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Burnside High School

New Zealand, Christchurch

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$19,000
Ages 13 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2600
Type Co-educational
Opened 1960
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary)
Taught languages Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Spanish
Typical class size 26
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School
Introduction

Burnside High School is a co-educational state secondary school in Christchurch, New Zealand, serving students aged 13–18. The school offers a large bespoke curriculum aligned with Cambridge Secondary qualifications while delivering NCEA credits, and Cambridge IGCSE for Years 11–13. The 28-acre campus features Pukehinau, a 3600 square metre two-storey learning block opened in 2024 with 25 specialist spaces for science and technology, and Rakipaoa, opened in 2026 for English and social sciences. The Aurora Centre serves as the cultural hub for assemblies, performances and community events. Facilities include two gymnasiums, extensive sports fields and an all-weather artificial turf that doubles as tennis courts. The Specialist Music Programme, Drama, Dance and Visual Arts are active, alongside broad science, technology and mathematics offerings. Languages include Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori in Year 9, with German from Year 10. The International Students programme offers homestay opportunities to support cultural exchange.

151 Greers Road, PO Box 29 677, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand

The Essentials

Burnside High School has 2,600 pupils, typical class sizes of 26, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 151 Greers Road, Christchurch 8440, New Zealand. It is in the Burnside area on Greers Road. The neighbourhood includes Jellie Park Recreation & Sport Centre nearby and is approximately 2 km from the University of Canterbury, making access to local facilities convenient. Public transport serves the area, and school bus routes such as Route 791 serve Burnside High School.

Stages
Year 9–13 (secondary)

Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department, Te Whare Akoranga, is a student-focused learning hub that welcomes and supports students who find learning challenging.

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Bus service
A bus service exists for Burnside High School, including School Route 791 which connects Parklands, St Bede's College, Papanui High School and Burnside High School. Roadworks around the school may cause changes to this route.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a gender-neutral uniform policy with no separate girls' or boys' uniform. Students may choose from ‘fitted' or ‘non-fitted' options and the uniform is an inter-seasonal capsule worn year-round. Uniforms are available from The Uniform Shop at 291 Wairakei Road, Bryndwr, Christchurch, and can be purchased in-store or online, with online orders collected from the Uniform Shop.

Food Options
The school has a canteen. Fortnightly prize draws include canteen vouchers.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Burnside High School Board, elected every three years. The Board consists of five elected community representatives, a staff representative, a student representative, and the principal, and it has oversight of strategic direction and governance. Operational management of the school is delegated to the principal.
Fees

Annual tuition at Burnside High School ranges from NZD 19,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Administration fees
- Administration (enrolment) fee: NZ$1,000 per offer.

Tuition fees (One Year Programme, four terms) — per term and per year
- Tuition fee (annual): NZ$19,000 per year (equivalent to NZ$4,750 per term). This tuition rate applies to the One Year Programme for international fee‑paying students.

Homestay / boarding arrangements and fees
- On‑campus boarding is not provided; homestay accommodation is used for international students.
- Homestay fee (weekly): NZ$370 per week (typical homestay rate). Special dietary requirements incur higher weekly charges (examples published for other years show separate rates). Homestay management fee: NZ$350 per offer. Designated caregiver fee: NZ$200 per offer.

Other compulsory government / external fees
- Government levy: NZ$100 per term.
- New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NCEA) fee: NZ$383 per year (where applicable).

Insurance and equipment
- Medical/travel/education insurance: school can arrange insurance; typical cost around NZ$650 (approx.) per year. Exact premium amounts vary.
- Laptops are not rentable from the school; students must bring their own device.

Uniform, stationery and other routine costs
- School uniform is not included in tuition or homestay fees. Approximate cost for a complete new uniform is stated at around NZ$600–NZ$700. Uniform is sold through an external supplier.
- Stationery and subject materials are additional. Stationery is available through a partnered supplier with online payment options. Subject‑specific materials, specialist course costs, sports fees, musical instrument hire and private tuition, and school trips are not covered by the standard tuition fee and must be paid separately.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- An Offer of Place and an invoice are issued after a successful application. Acceptance of the Offer of Place is confirmed when the tuition fees are received by the school.
- Tuition is shown as an annual amount and as a per‑term equivalent; invoices and acceptance procedures require payment in line with the invoice issued for the student's enrolment.

Payment methods / payment options
- Payment methods accepted for tuition and enrolment: cheque, credit card, or direct transfer (bank account details are provided on the invoice).
- Stationery supplier payment options include internet banking, credit/debit card and (subject to approval) Zip pay instalment options for orders.

