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Macleans College

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$26,000
Ages 13 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2902
Type Co-educational
Opened 1980
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, Samoan, German, Latin
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Macleans College is a co-educational secondary school located at 2 Macleans Road, Bucklands Beach, Auckland, New Zealand. The school delivers Cambridge International curriculum for secondary students alongside a bespoke curriculum, serving ages 13 to 18. Students follow a knowledge-rich program with wide subject options and clear progression from junior to senior levels, preparing them for national and international qualifications. Senior learners can choose flexible pathways including NCEA, NZQA Scholarship, Cambridge International Education (CIE) and vocational routes, with ESOL support available for international students. The campus spans 13 hectares and features specialist science, technology and art blocks, extensive sports facilities and performing arts venues, a library and an on-site Health Centre. The Whānau House system creates smaller communities within the college, supporting belonging and wellbeing. With over 100 activities, the college offers strong programs in sport, performing arts and outdoor education, alongside leadership roles for international students and an intercultural life.

2 Macleans Road, Bucklands Beach, Auckland 2014, New Zealand (Postal: Private Bag 94 201, Howick, Auckland 2145)

The Essentials

Macleans College has 2,902 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
2 Macleans Road, Bucklands Beach, Auckland 2014, New Zealand. The school is located in Bucklands Beach, Auckland. The International Department lists the address for the campus at this location. School buses are operated by Gobus; students pay their own bus fares. Public transport options are available for students as part of the Auckland Transport network.

Stages
Year 9–13 (secondary school)

Type
co-educational high school

Pupil Nationality Mix
3,000+ students; Students come from 20+ countries, representing over 80 cultures.

Additional learning support
Dedicated English language support (ESOL) for international students at all levels.

Country affiliation
New Zealand

School day structure
The school day begins with an Early Warning Bell around 8:30, followed by Form Period, Assembly and five class periods with a mid-morning interval. Sit-down lunch occurs around midday, and lessons continue until 3:15 pm (Fridays end earlier at 2:45–3:15 pm depending on timetable).

Bus service
School buses are operated by Gobus; Gobus can be contacted at 09 257 7690. Students are responsible for paying their own bus fares.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Homestay Programme with host families for international students.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a formal uniform. Junior and Senior uniforms are worn, and correct official uniform is required for attendance, travel, and school functions. There are blazer options for premier groups: rental at 90 NZD per year, second‑hand at 120 NZD, or a new blazer at 255 NZD.

Food Options
Lunch is provided through the Dollar for Schools program (interim arrangement started March 17, 2025) with a rotating menu including Subway, sushi, Hell Pizza, and other items; a lunchtime delivery system is in place.

House System
The Whānau House System is the school's extended family of students and staff. The eight Whānau Houses are Batten, Hillary, Kupe, Mansfield, Rutherford, Snell, Te Kanawa and Upham.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Macleans College Board, a Crown entity. New Zealand state and state‑integrated schools have a Board that sets strategic direction and hires the principal; the Board includes elected parent representatives, a staff representative and a student representative (when Year 9+).
Fees

Annual tuition at Macleans College ranges from NZD 26,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrollment fees

- Enrolment Fee (new international student, non‑refundable): NZD 1,000.
- Administration Fee (all international students): NZD 1,000.

Tuition fees (international students) — full details by academic year

- 2026 Annual tuition and core fee (single flat amount for international students): NZD 25,000 per year.
- 2027 Annual tuition and core fee (single flat amount for international students): NZD 26,000 per year.

Note: the published fee schedule for international students is expressed as an annual school fee; a per‑term or per‑New Zealand school year‑level breakdown is not published in the fee schedule.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing is issued in advance of the school term or the academic year. Payments must be made by the due dates shown on invoices or charge notices.
- Full or partial payments are accepted. Direct debit (weekly/fortnightly/monthly) payment plans are available and will be applied to outstanding amounts according to due dates on the student account.

Boarding / Accommodation fees (homestay and caregiver options)

- Homestay Placement Fee: NZD 500 (one‑off).
- Homestay Fee 2026: NZD 380 per week (budgeted for 47 weeks = NZD 17,860).
- Homestay Fee 2027: NZD 400 per week (budgeted for 47 weeks = NZD 18,800).
- Homestay Change Fee: NZD 500.
- Designated Caregiver (DCG) Placement Fee: NZD 1,000; DCG Change Fee: NZD 1,000. These options are listed where accommodation is arranged privately or via a caregiver.

Other required or commonly expected costs

- Insurance (student travel/medical insurance): NZD 675 for 2026; NZD 750 for 2027.
- Miscellaneous expenses deposit (examples given: deposit for exam fees, extra‑curricular activity fees, textbook bond — refundable on sign‑out where applicable): NZD 1,000.
- School uniform and shoes (typical cost indicated): NZD 800.
- Stationery (typical cost indicated): NZD 400.
- Subject‑related fees, field trips, external examination fees and personal spending are additional and depend on subject choices and activities. Estimated annual total ranges are provided for budgeting: students in homestay should budget approximately NZD 48,235–NZD 50,250 per year; students living with a Designated Caregiver should budget approximately NZD 30,875–NZD 31,950 per year.

