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Diocesan School for Girls

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$22,832 - 53,941
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1700
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1903
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Latin, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Diocesan School for Girls is an independent Anglican day and boarding school for girls aged 3 to 18, located in Epsom, Auckland. The school offers a dual-path curriculum combining the International Baccalaureate programmes (MYP and DP) with a bespoke NZ‑Curriculum pathway. In the junior years, students follow the New Zealand Curriculum; in the senior years, families choose between NCEA or the IB Diploma, with 2025 Year 11 aligned to Level 1 NCEA content to prepare for Levels 2 and 3 or the IB Diploma. Anglican traditions inform a holistic spiritual and ethical approach alongside strong academics. Facilities include a historic Chapel, an Arts Centre, a high‑tech science and innovation block, and two indoor heated pools, plus a MakerSpace and dedicated spaces for performance and STEAM learning. A broad sport programme and diverse arts opportunities, together with Duke of Edinburgh leadership and service programmes, support well‑rounded student development for future success.

Clyde Street, Epsom, Auckland 1051, New Zealand

The Essentials

Diocesan School for Girls has 1,700 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
The Diocesan School for Girls is located in Epsom, Auckland. The Clyde Street address places it in a residential suburb near the city fringe. Seven buses transport students from across Auckland to the school gates each day, with GPS-tracked routes and a pay-as-you-ride system using student IDs. The campus is accessible to a diverse families via these transport arrangements.

Stages
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.

Type
Independent Anglican all-girls day and boarding school

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Religious affiliation
Anglican

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding at Dio accommodates up to 57 Year 9–13 students, including international students. Boarders live in four houses; Middle School residents stay in 4–6 dorm rooms and Senior students in twin shared rooms. A daily routine includes wake times of 6:45–7:20am, departure for school at 8:20am, hot lunch at 1:00pm and dinner at 5:30pm; middle-school study is supervised 6:30–7:30pm, while seniors study in their rooms. Bedtimes start from 9:30pm. Each wing has a bathroom and toilet for 6–7 girls, and wifi is available until 11pm. Boarding scholarships are available through Doris Innes House Trust, contributing up to 50% of boarding fees for up to five years.

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is blue, red and white and is worn across Foundation School, Junior School, Junior High School and Senior School. The summer uniform is worn in Terms 1 and 4 and the winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3. The Diocesan Shop is the exclusive stockist of the uniform, with second-hand options available and online ordering available. A new Junior High School uniform was introduced for 2025 and will be phased in over two years, fully in place by 2027.

Food Options
Boarding meals include a hot lunch at 1:00pm and dinner at 5:30pm; meals are prepared in well-equipped kitchens and eaten in the dining facilities, with middle school meals taken in the main dining hall and senior students eating in their houses; wifi is available in the boarding houses until 11pm.

House System
Boarders live in four houses; rosters include setting tables for dinners and supporting staff with small tasks around the houses; middle school boarders reside in 4–6 dorm rooms while senior boarders occupy twin shared rooms.

Governance and Ownership
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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Diocesan School for Girls ranges from NZD 22,832 to NZD 53,941 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Diocesan School for Girls teaches IB (DP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Junior High School follows the New Zealand Curriculum; Senior High School offers two senior qualification pathways: the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). In 2025 Year 11 draws on Level 1 NCEA content and the NZ Curriculum to prepare for NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or the IB Diploma, providing a coherent pathway to either qualification.

Student Teacher Ratio
Junior High School has small class sizes with low teacher-to-student ratios.

Exam Results
In 2024, 98.3% of leavers attained NCEA Level 3 and 97.2% attained University Entrance.

Higher Education Progression
100% university entrance in 2025; IB Diploma graduates continue their studies in New Zealand and overseas.

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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Circles of Care extend pastoral support beyond classmates to include housemates, buddies, tutors, Deans, Chaplains and family. The school offers counselling, health and chaplaincy services, careers advice and personalised tutoring, with someone always available for care and guidance. Deans and year-based tutor groups meet daily to discuss wellbeing and individual goals. Circle Leaders and Orientation Leaders provide peer support for Year 7 students and new Year 9 students, while Buddies help newcomers settle in. Chaplains support faith and personal growth as an everyday part of school life, and the on-site Health Centre provides nursing care. Waiora provides additional learning and wellbeing pathways for all learners.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Waiora is the learning area that supports neurodiverse learners and those needing recovery or extension, offering individualised plans developed with whānau and staff. Support options include high and complex needs support, learning support classes, targeted short-term interventions and access to Special Assessment Conditions. Gifted and Talented programmes provide extension and acceleration opportunities, with Waiora staff mentoring students on accelerated pathways to balance challenge, wellbeing and success. The service partners with families and teachers to develop independence and confidence in learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The English Language (EL) Department helps international students feel welcome and safe and supports language acquisition alongside whole-school learning. English Language Learners (ELLs) are supported, with lunchtime tutorials and mentoring sessions available. EL teachers work closely with students daily to monitor progress and wellbeing.