Refund information
- No publicly published, detailed refund schedule for international tuition (pro rata refunds, cancellation deadlines, or refund processing timelines) is provided in the school's publicly accessible fee documents. The Offer of Place and the invoice process state that acceptance is confirmed on receipt of tuition fees; any specific refund, withdrawal or cancellation terms are typically set out in the formal enrolment/Offer documentation issued to the applicant.

Other costs and notes
- Administration/processing costs related to homestay placement are charged per offer (Homestay management fee). Special dietary requirements for homestays may increase the weekly homestay charge.
- Additional discretionary costs that can arise during the year include subject‑specific material charges, voluntary trips, extra‑curricular fees, instrument hire and private tuition. These are charged separately to the standard tuition fee.
Academics

Burnside High School teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Secondary) for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum
Burnside High School offers a very large curriculum across learning areas. Creative Arts includes Music, Visual Arts, Dance and Drama with senior specialist options. Mathematics is strong and includes Cambridge International Examinations for Years 11–13. Science provides general science to Year 11 and specialist options in Years 12–13, with field work and competitions. Languages include Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori in Year 9 (German from Year 10). Social Sciences are compulsory in Years 9–10 with senior options such as Geography, History and Economics, while Technology covers Digital Technologies, Electronics, Foods/Textiles, Hospitality and Design with senior pathways toward Building and Engineering. The school runs both NCEA and Cambridge qualifications and celebrates high scholarship outcomes.

Exam Results
Burnside High School reports strong examination results in NCEA and Cambridge. In 2025, 92 scholarships were awarded, including 13 at outstanding level. In 2023, NCEA Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 pass rates were 82.8%, 84.7% and 78.7% respectively, with Year 13 University Entrance at 66.2%. Cambridge results have included Top in New Zealand and Top in the World recognitions in Music, with 2024 Top in the World Cambridge IGCSE Music and 2025 Top in New Zealand Cambridge AS Music achievements by students.

Higher Education Progression
Higher education progression is supported through NZQA NCEA and Cambridge pathways. In 2023, 66.2% of Year 13 students achieved University Entrance. Scholarships and high achievement have helped graduates progress to universities such as the University of Canterbury and University of Auckland, with some students also pursuing international destinations such as Cambridge University for top scholars (examples include Bodhi Cath heading to the University of Canterbury and Andrew Wu to the University of Auckland; Sam Allan has earned Cambridge-adjacent accolades).

Gifted and Talented
Cambridge International Examinations are offered to senior students, with a Pilot Cambridge International Pathway planned for 2027 and a full Cambridge Pathway expected to run alongside NCEA from 2028. The Noeline Clark Foundation provides general excellence scholarships to Burnside students who continue their studies at the University of Canterbury. International Scholarships are available (six annually) across categories general academic, creative arts and technology, and sport to attract high-potential international students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Burnside High School provides a strong support network for students through a divisional structure and a dedicated counselling team. The Counselling Team consists of five full-time counsellors with Masters degrees in counselling, supported by counselling interns on placement. Te Whare Akoranga, Burnside High School's Learning Support Department, is a student‑focused hub that delivers programmes and supports for learners who find traditional learning challenging. Staff collaborate with families, deans, class teachers, counsellors, and external agencies to place student needs at the heart of support. The school emphasises belonging and wellbeing by building safe, inclusive relationships that help students participate and strive for personal excellence.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Te Whare Akoranga is the Learning Support Department that welcomes students who find learning challenging. The team consists of highly qualified teaching and support staff from diverse backgrounds. They work with families, whānau, deans, teachers, counsellors, and external agencies such as RTLB, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech-language therapists to place students' needs at the heart of support. Services include Year 9 Literacy, Year 10 Literacy Boost, classroom learning assistants, 1:1 tutoring, supervised Te Kura programmes, mentors, diagnostic testing, and Special Assessment Conditions (SACs). The Learning Center provides specialist reading tuition, assistance with correspondence courses, tutoring across multiple subjects, catch-up opportunities, and SAC provision. Family input is valued to inform support plans.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English for Speakers of Other Languages is the ESOL Department. Students with English as a second language receive personal support in ESOL with English language tuition from Foundation to English for Academic Purposes. Trained language teachers help students develop the skills they need to thrive in the school community and everyday life. The ESOL provision is part of the International programme designed to support language development alongside academic study.

