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Glendowie College

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$20,800
Ages 13 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1961
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English, Spanish, Mandarin
Strengths Performing Arts, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Glendowie College is a co-educational secondary school in Auckland, New Zealand, serving ages 13 to 18. The curriculum combines the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for Years 9 and 10 with the New Zealand Curriculum, and a pathway in Years 11 to 13 leading to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). The college offers ESOL and mainstream English, and subjects across English, languages (Spanish, Mandarin), mathematics, sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), design, electronics, technology, Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Physical Education, Health, Outdoor Education, Hospitality and Food Technology. It supports international students with English language development and a transition into most subjects. The campus includes gymnasia, cricket nets, playing fields, tennis and netball courts, and a BYOD program with Google Workspace and Google Classroom. A distinctive feature is the Duke of Edinburgh Award program across all levels, alongside diverse clubs and a co-curricular program. A welcoming community for families. Newcomers welcome.

21 Crossfield Rd, Glendowie, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

The Essentials

Glendowie College has instruction in English.

Location
Glendowie College is located at 21 Crossfield Rd, Glendowie, Auckland 1071, New Zealand. It sits in the Glendowie suburb in Auckland and serves Year 9–13 students. The campus is accessible by bus, with the school operating its own bus routes for students and public buses passing nearby.

Stages
Year 9–13

Type
Co-educational

Additional learning support
The Kaiārahi provides learning support, academic counselling and scholarship applications, with a focus on rangatahi Māori and Pasifika students. The Kaiārahi also supports leadership and cultural opportunities and connects students with local iwi and Matauranga Maori resources.

Country affiliation
New Zealand

School day structure
Bell times run from 8:45am to 3:20pm on most days. On Monday, Tuesday and Friday there is a Form Period at 9:50–10:05 and a lunch break from 1:40–2:15. On Wednesday and Thursday the schedule changes: Wednesday has Professional Learning 8:30–9:45 and weekday periods 2–5 with lunch 1:40–2:15, finishing at 3:20pm; Thursday runs 8:45am–3:20pm with EnRICHment/Assembly 9:35–11:05.

Bus service
The school operates its own bus routes for students and public buses pass nearby Glendowie College. Morning routes include 417 (departs 7:50am), 418 (departs 7:30am) and 419 (departs 7:55am). Afternoon routes include 417 (departs 3:40pm), 418 (departs 3:20–3:21pm) and 419 (departs 3:25pm). Public buses TMK, 744 and 76 pass close to the college.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No on-site boarding is provided; international students are accommodated through homestay arrangements or with designated caregivers arranged through the college's international programme.

Uniform Requirement
Glendowie College has a formal school uniform worn during school hours and in the community. The uniform is bought from the on-site Uniform Shop located by Gate 3; shop hours include Tuesday 8am–9am and 12:30pm–2:30pm, Thursday 12:30pm–2:30pm, and the first Saturday of each month 9am–11am; dress options include Years 9–12 wear regulation navy skirts/shorts/pants with a blouse or shirt and a teal blazer (optional), plus a separate dress uniform for formal events; footwear must be regulation black leather and headwear is navy with the college monogram.

House System
Glendowie College has a four-house system: Ruaumoko, Tāne Mahuta, Tangaroa, and Tāwhirimātea. The Deans oversee each house and students belong to a house for form class and pastoral care.

Governance and Ownership
The Board is the Crown entity responsible for the governance and the control of the management of Glendowie College. The Board is the employer of all staff, sets the school's strategic direction in consultation with parents, staff and students, and ensures a safe environment and quality education; the Board's structure includes five parent-elected members, the Principal, one staff-elected member, one student-elected member, and no co-opted members. The Board normally meets eight times per year and oversees finance and property through a sub-committee.
Fees

Annual tuition at Glendowie College ranges from NZD 20,800 for 2026/27.

Application / Administration fees

- Administration fee (charged on enrolment): NZD 1,500.00.
- Homestay placement (application) fee (where homestay is arranged): NZD 350.00.

Tuition fees (international students — Years 9–13)

- Annual tuition fee (one year): NZD 20,800.00.
- Per-term amount (standard 4-term school year): NZD 5,200.00 per term (calculated from the annual tuition fee).

Insurance and statutory fees included / excluded

- Annual insurance (NZ Student Plan – travel, medical, personal & fees protection): NZD 700.00 (2025 price shown; subject to change).
- NZQA / examination fees: NZD 383.30 (listed separately). NCEA examination fees are not included in the tuition fee.

