Most popular international schools in Christchurch

St Margaret's College is an all‑girls, day and boarding school in New Zealand offering a dual academic pathway of NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The college serves girls from age 2 to 18, with a foundation Year 11 that prepares for NCEA Levels 2–3 and the IBDP, and a broad programme supported by the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement. As an IB World School, it delivers the Diploma Programme core—Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service—alongside subject groups across languages, individuals and societies, mathematics, arts and sciences. Facilities include the Centre for Innovation with coding, robotics, 3D printing and laser cutting; a Library & Study Centre; and purpose‑built arts and performance spaces. The campus underwent an 80% rebuild after the Canterbury earthquakes, and features extensive sports facilities, a heated pool, on‑site health, chaplaincy, and a strong boarding community. Results and traditions underpin a whānau‑centred education.

Annual fees

NZ$18,850 – 31,490

Ages

2 to 18 years

Curriculum

IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum

Rangi Ruru Girls' School is an independent boarding school for girls in Christchurch, New Zealand, with over 130 years of history. The school is led by Tracy Herft, the 11th Principal. It offers NCEA qualifications, small class sizes, and teaching methods tailored to the way girls learn. The boarding programme provides safe, comfortable residential spaces managed by a dedicated boarding team. Extracurricular programmes include music, sport, theatre arts, and leadership development. The school also operates a pre-school and welcomes international students in small numbers.

Annual fees

NZ$200 – 74,500

Ages

11 to 18 years

Curriculum

NCEA

Selwyn House School is an International Baccalaureate World School delivering the Primary Years Programme from Pre-school to Year 8. It combines a co-educational pre-school with a girls' independent full primary school. The curriculum integrates academics with specialist programmes in STEM, the arts, sports, and leadership development, fostering inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The Primary Years Programme uses a Programme of Inquiry organized around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in time and place; How the world works; How we express ourselves; How we organise ourselves; Sharing the planet. Learning emphasizes small class sizes, personalised support, and a scaffolded approach across year levels, with specialist subjects across the year groups. Founded in 1929, Selwyn House offers a continuum from Pre-school to Year 8. Facilities include a heated pool, Technology Hub, Mechatronics, Food Technology, Visual Arts, Music and Spanish classrooms, library, Performing Arts Centre, and pre-school.

Annual fees

NZ$19,200 – 41,500

Ages

3 to 13 years

Curriculum

IB (PYP)

Christchurch Boys' High School sits at 71 Straven Road, Christchurch, and has educated boys since 1881. The school operates a Year 9–13 curriculum with a broad subject range. Core subjects are English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, with Year 9 languages including French, Japanese and Te Reo Māori. The Arts programme covers Music, Drama, Visual Arts and Film/Media, and participates in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Competition. Technology and Design pathways include Materials Technology, Digital Technology, and Design/Visual Communications. Health and Physical Education and Outdoor Education run through the timetable, alongside a wide sport program. In Years 11–13 students may study Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, Agribusiness, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, with Drama available as a UE subject. The curriculum aligns with NCEA and integrates academic, sporting and cultural learning. Facilities include Wilson Library with a 3D printer, Apple iMacs, and a modern Adams House with pool and courts. Adams House facilities.

Annual fees

NZ$19,000 – 19,000

Ages

Ages not listed

Curriculum

Bespoke Curriculum