Mental Wellbeing
Burnside High School prioritises the health and wellbeing of students within a safe, inclusive environment and strong staff–student relationships. The Counselling Team comprises five full-time counsellors with Masters degrees, supported by Counselling Interns, providing professional mental‑health support. A divisional structure ensures staff follow students through their year group for consistent support and a sense of belonging. Policies cover safety, discipline, health and wellbeing to keep students physically and emotionally safe. Staff and families are encouraged to engage in student wellbeing as part of a holistic approach to education.

Safeguarding
Policies cover behaviour, discipline, safety, and health, ensuring a secure environment where physical, emotional and mental wellbeing are prioritized. There is a Child Protection policy among the school policies, reflecting safeguarding commitments. The school also publishes policies such as Preventing and Responding to Harmful Behaviours and Health and Safety to support safeguarding in daily school life. The safeguarding framework is complemented by a supportive infrastructure across Learning Support and the International/ESOL provisions.
Parent Experience

History
Burnside High School was formed to meet post-war social infrastructure needs in the Burnside area. The site was designated in 1951, and in 1958 the Christchurch Post-Primary Schools' Council voted to create a co-educational Burnside High School, which officially opened on 2 February 1960 with 230 pupils and 12 staff and was formally opened on 14 November 1960. The Burnside High School PTA was established alongside the school. Growth in the 1960s and 1970s was rapid, and the school is now the largest outside Auckland with a roll over 2,600. The name Burnside derives from the estate of William Boag, while Waimairi-iri refers to local water features and related Maori naming traditions.

Community
Spring Festival is an annual Burnside celebration with division-led activities, including Lip Sync competitions and quad-based events. Cultural Day is a quad-based event that celebrates our cultural diversity with performances. The Dance Showcase is our annual event featuring performances from all Dance students in Years 10–13, the Academy teams, alumni, and guest contributors.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Burnside High School PTA was formed in 1960 following the school's opening. It funded the swimming pool in 1962 and subsequently supported branding, signage, and quad upgrades. The PTA provides a link between students, parents/whānau and teachers and aims to support improved facilities and opportunities for the school community. Membership is automatic for all parents/whānau and teachers, and funds are allocated through PTA donations to support enhanced learning. Regular PTA meetings are held in the staffroom, and new committee members are welcome. The PTA leadership includes Matt Darnbrough (Chair), Rebecca Matheson (Secretary) and other officers.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Pukehinau is a 3600 square metre two-storey teaching block with 25 specialist spaces for science and technology, including dedicated science laboratories and design and visual communications (DVC) facilities. It opened in 2024, and construction on a further 14 classrooms began in September 2025 with completion expected by the end of 2026. The library, Whare Pukapuka, is large and well-resourced for study and relaxation. The Aurora Centre is the cultural hub for assemblies, performances and community events. The 28-acre estate includes extensive sports facilities with upper and lower fields, an athletics track, netball and tennis courts, a cricket pitch and an artificial turf that doubles as additional tennis courts.

Sports Facilities
The campus sits on a 28-acre estate with upper and lower fields and an athletics track for physical education and events. There are six netball and tennis courts, plus an upper-field cricket pitch. An artificial turf hockey surface doubles as four tennis courts, providing all-weather facilities. Two gymnasiums, the Hunter and Cross Gymnasiums, house the school gym and an indoor climbing wall. A Dance Hall supports the Dance Academy and the school's performing arts activities.

Academic Facilities
Pukehinau provides 25 specialist spaces for science and technology, including science laboratories and DVC facilities. Rakipaoa opened in 2026 as the new home for English and Social Sciences. The library offers extensive resources and on-site librarian support, with services available from 7.15am to 5pm on weekdays.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Aurora Centre serves as the cultural hub for assemblies, concerts and performing arts events. The centre also hosts community events. The Dance Hall supports the Dance Academy programme, providing dedicated space for dance activities and performances.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Burnside High School supports academic and intellectual development beyond the classroom through competitions and sustained intellectual engagement. Debating is active, with Burnside's Canterbury Regional Senior Debating Competition champions and team members earning honours in regional competitions. The school participates in the World Scholars Cup, with multiple top awards at the 2025 Global Round across junior and senior teams. STEM and technology pursuits are supported by student clubs such as Science and Technology Club and Vex Robotics, with national competition results including Vex Nationals and a Create Award for robotics.

Arts & Creative
Burnside High School has a broad Creative Arts program with many students participating in Music, Dance, Drama and Visual Arts. Drama is offered from Year 9 to Year 13 and focuses on developing confident, articulate, and creative individuals who collaborate on projects and performances. Dance covers styles including musical theatre, contemporary, hip hop, and jazz, with opportunities to perform in Showquest and in the annual Dance Showcase. The Specialist Music Programme provides masterclasses, chamber music, solo recitals and collaborative projects, and the Aurora Centre hosts performances and events for the creative arts and the community.