Homestay / designated caregiver costs (when arranged by the school)

- Homestay accommodation (48 weeks paid in advance at NZD 440.00 per week): NZD 21,120.00 (48 weeks).
- Extra-caregiver (48 weeks in advance at NZD 70.00 per week): NZD 3,360.00.
- Homestay compliance fee (two visits): NZD 330.00.
- Designated caregiver check fee: NZD 250.00.
- Airport pickup (per trip): NZD 130.00 (NZD 260.00 return).

Other costs and common additional charges

- Stationery: purchased by the student / family (cost borne by the student). Printed textbooks/workbooks are provided.
- Uniform: a basic school uniform (excluding shoes) is provided for the first year; families are responsible for any additional uniform items or replacements.
- Curriculum-related camps, trips and certain course costs: may be covered by tuition for some activities; some camps, trips or elective charges and sporting activity fees may be invoiced separately. Sports participation attracts individual sport fees.
- Visa-related or third-party charges (medical checks, visa fees, some insurance premium variations): paid by the student / family as required.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual tuition fee must be paid in full on acceptance of the enrolment place offered. For subsequent years the annual tuition fee must be paid again before the new year of study commences.
- Homestay accommodation and designated-caregiver charges are shown as payable in advance (48 weeks in advance for the standard homestay arrangement).
- Some items (for example NZQA or examination fees, airport pickup and certain compliance checks) are invoiced separately and/or at the time of service.

Refund information and fee protection

- If a student withdraws prior to the commencement of the course, full tuition fees will be refunded less an administration charge of NZD 750.00 (refund conditions and amounts are set and reviewed by the Board of Trustees).
- The college operates a fees protection/refund policy for international students that sets out refunds and deductions for tuition already incurred; specific refund outcomes depend on timing and circumstance of withdrawal and other contractual conditions.

Fee payment options

- Online payments using credit card or internet banking via the Glendowie College Parent & Student Portal. Cash, cheques, EFTPOS and credit cards are accepted at the Accounts Office. Arrangements can be made for automatic payments or instalments.
- Bank transfer / internet banking details are held by the college Accounts Office and can be used for school fees payments; contact the Accounts Office for the correct account details when arranging transfers.

Notes on how fees are applied

- The published international schedule shows a single annual tuition figure for international students at Glendowie College; this annual fee applies to international enrolments in the college (Years 9–13). Per-term figures above are derived from that annual fee assuming the standard four-term school year.

Summary of key headline figures

- Tuition (1 year): NZD 20,800.00.
- Administration fee (enrolment): NZD 1,500.00.
- Insurance (annual, indicated price): NZD 700.00.
- Homestay accommodation (48 weeks): NZD 21,120.00.
- Refund deduction if withdrawing before course commencement: NZD 750.00 (administration deduction applied to refunds).

(Where the college provides a single annual tuition figure rather than separate published rates by Year 9–13, the annual figure above is the applicable tuition charge for international students across the college.)
Academics

Glendowie College teaches IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum
Years 9 and 10 follow the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) as the learning framework, integrated with the New Zealand Curriculum. In Years 11, 12 and 13 students follow a pathway that builds on the MYP and leads to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Glendowie College offers a wide range of national curriculum subjects, including ESOL, English, Spanish, Mandarin, Accounting, Mathematics, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Economics, Business Studies, Classical Studies, Electronics, Design & Visual Communication (Graphics), Technology, Computer courses, Art, Music, Drama, Dance, Physical Education, Health, Outdoor Education, Hospitality and Food Technology. English language support for international students is provided through ESOL; students are mainstreamed into most subjects as they progress. The college encourages participation in cultural, artistic and sporting activities as part of a holistic education. NZ Scholarship is offered, with opportunities for top students to undertake Scholarship examinations. Graduates typically progress to higher education with University Entrance as a pathway, and some students go on to study at universities in New Zealand and internationally (Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom).

