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King's High School

New Zealand, Dunedin

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$16,500
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 875
Type Boys School
Opened 1936
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Taught languages French, Japanese, Spanish
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School, High School
Introduction

King's High School is a single-sex boys' secondary school in Dunedin's St Clair. Founded 1936, the campus offers 53 teaching spaces and 68 staff, supporting a roll of over 1,000 students across Years 9–13 with provision for international pupils. In Year 9, pupils explore a broad range of subjects to help them make informed Year 10 choices. In Years 11 and 12, English and Mathematics are compulsory, with English required in Year 12; the school offers the widest subject range in the area, and if a course cannot be accommodated, students may study at Queen's High School. Facilities include science laboratories, computer suites, spaces for Art, Music, Photography, Graphics and Media Studies, Modern Technology workshops, a Food Technology kitchen, two gymnasia, squash courts, a weights room, a Performing Arts Centre, and an Outdoor Education facility nearby. Co-curriculars include Kapa Haka, King's of the Pacific, Rock Academy, School Production and Shakespeare/Theatresports.

King's High School, 270 Bay View Road, Dunedin 9012, New Zealand

The Essentials

King's High School has 875 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
King's High School is a state boys' secondary school situated in South Dunedin, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. It serves boys from Dunedin and beyond. Transport details include a dedicated Hill Suburbs bus service operated by Ritchies Bus with stops at Brockville, Halfway Bush, Wakari, Kaikorai Valley, Roslyn, Balmacewen, Kenmure and Mornington; public bus options are available through the Otago Regional Council network.

Stages
Secondary

Type
Boys' secondary school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Around 875 students from 44 nationalities.

Additional learning support
English as a Second Language Support (ESL) is provided. An ESL department assists new and intermediate English speakers, and a TOEFL/IELTS preparation program is offered; additional one-to-one help is available on request.

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Bus service
Hill Suburbs (Ritchies Bus): Cost $35/10 trips; tickets purchased at the school office; Pupils can purchase a pass to use the school bus service which operates through Brockville, Halfway Bush, Wakari, Kaikorai Valley, Roslyn, Balmacewen, Kenmure and Mornington; departs at 7:45am and arrives at King's High School at 8:25am. The Otago Regional Council public routes are available; fares are $1.20 per trip for 5–18 year olds; Bee Card or cash accepted; route extensions connect Green Island to Kaikorai Valley.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Homestay arrangements are used for international students; selected homestay families are arranged by the school. On arrival, staff meet students at the airport and a comprehensive orientation program helps integrate them into classes.

Uniform Requirement
Senior students wear long black dress trousers, a plain black belt, blazer, light blue shirt, tie, and black dress shoes; the blazer is compulsory for Years 11-13 and must be plain with only the crest and name visible. Junior students wear navy shorts with a plain black belt, King's socks, King's polo shirt, and a King's monogrammed jacket (School Jersey optional). Hair must be natural in color and jewellery beyond a wristwatch or medical-alert bracelet is not permitted.

Food Options
A campus canteen operates on site. Casual lunch orders may be placed via the King's School App, with a canteen counter open at morning tea; orders can be placed on the day or in advance. A Breakfast Club offers free breakfast (bread, Weet-Bix and milk) on select days.

House System
Hanover, Stuart, Tudor and Windsor are the four Houses. Houses compete in a range of sports and activities throughout the year, including Touch, Chess, Debating, Volleyball, Softball and Singing. Each House is divided into groups that meet every morning with a Group Teacher to support pastoral care.

Governance and Ownership
King's High School is governed by a Board of Trustees, led by the Rector. The King's High School Charitable Trust funds capital projects, preserves the school's character, and supports fundraising, with a stated aim to resume boarding in the future.
Fees

Annual tuition at King's High School ranges from NZD 16,500 for 2026/27.

Tuition and package fees (2026)
- Tuition fee for one academic year (4 terms): NZD 16,500.00.
- Tuition fee for 3 terms (36 weeks): NZD 14,250.00.
- Tuition fee for 2 terms (24 weeks): NZD 9,500.00.
- Tuition fee for 1 term (12 weeks): NZD 4,750.00.

