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Glendowie School

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$18,000
Ages 5 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 625
Type Co-educational
Opened 1952
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin
Typical class size 24
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Glendowie School is a co-educational state school in Auckland that offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for Years 1–6 and is pursuing Middle Years Programme authorisation for Years 7–8. The school delivers the New Zealand curriculum through the PYP framework and a Montessori Unit established in 1995, supporting diverse learners including Sommerville students. The campus features a large Information Centre library with breakout spaces, a solar‑heated pool, and multiple specialised facilities for Music, Art, Digital Technologies, STEM, and Physical Education. Outdoor spaces include two playing fields with an all‑weather surface, three adventure playgrounds, and courts for netball and tennis. ESOL provides targeted literacy support for New Speakers of English. The school runs extensive extracurriculars, including Orchestra for Year 4–8, kapa haka, chess, and environmental groups such as Enviro Group and Trees for Survival. The school emphasises community involvement, wellbeing, and pastoral care for international students under the Code of Practice.

217 Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

The Essentials

Glendowie School has 625 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
Glendowie School is situated overlooking the Tamaki Estuary in Auckland's Eastern Suburbs. Many students walk or ride to school from the surrounding neighbourhood. The area features large parks and quiet streets, creating a residential, family-friendly setting. The school is accessed via local streets in the Glendowie area.

Stages
Full primary education for Years 1–8; catering to children aged 5–13.

Additional learning support
The school hosts an integrated Montessori Primary Unit within Glendowie School. Sommerville is a special class hosted at Glendowie School. SENCO and Learning Support Coordinator provide targeted learning support, and the International Baccalaureate programme is offered with PYP to Year 6 and MYP to Year 8.

Country affiliation
New Zealand
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform. Uniforms are ordered through The School Uniform Company (online, by email, or by phone) with delivery in about 5 working days; payment can be made by direct internet credit or by cheque. The Intermediate Girl's blouse (Year 7-8) is available to order from the School Uniform Centre online or in person.

Food Options
EZ Lunch provides school lunches. Two main providers operate through EZ Lunch: Four Square (daily options, Monday–Friday) and The Pie House (Friday deliveries). Orders must be placed by 9am; the lunch program is accessible via the myKindo platform/app.

Governance and Ownership
The Board of Trustees consists of seven elected representatives, one co-opted Montessori representative, one teacher representative, and the Principal. The Board is elected every three years and has a governance role under the Education Act, including employing staff; meetings are held regularly and are open to the public to engage with the school community.
Fees

Annual tuition at Glendowie School ranges from NZD 18,000 for 2026/27.

Application / administration fees
- Administration fee: NZD 700 per student (non‑refundable).

Tuition fees (international students)
- Full-year tuition (international fee‑paying students): NZD 18,000 per year.
- Per‑term charge for full‑year enrolments: NZD 4,500 per term.
- Short‑term students (weekly rate): NZD 630 per week.
- Note on year groups: the published international tuition is stated as an annual amount applicable across the primary years; fees for short or specialised stays are listed separately.

Other compulsory or routinely billed costs (estimates where shown)
- Uniform (new): NZD 450.
- Stationery (annual estimate for full‑year students): NZD 130.
- Insurance (Health & Travel): approximately NZD 646 for a child; approximately NZD 937 for a parent (annual estimates shown).
- Educational trips: approximately NZD 60 (invoiced on arrival).
- Year 7 camp (approximate): NZD 300 (invoiced on arrival; applies to Year 7 only).
- Administration/processing fee (non‑refundable): NZD 700 per student (repeated here as it is charged on application/invoice).

- Short‑term student additional costs (per short placement): stationery/course materials NZD 70; insurance for 30 days approx NZD 126 (child) and NZD 157 (parent); uniform hire NZD 65; hat NZD 16.50 (Term 1 and 4 only); airport pick‑up NZD 100 and airport drop‑off NZD 100.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- An invoice is issued with the school's provisional Offer of Place; tuition payment is required to secure the offer and a receipt is provided after payment. The receipt may be used in visa applications.
- The school year is approximately 40 weeks, delivered in four terms; the listed full‑year tuition is shown as an annual charge or as a per‑term amount (NZD 4,500). Minimum stay rules apply: minimum tuition stay for Term 1 is 10 weeks; minimum stay in Term 3 is 4 weeks (term minimums specified).
- Educational trips and some activity charges are invoiced on arrival. Homestay payments are managed separately and host families are paid weekly in advance.