Higher Education Progression
University Entrance is the pathway for entry to New Zealand universities; graduates go on to universities in New Zealand and abroad, including institutions in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Gifted and Talented
NZ Scholarship is offered, with opportunities for top students to undertake Scholarship examinations.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has enRICH Wellbeing programme based on Relationships, Identity, Challenge and Hope, including a Year 9 peer support programme and expert external providers. Year 9 focuses on emotional intelligence, coping skills and mindful relaxation; Year 10 focuses on emotional intelligence, metacognition and mindfulness; Year 11 focuses on stress management and strengthening wellbeing; Year 12 focuses on growth mindset; Year 13 focuses on flourishing in life after school. Every Thursday students participate in a 45-minute enRICHment session covering peer support, careers, Whakawhanaungatanga, service learning, culture and identity projects, house competitions and wellbeing topics.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support team identifies and responds to learning support needs. The Learning Support Director and Coordinator facilitate support within school and with outside agencies and learning support providers where appropriate. The college supports students along the academic spectrum to achieve their full potential. Students can visit the Learning Centre or arrange a meeting to discuss a student's specific learning needs. Celia Finn is the Learning Support Director; Phone: 575 9128 ext 189; Email: [email protected]

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The college has English Second Language classes at every level to support ESL and International students learning and access to literacy. International students are placed in mainstream classes from the commencement of their course and must be able to understand and work effectively in the classroom environment. If a student has not reached the required level by the start of their course they will be required to attend a High School Preparation/English language course off campus. For further information contact the Director of International Students at [email protected] or telephone 0064 9 5759128 extension 125.

Mental Wellbeing
The enRICH Wellbeing programme includes Year 9: Emotional intelligence, coping skills and mindful relaxation; Year 10: Emotional intelligence, metacognition and mindfulness; Year 11: Stress management and strengthening wellbeing; Year 12: Growth mindset; Year 13: Flourishing in life after school. enRICHment sessions are held every Thursday for 45 minutes and cover peer support, careers, Whakawhanaungatanga, service learning, culture and identity projects, house activities and wellbeing topics.

Safeguarding
The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students.
Parent Experience

Community
Glendowie College is an outstanding high school for Year 9 to 13 students, and is highly sought after by families locally and further afield. The vision is to be a community empowering ākonga to experience success, ready to embrace the future, with educational and co-curricular opportunities within a strong pastoral support structure. The school community includes GDC Alumni who stay connected with classmates and the school; the Parents' Association, which fosters community spirit and raises money; Service Opportunities; and a wide range of Clubs and Groups.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Association's job is to foster community spirit among parents and also raise money for the school. We do this by running fundraising events and catering at functions throughout the school year - always a great way to bring the school community together. We love to see new faces and the more members we have, the more we are able to achieve, and, ultimately, enhance the school for our children and future generations. We feature fortnightly in the Principal's newsletter – so sign up and watch out for us. We meet roughly once a month in the College Boardroom on Thursdays at 7pm for about an hour, with a senior staff member and a Trustee of the Board. Past fundraising events have included Movie Nights, Guest Speakers, Quiz and Comedy Evenings; Community fundraisers also include selling The Entertainment Book.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Gymnasiums are used by the PE department during the school day; after hours and weekend bookings are organized through the Sports Coordinator and/or Property Manager. Cricket nets are available for use; bookings are organized through the Sports Coordinator and/or Property Manager. Playing fields are used by the PE department during term time; bookings are organized through the Sports Coordinator in conjunction with the Property Manager, with priority given to sports in season. Tennis courts and netball courts are used during the school day with bookings managed by the same team. The college operates three vans for school groups and teams: a Mercedes (12 seats), a Mitsubishi (12 seats) and a Hyundai (11 seats); bookings are required and new drivers must follow vehicle procedures.

Sports Facilities
Gymnasiums are for PE during the school day; after hours and weekend bookings are coordinated by the Sports Coordinator and/or Property Manager. Cricket nets are bookable through the Sports Coordinator or Property Manager. Playing fields are available for PE use during term time, with bookings coordinated by the Sports Coordinator and Property Manager and priority given to seasonal sports. Tennis courts and netball courts are available for use during school hours with bookings managed similarly. College Vans include three vehicles: Mercedes (12-seat), Mitsubishi (12-seat), and Hyundai (11-seat), all available for group transport with bookings required.