Administration and compulsory fees
- Administration fee: NZD 1,200.00 (charged per enrolment).
- Contingency fee (covers specialised course-related costs and extracurricular events): NZD 1,500.00 (4-term basis; price may be negotiated depending on length of study and time of year).
- Insurance (medical and personal effects; adjusted by length of stay and compulsory for international students): NZD 680.00 per year (shorter stays charged proportionally e.g. NZD 350.00 for 2-term stays).

Accommodation / Boarding
- There is no on‑site boarding; international students are placed in homestay accommodation managed by the school.
- Homestay fees (2026):
- Full year (48 weeks): NZD 18,000.00.
- 3 terms (36 weeks): NZD 13,500.00 (equivalent to NZD 375.00 per week).
- 2 terms (24 weeks): NZD 9,000.00.
- 1 term (12 weeks): NZD 4,500.00.
- Homestay placement is arranged and managed by the school; homestay enquiries are handled by the Accommodation Coordinator.

Uniform, stationery and related costs
- School uniform and stationery (2026): NZD 900.00 for a full-year placement; NZD 400.00 for shorter (2-term) stays. Uniform hire is available for short stays (hire fee shown as NZD 200.00 where applicable).

Other possible costs
- Visa renewal fee (if applicable): NZD 360.00.
- NCEA examination fees (if applicable): NZD 400.00.
- Designated caregiver fee (if the student stays with an approved guardian rather than homestay): NZD 500.00.
- One Year Full Package (includes tuition, homestay for 46 weeks; excludes personal spending money, visa and NCEA fees): NZD 35,400.00 (this is an offered packaged price).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- All fees are quoted and payable in New Zealand dollars (NZD), inclusive of GST.
- Fees are payable in advance. Parents or payers must pay in NZD and include the student's name as payment reference.
- Bank transfer details for payments (ANZ Bank, Dunedin): account number 06 0901 0630261 00; SWIFT: ANZ BNZ 22. Payments are to be made to this account in NZD.

Refund information and conditions
- Requests for a refund of international student fees must be made in writing within twelve months after the final enrolment date and must include the circumstances, the requester's details, payer details, a nominated bank account for refund, and supporting documentation.
- If a student fails to obtain a study visa, tuition fees are refunded less an administration fee of NZD 400.00.
- If a student withdraws voluntarily prior to the course start date, fees are refunded less an administration fee of NZD 400.00.
- If a student withdraws after the course start date, a minimum of ten weeks' written notice is required; if less than ten weeks' notice is given, one full term's fees will be retained. Administration, insurance and homestay placement fees are non‑refundable after the course start date.
- Unused prepaid homestay fees will be refunded less the school's one‑week notice‑period fee; unused prepaid fees at the end of enrolment will be refunded to the nominated bank account. Outstanding activity or other unpaid fees will be deducted from any eligible refund.

Payment methods explicitly provided
- Bank transfer to the school's ANZ account in NZD using the student's name as reference. The school provides the ANZ account number and SWIFT code for international transfers.

Notes on short-term and adjusted pricing
- Short‑term stays (one or two terms) have adjusted pricing for tuition, homestay, contingency and insurance; uniform hire is offered for short stays where available. Contingency and insurance are charged proportionally depending on length of stay.
Academics

Curriculum
The primary aim is classroom success; the curriculum is designed to facilitate this learning. In the junior school Year 9 exposes students to a wide range of subjects so they can choose informed options in Year 10. In the senior school the subject areas are wide and varied; English and Mathematics are compulsory at Years 11 and 12, with English compulsory at Year 12. If a particular course cannot be accommodated, the boys have the opportunity to work at Queen's High School. King's High School offers the widest range of subjects in the area.

Exam Results
NCEA Level 1 84.7%; NCEA Level 2 88.3%; NCEA Level 3 79.2%; University Entrance 56.9%. For the last three years, King's High School has been the top performing boys' school in Otago and Southland in both NCEA pass rates and Scholarship results.