Boarding / accommodation
- The school does not operate a boarding house. Accommodation for international students is by living with a parent, a designated caregiver, or a vetted homestay; children under 10 must be accompanied by a parent for the period of enrolment.

Homestay and related fees / payment practice
- Homestay arrangements and placement are charged separately; host/placement fees and homestay payments are handled on the homestay schedule and host families are paid weekly in advance. Placement and homestay charges (and any compliance or placement fees) are treated separately to tuition and follow the homestay payment procedures.

Refund information (key points)
- Administration/processing fees are non‑refundable.
- Insurance premiums paid on behalf of the student are not refundable by the school once purchased; parents may apply to the insurer for any refund of premiums.
- Homestay placement fees and any homestay fees already used are not refundable; unused homestay fees may be refunded less any applicable notice period.
- If a student fails to obtain an appropriate study visa, tuition fees are refundable less the administration fee, provided official evidence of visa refusal is supplied.
- Voluntary withdrawal and short enrolment rules: where a student is enrolled for one term or less and withdraws early (other than visa refusal), there is no refund of tuition or other non‑refundable fees; for withdrawals of longer enrolments there are minimum notice and minimum‑tuition‑week retention rules (for example, less than 21 days before the start date invokes retention rules; a minimum of ten tuition weeks' notice or retention may apply after enrolment has commenced). Refunds and the amounts retained vary according to the timing and circumstances; refunds are handled under the school's international student refund policy. Refunds over NZD 1,000 received from outside New Zealand are normally returned to a nominated bank account in the country of origin; smaller sums may be refunded in cash where appropriate.

Fee payment methods and practical notes
- Tuition and other international fees are paid by invoice issued with the Offer of Place; a receipt is issued on payment. The school uses standard invoicing and receipt procedures and provides bank account details for transfers and overseas refund arrangements where required. Homestay payments follow the separate homestay payment schedule (weekly in advance to hosts).
- The school uses an online payments/shop system for routine school purchases and payments (Kindo) for some parent payments and school purchases; larger international tuition payments are invoiced and processed through the school's enrolment invoicing procedures.

Summary of amounts (key numeric lines)
- Tuition (full year international): NZD 18,000 (or NZD 4,500 per term).
- Administration (application/processing): NZD 700 (non‑refundable).
- Uniform (new): NZD 450; Stationery: NZD 130; Insurance estimates and activity/camp costs as listed above. Short‑term tuition NZD 630 per week and associated short‑term fees as listed.

All figures above are the published fee lines for international (fee‑paying) students and short‑term placements; domestic (local) students do not pay international tuition but may be invited to contribute voluntary donations and to pay for some activities and uniforms under standard school practice.
Academics

Glendowie School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Montessori Curriculum for students aged 5 to 13.

Curriculum
The school delivers the New Zealand curriculum through the local Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Montessori for Montessori students. The PYP emphasises structured inquiry and cross-curricular learning. The NZ curriculum comprises eight essential learning areas: English; Mathematics & Statistics; Science; Technology; Social Science; Health & Physical Education; The Arts; Learning Languages. Underpinning the curriculum are five key competencies: Thinking; Understanding language, symbols and texts; Relating to others; Managing self; Participating & contributing. Values include Excellence; Innovation, inquiry and curiosity; Diversity; Equity; Community and participation; Ecological sustainability; Integrity. The IB components include Learner Profile, Knowledge, Concepts, Approaches to Learning, and Taking Action. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) has been in place since 2006 (authorised in November 2006). In 2024 Glendowie School became a candidate for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). All MYP classes are disciplinary and include English, Mathematics, Science, Individuals and Societies, Design, Chinese, The Arts, and Physical Education and Health. ESOL provides a specialised programme for New Speakers of English with literacy instruction in English in small groups and language assistance in classrooms. Specialist programmes include Music, Art, Digital Technologies, STEM, and Physical Education; Orchestra is offered for Year 4-8, with a range of other extracurricular activities.“
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasises wellbeing and strong relationships as part of its learning culture. It has a 'We Care' ethos and provides opportunities for parents and staff to discuss a student's learning with the SENCO and Learning Support Coordinator. The school offers pastoral care for international students within its approach to wellbeing. Classrooms are inclusive and supportive, with practices that promote social and emotional development. The school fosters a safe, welcoming environment where students participate and contribute to school life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides ESOL support for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds with literacy instruction in English in small groups and language assistants in classrooms. ESOL offers specialist support in literacy and a language programme to back classroom learning. Students with moderate to high needs may receive additional support through MOE-funded learning programmes. SENCO and Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) provide pathways for meetings with families to discuss individual needs. Gifted and Talented Programmes are available within the school.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school runs ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) with a specialist teacher and teacher aides to support students in English. International students from years 3-8 have additional English homework and access ESOL support. Language assistants work in classrooms to support English learning. ESOL provides specialist support in literacy and language programmes to support classroom learning. An introduction kit including essential vocabulary and school rules in students' languages is provided.