Cultural & Language
Languages offered include Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori in Year 9, with German from Year 10; Year 9 students study a language for half a year. The Aurora Centre serves as a cultural hub for Christchurch, hosting local and international artists to showcase talents including music, theatre, dance and other performing acts, and supporting community events. The International Students programme provides homestay opportunities to support cultural exchange. Clubs such as Chinese Dance Class and Chinese Lion Dance Group contribute to the school's cultural life.

Social & Hobbies
Burnside High School offers a wide range of clubs and groups beyond the classroom, including Drama Club, Gaming and Esports Club, K-Pop Club, Dance Academy and Yarn Club. Students can participate in school-wide events such as the 40 Hour World Vision Challenge and contribute through the Environment Group and Sustainability Council. Showquest and other performance opportunities are part of the school's vibrant arts scene, alongside Theatrefest and drama productions.

Community & Service
Community service and service-learning are integral to student life, with activities such as the 40 Hour World Vision Challenge and involvement in the Environment Group and Sustainability Council. The school also highlights opportunities for community engagement through clubs and events that support local and global initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities are available through Student Leaders and leadership roles within clubs and groups, including Academic, Arts, International, Pasifika or Wellbeing leadership tracks. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is offered as part of Burnside's leadership and personal development program.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is foundational at Burnside, with a focus on belonging, inclusive environments, and strong support networks. The Health and Physical Education curriculum includes outdoor education, pursuits, and sports leadership and performance, reinforcing wellbeing as a core element of student life. The school uses a divisional structure to ensure students are known and supported as individuals, contributing to a safe and caring environment.
Languages

Language Provision
Chinese, French, Japanese, Spanish and Te Reo Māori are offered at Year 9. German is offered from Year 10. In Year 9, students study a language for half a year; if they wish to continue with a language into Year 10, they must study a full year of the language in Year 9. English as a Second Language courses are available to support learners.
Reputation

Awards
Best School Award at the CIUC Chinese Language Learning Awards (Canterbury region) – Burnside High School (2024). Build Award at VEX Nationals – Burnside High School robotics team (2024). Best School Award at the CIUC Chinese Language Learning Awards (South Island) – Burnside High School (2025).

Accreditations
Cambridge International Examinations (Cambridge Assessment International Education) – Burnside High School is a Cambridge school and offers Cambridge examinations in music, art and mathematics. Cambridge International Education is part of the University of Cambridge, England, and Burnside High School has access to a Cambridge curriculum and qualifications. In 2027 a Cambridge International Pathway pilot will run for a small number of Year 11 students, with a full Cambridge International Pathway planned to run alongside NCEA from 2028.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility and enrolment framework. Enrolment at Burnside High School Te Kura o Waimairi-iri follows the Ministry of Education enrolment scheme. In-zone students have the right to attend. Out-of-zone students are considered by ballot if spaces are available. Confirm whether your address is in the school zone.

2. Domestic enrolment process. Domestic students download and complete the enrolment forms. The Final Checklist on the last page of the enrolment form shows all required documentation. Refer to the coursebooks under documents and links for subject information. Enrolment packs are available for 2026 and 2027.

3. International fee-paying enrolment. International students should review the International Enrolment page for information. A video outlines the international enrolment process and apply online using the online enrolment form. The school provides key documents including the Enrolment procedure, Code of Practice, Homestay Guide, and International Prospectus in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

4. Timelines and key dates. For Year 9 2027 pre-enrolment closing dates are 24 July 2026; For Years 10-13 the closing date is 31 July 2026. In-zone enrolments are accepted throughout the year. An Open Evening is scheduled (for Year 9 2027) on 12 May.

Scholarships
Burnside High School offers six International Student Scholarships each academic year, in three categories: general academic, creative arts and technology, and sport. They are open to first-year students only. Three scholarships commence at the start of the school year and three for mid-year starts. Scholarships are worth 20% of the published tuition fee for the enrolment period. Applications require the student's most recent school report, copies of relevant awards, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or coach, a short letter in English outlining achievements and why the student should receive the scholarship, and a short video. Applicants must complete international student enrolment and submit supporting documents by email to international@burnside.school.nz; scholarship videos can be sent via Dropbox or WeTransfer to the same address.

Waitlist
Out-of-zone enrolments are considered by ballot if spaces are available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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