Higher Education Progression
University Entrance is the minimum requirement to go to a New Zealand University. To qualify, NCEA Level 3 with three subjects at Level 3 (14 credits each) in approved subjects, literacy (10 credits at Level 2 or above) and numeracy (10 credits at Level 1 or above) are required. Our Careers Advisor discusses student options and career pathways.

Gifted and Talented
Accelerated Academic Programme supports academically gifted students; it includes acceleration, Cambridge and Scholarship programmes.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Positive Education focuses on lifelong well-being, strengthening relationships, resilience, a growth mindset and a healthy lifestyle, implemented across King's High School to enhance student wellbeing and life skills.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support (SENCO) Laura Marsh provides SEN support; senco@kingshigh.school.nz.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as a Second Language Support (ESL) assists new English and intermediate English speakers; English ability is assessed on arrival; TOEFL/IELTS preparation is provided; extra one-to-one support is available on request and through assessment.

Mental Wellbeing
The Wellbeing Team offers private counselling through Te Mana o te Raiona – Student Support Centre; team includes Counsellors James Howey, Carolyn England, Holger Korth, and Public Health Nurse Rebecca Young; there are additional wellbeing and support resources and an emergency list of helplines.

Safeguarding
The school runs a Wellbeing Team and Te Mana o te Raiona Student Support Centre to support student safety and wellbeing; international students are supported under the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice.
Parent Experience

History
King's High School was founded in 1936 in St Clair, Dunedin. It is a single-sex boys' secondary school. It has recently undergone an extensive rebuilding programme to become a modern and well-resourced school with 53 teaching spaces and 68 teaching staff. The school roll sits at a little over 1000 boys, who study from Years 9–13, with provision for up to 40 international students. The school also has a designated Outdoor Education facility close to Dunedin.

Community
King's High School has a long-standing commitment to promoting and embracing a range of cultural opportunities. Participation in cultural events, groups and clubs is regarded as a vital part of learning and growth in a safe and creative environment. Participation in cultural activities addresses the front end of the curriculum, promotes understanding, listening, respectful discussion and teamwork. Cultural offerings include Kapa Haka, Pacific Island Group - King's of the Pacific, Rock Academy Programme, Music Performance, Concert Band, Jazz Band, School Production and other performing arts activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The King's High School P.T.S.A. committee includes parents/caregivers of current students, teacher representatives and student representatives. The P.T.S.A. grants funding requests and has assisted in funding trips, equipment, resources, groups and school initiatives. It organizes fundraising, with one of the main initiatives being the second-hand uniform shop. It also supports and helps groups with their fundraising, and grants junior scholarships and senior prizes annually, as well as hosting social occasions at the request of the school. The P.T.S.A. meets on the third Wednesday of every month, with meetings starting at 6:30pm in the school library or by arrangement. New members are welcome; email ptsa@kingshigh.school.nz for information. The second-hand uniform shop sells donated items or items sold on behalf of families in need of a boost to school uniforms.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located in St Clair, Dunedin. It was founded in 1936 and has undergone an extensive rebuilding programme to become a modern and well-resourced school. The school has 53 teaching spaces and 68 teaching staff. Specialist classrooms support all subjects, including science laboratories, computer suites, and dedicated spaces for Art, Music, Photography, Graphics and Media Studies, and modern Technology workshops. There are facilities for Food Technology and Catering in a modern kitchen, two gymnasia, squash courts and a weights room, as well as a Performing Arts Centre. The school also has a designated Outdoor Education facility close to Dunedin.

Sports Facilities
There are two gymnasia, squash courts and a weights room for Sport and Physical Education. Extensive grounds provide space for a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. An Outdoor Education facility close to Dunedin supports field-based learning and practical outdoor skills. The facilities support curricular and co-curricular sport and fitness activities.