Mental Wellbeing
The Strategic Plan identifies Wellbeing, Safety and Identity as a priority and aims to create a safe and welcoming environment. Pastoral care is embedded in the school's international student framework and broader support systems. The school emphasises health and safety as part of the wellbeing agenda. There are opportunities for parent–teacher conversations and student-facing discussions with the SENCO and Learning Support Coordinator to support wellbeing and learning. International students receive pastoral care as part of the school's broader wellbeing approach.

Safeguarding
The Policy Handbook includes Child Protection and compliance with the Vulnerable Children's Act 2014. The school will provide a safe environment in and around the school and during EOTC. Staff are trained to identify signs and symptoms of potential abuse and neglect and to take appropriate action. The school complies with relevant legislative responsibilities.
Parent Experience

History
Glendowie School first opened in 1952. A Montessori Unit was established in 1995 and a Sommerville special class began in 1990, with the school hosting these units to support diverse learners. In 2011, a major fire during the holidays necessitated modernization of many buildings as the school expanded resources to support learning. Glendowie School became an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 2006, and is pursuing Middle Years Programme (MYP) authorisation with full authorisation expected by mid-2026.

Community
Glendowie School is located in Auckland's Eastern Suburbs overlooking the Tamaki Estuary, and many students walk or ride to school. It has a New Zealand focus with an international perspective, delivering the IB Primary Years Programme for Year 1–6 and the IB Middle Years Programme for Year 7–8. Parents are involved through a range of opportunities to discuss learning, including parent-teacher conferences, student-led conferences, and meetings with the SENCO and Learning Support Coordinator, arranged through the office. The school's vision emphasizes a 'We Care' ethos and aims for confident, compassionate, lifelong learners who participate in their country and as global citizens.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Glendowie School features a hall/gymnasium for educational and community use. The Information Centre is a large, well-stocked library with breakout spaces and a projector/sound system. The school has a fully fenced, solar-heated swimming pool with changing rooms and swimming equipment. Two playing fields overlook the Tamaki River and include an all-weather surface for year-round activity, with a nearby basketball court. There are three adventure playgrounds with shade sails, two full-sized concrete courts for netball and tennis, a nearby basketball court, a fenced all-weather court area, and a greenhouse supporting science and environmental programs.

Sports Facilities
Two playing fields overlook the Tamaki River and include an all-weather surface to allow year-round activity. Two full-sized concrete courts out the front support netball, tennis and wheels programs, and the fenced all-weather area is marked for netball, basketball, football and padder tennis. The Hall/Gymnasium supports physical education, as well as dance and drama, and is available for community hire. The Minihall provides a large multi-use space with a kitchen for food technology and science, a sound system, projector and wireless internet. The school pool is fully fenced and solar heated, with changing rooms and equipment for swimming lessons.

Academic Facilities
The Information Centre is a large, well-stocked library with tables, chairs, cushions, a couch, a games cupboard and reader's theatre. A wall of glass bifolds opens to a large breakout space with a projector and sound field system. The chess club operates from the Information Centre on Friday mornings. The Minihall is a large carpeted space with an internal moveable wall used for dance, drama, junior PE, class instruction and meetings, and includes a fully equipped kitchen for food technology and science, plus a sound system and wireless internet. Behind the hall is a greenhouse used by the Enviro Group, Unit of Inquiry programmes and Trees for Survival.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Chess club operates from the Information Centre on Friday mornings. Enviro Group runs environmental projects linked to the greenhouse and Unit of Inquiry programmes. Trees for Survival involves students in growing and planting native species. Recycling initiatives include Paper for Trees and GLAD products recycling, with the school encouraging litterless lunches. Community use of facilities is available outside school hours, including hall/gymnasium hire and use of fields and courts for after-school activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school provides a range of academic enrichment opportunities for Years 5–8. Y8 Exhibition invites a personal inquiry and presentation of student work; Y7–8 Mathex and Y6–8 Otago Maths Problem Solving challenge students' mathematical thinking. Y7–8 Chess Club, Y5–8 ePro 8 and Y6–8 ICAS (Maths and Reading) extend problem solving, strategy and competition. Gifted and Talented Programmes support enrichment across academics, culture, sport and the Arts.