Academic Facilities
The library is a central academic resource with access via nz.accessit.online. A limited number of Chromebooks are available for student use in the library and can be checked out for emergencies; the college also supports BYOD with students using their own devices. Glendowie College is a fully BYOD school and provides Google Workspace for Education (Gmail and Drive) and access to Google Classroom. The TECHS ICT team provides student ICT assistance, and specialist devices and software are supported for senior subjects. The college offers a broad curriculum including English, ESOL, Mandarin, Spanish, Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Design & Visual Communication, Electronics, Technology, and more as listed in the international information for students.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Duke of Edinburgh – All Levels (Bronze, Silver & Gold); Dungeons & Dragons / Tabletop; Space Club; Maker Space / Future Problem Solving Club; Debating; JAZZ Band; Wind Band; Play Reading Group; Polyfest Speech Group; Kapa Haka; Junior Maths Club; Homework Club; Student Librarians. The library supports clubs and activities such as D&D and reading groups, while other groups include Theatresports, Jazz Band, and the Wind Band. There are additional clubs and activities like Amnesty International, Asian Fusion Dance Group, Cultural Club, and Maker Space, among others.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Debating competes in the Auckland Schools Debating Competition. Coding Club is a student-led club for learning and developing coding skills. E Pro 8 Club runs challenge activities to prepare for the Interschool Competition.

Arts & Creative
Arts Club provides a space for creative minds to connect and explore artistic expression, with student- and teacher-led activities. Book Club meets after school to discuss books and engage in activities. Tira Waiata o Taurere is the auditioned GDC Choir focused on choral singing with before-school rehearsals and performance opportunities. Choir is a non-auditioned group welcoming all abilities with lunchtime rehearsals.

Cultural & Language
Cultural Club celebrates students' heritage and promotes awareness of different cultures via cultural games and events. Asian Fusion Dance Group celebrates Chinese and Bollywood culture, with lunchtime meetings in H8.

Social & Hobbies
Chess Club meets during lunch Fridays in Room E4L, offering friendly competition. Dungeons and Dragons – Tabletop games are played in the Library. Craft Club runs in Terms 3 and 4 for wellbeing through knitting, crochet and other crafts.

Community & Service
Amnesty International advocates for human rights.

Leadership & Professional
Duke of Edinburgh – Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Young Enterprise Scheme engages Years 12 and 13 business studies students in interschool and national competitions. UN Youth develops leadership skills and explores global issues.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Craft Club offers wellbeing-oriented activities such as knitting and crochet during Terms 3 and 4. Co-Curricular Dance provides student-led Hip Hop and Contemporary classes and crew training.
Languages

Language Provision
English Second Language classes are offered at every level to support ESL and international students. International students are placed in mainstream classes from the start and must understand and work effectively in the classroom. Minimum English language entry levels by year are Year 9: Elementary; Year 10: Pre-Intermediate; Year 11: Pre-Intermediate; Year 12: Intermediate; Year 13: Upper Intermediate or IELTS 6. If the required level has not been reached at the start, a High School Preparation/English language course off campus is required, with evidence of English level prior to start; for further information contact the Director of International Students.
Admissions

Admissions
Apply online by clicking Apply Now and following the step-by-step process to complete the application. Upload a copy of the student's passport and the most recent school report, and download and sign the terms and conditions. If the student is attending an English language school, name the school and advise accordingly. Enrolment is provisional and subject to testing after arrival in New Zealand for academic and English proficiency. The student will be advised following assessment of their class level and course. If entry requirements are not met, the student will be required to complete a suitable High School Preparation English language course at an alternative English language institution, and when the required level is obtained, the College will reconsider the application. Where a student is required to attend an English Language Institution, additional tuition fees and related costs apply. Should you require any further assistance regarding your application, contact the Director of International Students, Rebecca Johnstone, at the College. The College would appreciate being advised of any changes to plans as soon as possible. For more information about what is included in tuition fees, refer to the What Tuition Fees Cover link, and see the Prospectus 2026 and Fees pages for details.

Scholarships
New Zealand Scholarship is an award recognizing top secondary school students. Top students in each subject can take NZ Scholarship assessments to achieve the award. Students can enter NZ Scholarship from Year 11, and Glendowie College students have been successful in previous years. Recipients may receive monetary awards, and students with multiple NZ Scholarships may be recognised through NZQA's Top Scholar Award ceremony. Assessments are designed to be challenging, and are conducted as written or spoken examinations or by portfolios or year-long work. To be awarded, students are expected to show deep understanding, high-level thinking, and the ability to apply their understanding to complex situations. Examinations are timetabled during the same period as external NZQA exams, with practice exams in terms 2 and 3. Scholarship Breakfasts and Subject Workshops are held for students. For questions, contact Ms Trudy Gibb.
School Events
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