance: To complete enrolment, sign the Enrolment Agreement and return it with the required fees. Fees and levies are non-refundable. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships Dove Scholarships are Kristin's main scholarship program for Years 9–13 and include four categories: Dove Sports Scholarships, Dove Performing Arts Scholarships, Dove Foundation Scholarships (for Alumni/Foundation families), and Dove Emerging Leaders Scholarships. Each category offers up to 50% of tuition fees and is renewed each year if scholarship requirements are met. Dove Scholarships open for 2027 entry; applications close 31 March 2026; applicants complete an online form and are notified by email about shortlisting. Eligibility requires New Zealand Citizenship or Permanent Residency; scholarships are for new students entering Years 9–13. Shortlisted applicants and their parents attend an interview; a financial disclosure may be requested; decisions are final; if no applicants meet criteria, Kristin may not award any scholarships that year. | Scholarships Saint Kentigern College offers Scholarships to students entering Years 9-11. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarship categories: Academic, All-Round, Alumni, Boarding Bursary, Performing Arts, and Sport. Scholarships may cover up to 50% of tuition for most categories; Alumni up to 25%; Boarding Bursary up to 50% of boarding fees; Sport up to 50% (up to 90% in exceptional cases). Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student's schooling. Applications open for 2028 Scholarships on 2 November 2026; 2027 Scholarships are closed. Timeline: 1) Apply online (no fee) with required documents; 2) Exams and auditions as required; 3) Interviews for shortlisted candidates; 4) Offer of scholarship; 5) Acceptance by returning Enrolment Agreement. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist Applicants not selected for an entrance interview are placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if an opportunity for an entrance interview arises at a later date. | Waitlist Due to high demand, some applicants may be placed in a wait pool while spaces become available. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided. |
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