Academic Facilities
Specialist classrooms are used for all subjects, including science laboratories, computer suites, and dedicated spaces for Art, Music, Photography, Graphics and Media Studies. Modern Technology workshops support design and engineering. Food Technology and Catering are taught in a modern kitchen. A Performing Arts Centre is available for performances and rehearsals. The campus comprises 53 teaching spaces and 68 teaching staff.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The co-curricular programme includes a strong culture offering with Kapa Haka, the Pacific Island Group King's of the Pacific, and the Rock Academy Programme. Music is represented by Music Performance, Concert Band and Jazz Band, and School Production. The Shakespeare Festival is a recurring drama event in which students participate. Singing, Speech and Debating, and Theatresports are also offered as part of the school's cultural and performance activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers an Accelerated Academic Programme. NCEA results for 2025 show Level 1 at 84.7%, Level 2 at 88.3%, Level 3 at 79.2%, and University Entrance at 56.9%. For the last three years the school has been the top performing boys school in Otago and Southland in both NCEA pass rates and Scholarship results. Personal excellence is central to the charter and is pursued through Build Men for Life in partnership with families and the community under the Education Act.

Arts & Creative
Students participate in Music Performance, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. The Rock Academy Programme provides additional musical engagement. School Production and Theatresports offer drama and performance opportunities.

Cultural & Language
Kapa Haka and the Pacific Island Group King's of the Pacific provide cultural activities. Singing, Speech and Debating and Theatresports offer performance-based cultural opportunities. Rock Academy Programme and School Production support cultural expression through music and drama.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of sports and co curricular activities are offered. Sports include Athletics, Cricket, Golf, Mountain Biking, Rowing, Rugby, Hockey, Basketball and Football. The House System supports social life and team activities. Co curricular activities are listed within the school's resources.

Leadership & Professional
The school's values and culture emphasize character education through the King's Men Society. Build Men for Life and Personal Excellence guide student development. Core values include Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Fairness, Responsibility and Participation. The School Charter establishes a partnership among home, school, and community to attain personal excellence.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is supported by a Wellbeing Team and Positive Education. Physical health and balance are fostered through a broad sports program including Summer and Winter sports such as Athletics, Cricket, Golf, Rowing, Rugby, Hockey and Football. Participation in all elements of school life and a focus on character development support wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English as a Second Language Support (ESL) is provided for international students. Students are assessed on arrival and placed in ESL classes, with English ability assessed on arrival and tuition provided in small classes. The ESL department assists new and intermediate English speakers, and there is a separate programme for TOEFL or IELTS qualifications. Extra one-to-one help is available on request and through assessment.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The school has three enrolment options: online enrolment link, the official form available on the site, or a printed copy from the reception. 2. The school offers a personal tour of the school with the Rector to learn about its vision of Building Men for Life. 3. Applications, together with all requisite documentation, can be emailed to the Enrolment Officer; once confirmed, the family will be contacted to arrange a time for you and your son to visit and meet with the Rector and a senior staff member to discuss strengths and interests. 4. Enrolments are currently being accepted for 2026, 2027 and 2028, from boys who live anywhere in Dunedin and further afield. 5. After the enrolment is received, the Enrolment Officer will check the application; once confirmed, you will be contacted to arrange a time to come to the school and meet with the Rector and a senior staff member.

Scholarships
1. The school offers Year 9 Excellence Awards (scholarships). 2. The categories include Academic Awards: The Bob Glass Award; The Dunedin Old Boys' Award; The Grant Robertson Award; The PTSA Award; The Rector's Award; The Student Council Award; All-Rounder Award; Character Award: The King's Man Award; Music/Cultural Awards: The Chris Fennessy Music/Cultural Award; The King's High School PTSA Music/Cultural Award; Sporting Awards: The Ben Smith Winter Sports Award; The Brendon McCullum Summer Sports Award; The Dunedin Old Boys' Sports Award; The King's High School Rugby Club Award; The Kukri Sports Award. 3. Once enrolled, a student is eligible to receive one of the scholarships on offer; Excellence Awards will be announced toward the end of Term Two.
School Events
The school has not added events
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