Arts & Creative
Year 5–8 Orchestra runs with weekly rehearsals and auditions led by an external music teacher; Year 3–8 students can take music lessons at school through Lewis Eady. The school presents productions such as Wizard of Oz. Dance clubs for Years 5–6 and 7–8 and a photography club were offered, with the photography club returning in 2024.

Cultural & Language
Kapahaka Maori Group operates for ākonga across Year 1–8. Glendowie School is a state authorised International Baccalaureate School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Years 1–6 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7–8, delivering both the International and New Zealand curricula. ESOL supports English learners, and International Students receive pastoral care under the Code of Practice for International Students along with pathway visa information for international admissions.

Social & Hobbies
Social and hobby activities include a School Disco and a Cultural Celebration Parade, plus Be Yourself Day. The Parents' Association runs social events and fundraisers (including a Parents' Quiz Night). Students engage in lunchtime and after‑school sport such as Bay Suburbs Basketball and Auckland Gymnastics, and participate in projects like Year 7 mini golf.

Community & Service
The school engages with the Glendowie community through events such as Year 6 Exhibition – Glendowie Community Help, reflecting active community involvement.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities include Y5–8 Student Librarians; Y6 Road Patrol; Y8 Student Councillors, with students taking on roles such as media team, sports captain, Travel Wise leaders, Enviro leaders, property leaders, resource leaders, Art leaders and IT Leaders.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school emphasises hauora (wellbeing) through health and physical education, including mental health education, cybersafety and nutrition as part of the wellbeing curriculum. Sunscreen and school hats are encouraged, and the daily school routine supports physical activity through lunchtime coaching and termly tournaments such as Bay Suburbs Basketball and Gymnastics championships. Be Yourself Day and other wellness-focused events, along with health‑related resources, reinforce a healthy lifestyle for students.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Chinese Language Lessons are offered for Years 2-8. The NZ Curriculum includes Learning Languages and ESOL support for non-English-speaking students. Glendowie School is an IB World School offering PYP (Years 1-6) and MYP (Year 7-8).

Bilingual Teaching
The school teaches in English. Chinese Language Lessons are offered for Years 2-8. ESOL support is provided for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds.

Immersion Programs
Chinese Language Lessons are offered for Years 2-8. Learning Languages is one of the NZ curriculum's eight essential learning areas. The ESOL program supports language learners.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete the Application Form. Children 10 years of age and over do not need a parent to stay with them if they are on visitors visas. Students long term and on student visas must be staying with a parent or designated caregiver. Children under 10 years of age do need a parent to stay with them. Groups: Children 10 years of age travelling in a group do not need a parent to stay with them. Children under 10 years travelling in a group do need a parent to be staying with them. 2. Attach the Application form or the link for International Students. The completed enrolment form can be attached online or sent by email to international@glendowie.school.nz. 3. Fees. Pay the invoice that is sent with the school letter of Provisional Offer of Place. There are estimated costs for foreign fee paying students. Ensure you have read the International Student Fees Refund Policy. 4. Living Arrangements advised to the school. Provide details such as homestay, rental arrangements, living with a designated caregiver, living in your own home in Auckland, or other arrangements as arranged by the family. 5. Receipt and Conditional Offer of Place. The school will send a receipt for the payment, accompanied by a provisional offer of Place conditional on getting the correct visa and the appropriate insurance. The offer confirms the place while visa and insurance are arranged. 6. Application to NZ Immigration for Student Visa or ensuring a visitor visa (up to 3 months in any one year) is eligible to you. This visa step is part of the admissions process. 7. Copy of Student visa sent to the school and a copy of the parent visa if the student is in Year 1-6. This documentation is required as part of enrolment processing.

Waitlist
Out-of-zone enrolments are considered under an enrolment scheme. If more applicants apply than there are places, selection is by ballot. First priority: Montessori; Second priority: siblings of current students; Third priority: siblings of former students; Fourth priority: child of a former student; Fifth priority: child of an employee of the board or a board member; Sixth priority: all other applicants. An Out-of-Zone Ballot for 2027 is OPEN. The deadline for receipt of applications for out-of-zone places is Wednesday 14 October 2026. The ballot will be held on Wednesday 21 October 2026. Parents will be informed of the outcome within three school days of the ballot.
School Events
The school has not added events
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