Mental Wellbeing
Three counsellors are available to support staff and students. Chaplains nurture faith and personal growth and provide confidential care as part of everyday school life. The Buddy and Circle Leader systems offer peer support, and the Health Centre provides on-site nursing care for student health needs. The pastoral framework, including tutors and Deans, supports wellbeing and goal setting for every student.

Safeguarding
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.
Parent Experience

History
Early in 1903, Bishop Moore Richard Neligan arrived in Auckland to begin his ministry as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. He decided to establish an Anglican girls' school modelled on the British high schools to bring education and Anglican life together. His vision was to offer the best scholarship available across the colony within a Diocesan School for Girls, on sound Anglican lines. Today, Neligan's vision informs the school's holistic educational, spiritual and ethical approach from Foundation Class to Year 13.

Community
Diocesan has enjoyed a strong sense of community for more than 100 years. Fundraising priorities include the Ko Tātou Scholarship Fund, the Chapel restoration, and the redevelopment of the Shrewsbury Building, with opportunities to support other areas of school life such as sport and the arts. Support helps ensure the Dio girls continue to be more than they imagined. For further information about directed support or bequests, contact the Director of Development, Angela Coe.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Dio campus includes state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings and exceptional spaces for learning. It features a historic Chapel, a purpose-built Arts Centre, a high-tech science and innovation block, and a multi-purpose indoor heated pool. The campus sits on landscaped grounds in Epsom, about 15 minutes from Auckland's CBD and close to Newmarket. It offers purpose-built performance spaces for the arts and a MakerSpace that supports hands-on, STEAM learning. The campus demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and high-quality learning environments.

Sports Facilities
The Dio sports program emphasizes participation, competition and high performance, with more than 85% of students taking part. Junior High offers a wide range of sports codes including athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, cycling, hockey, netball, swimming, tennis, water polo and more; From Year 9 onward, additional options include snowboarding, lacrosse, rowing and table tennis. The sports department is led by experienced professionals, including the Director of Sport Angie Winstanley-Smith, with coaching and mentorship. The school maintains strong connections with local clubs and regional sporting organisations to support trips, competitions and events. The Dio Swim School provides two indoor heated pools for swimming, health and fitness.

Academic Facilities
The campus houses a purpose-built Arts Centre and a high-tech science and innovation block to support STEM learning. It uses state-of-the-art, sustainable buildings to facilitate teaching and learning. A Junior School MakerSpace provides zones for construction, digital learning, soft and hard materials, a green screen, cooking and hard materials, with LEGO, robots and a 3D printer. The Arts Centre and science block are complemented by dedicated spaces for performance and experimentation. The Chapel is a central part of school life, reflecting the longstanding spiritual and cultural heart of the Dio community.

Extra Curricular Facilities
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 Activities

Academic & Intellectual
MakerSpace provides a digitally capable learning environment where students explore STEAM through hands-on projects. It features LEGO, robotics, sewing machines, a 3D printer and dedicated zones for construction, digital learning, soft materials and hard materials. Maker education plans integrate science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to encourage inquiry, collaboration and creative problem-solving. Students are supported to pursue their interests and develop practical, real-world applications.

Arts & Creative
Dio offers specialist teaching in Music, Singing, Dance and Drama. A Performing Arts Director coordinates co-curricular opportunities and mentoring with professional ensembles; Gifted students have performance and composition programmes with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, plus dance workshops with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Students regularly compete, perform and excel at regional and national levels; Shakespeare Festival, Sheilah Winn Festival of Shakespeare in Schools and Stage Challenge are among the productions and festivals available. Regular opportunities allow beginners to progress to high-level performers.

Cultural & Language
English Language (EL) support helps international students study alongside domestic students, with ESL provision and targeted tutorials. Lunchtime tutorials and mentoring assist with language development and academic progress. The school offers language activities through the After School Activity Programme, including French and Chinese. The Lunar New Year Festival provides a cultural celebration and learning opportunity for Dio's diverse community.

Social & Hobbies
More than 30 co-curricular sports codes provide broad participation, with 85% of students taking part. The sport program emphasizes participation, competition and high performance and includes opportunities to compete at regional, national and international levels. The After School Activity Programme in the Junior School offers cookery, art, chess, French, Chinese and performing arts, alongside sports and other activities to broaden hobbies and social engagement. These programmes extend learning beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award challenges students to dream big and discover their potential. The programme spans Bronze, Silver and Gold and includes four sections: Skills, Physical recreation, Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey. It emphasizes service to the community, personal development and wellbeing, and is recognized by employers and universities worldwide. The Gold Award fosters self-confidence, resilience and lifelong leadership skills.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership development is provided through the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award and through Dio's formal leadership pathways, including School Leadership and Building Leadership programs. The Duke of Edinburgh award cultivates self-motivation, teamwork and project management, building applicable life skills. Dio also maintains a structured leadership framework within its governance and leadership teams.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
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.
Languages

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.
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.

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.
School Events
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