Refund information

- Payments made for school‑related charges, voluntary donations, trips, sports, tournaments and registrations are generally non‑refundable. Where a refund is approved, it will first be credited against any outstanding amounts on the student's account. Refund inquiries for school charges are handled through the school's refund procedures (inquiries directed to the Teacher in Charge or the Accounts Office).
- Specific published conditions for refund of international tuition (for example, refunds related to visa refusals or early withdrawal) are not detailed in the public fee schedule; families should consult the International Department or Accounts Office for the precise refund conditions that apply to a particular enrolment.

Fee payment options

- Preferred payment method: Parent Secure Portal (online), which accepts secure direct bank transfer (account‑to‑account) and credit card payments processed via the school's payment processor (Windcave).
- Other accepted methods: direct bank deposit (include student ID/surname as reference) and direct debit arrangements. Internet banking details and further payment instructions are provided on the school's payment pages and on invoices.

Additional notes about published information and gaps

- The school's published international fee schedule gives annual flat tuition fees for international students (NZD 25,000 for 2026; NZD 26,000 for 2027) and detailed accommodation and ancillary charges, but it does not publish a per‑term or per‑New Zealand year‑level (Year 9–13) breakdown of tuition. Billing is stated to occur in advance of terms or the year, and payment methods and general refund handling are described, but detailed, itemised refund conditions for international tuition are not published in the publicly displayed fee pages. For exact invoice due dates, payment deadlines and any case‑specific refund conditions, the Accounts Office or International Department administers the student account.
Academics

Macleans College teaches Cambridge (Secondary), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum
The school delivers a knowledge-rich curriculum with a wide range of subject choices and clear academic progression from junior to senior levels. Students develop strong subject knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and academic confidence and independence. The curriculum prepares students for success in both national and international qualifications. Senior students can follow flexible qualification pathways, including NCEA, NZQA Scholarship, Cambridge International Education (CIE) and Vocational pathways, allowing alignment with future goals. English language support (ESOL) is available for international students.

Exam Results
The school has a strong and consistent record of academic achievement. It reports consistently high NCEA achievement rates, strong NZQA Scholarship results, and outstanding Cambridge International results, including Top in the World and Top in New Zealand awards. Graduates are accepted into leading universities worldwide.

Higher Education Progression
The school regularly supports graduates to progress to leading universities in New Zealand and around the world. The Careers Department assists with subject selection and pathway planning, university applications and scholarship opportunities.

Gifted and Talented
The school offers a scholarship programme for high-achieving students, including NZQA Scholarship results. Music scholarships are available for instrumentalists Grade 6 or above. Cambridge International Education (CIE) pathways are available as part of flexible qualification routes.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Macleans College prioritises pastoral care as part of everyday student life. The Whānau House system places students in small, supportive communities to foster belonging and wellbeing. The school emphasises a caring, inclusive environment within the whānau framework. There is a dedicated international team providing guidance and support to international students. A broad range of extracurricular activities complements academic study and supports social and emotional development.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Macleans College provides dedicated English language support for international students at all levels. ESOL programmes build confidence in English, support learning across all subjects and help students participate in school life. Students move into mainstream classes with pastoral and academic support. ESOL support is available to long-term international students only; short-term stays are not eligible.

Mental Wellbeing
Guidance and Counselling are available to support student wellbeing. The school provides a Student Support area with resources for welfare and academic guidance. An International Support Team offers tailored assistance to international students. The pastoral approach underpins student wellbeing through the Whānau House system and associated support structures. The Careers Department helps students plan pathways to university, reducing stress and contributing to overall wellbeing.

Safeguarding
Emergency and Student Safety Information is provided for international students. The emergency number in New Zealand is 111 for Police, Fire or Ambulance. For international student support, during school hours contact is +64 9 535 2620. After hours emergency contact is +64 27 420 3917. Safety procedures are published for emergencies.
Parent Experience

History
Macleans College was opened in 1980 by the Governor General, Sir David Beattie. It is a co-educational school and was the first S80 or whānau house school built in New Zealand. The campus spans about 13 hectares (32 acres) of land. The school is named after the Maclean family, who immigrated to New Zealand in 1850 and farmed the land on which the school sits. The whānau house system creates a mini school within the college, with each whānau of around 360 students.

Community
Macleans College maintains an active community that connects alumni, staff, parents and supporters through sharing of news, events and projects. The Alumni section supports engagement with features such as joining or updating details, Distinguished Alumni, Where are you now?, Alumni News & Events and the Alumni Speaker Series. There are opportunities for involvement through Giving and volunteering via the Ways to Give and Volunteering or Mentoring sections. Principal's Campus Tours are offered for alumni and other local community members to view the campus and observe classes.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Macleans College provides modern, well-maintained facilities that support learning and student wellbeing. Students benefit from well-equipped classrooms and specialist Science, Technology and Art blocks, extensive sports facilities, and performing arts venues. The campus includes Whānau House common areas for student life, a library for study and research, and an on-site Health Centre. Convenience facilities include a Uniform Shop and Tuck Shop for daily needs.

Sports Facilities
Extensive sports facilities support a wide range of activities, including a broad program of teams at all levels. The facilities include FIFA and IRB certified artificial turfs as part of the school's sporting offerings.

Academic Facilities
Well-equipped classrooms and specialist Science, Technology and Art blocks provide modern learning spaces. The Library is a well-resourced space for study and research.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Over 100 activities are available, including academic clubs, cultural groups, performing arts (music, drama and dance) and sports teams at all levels. Outdoor Education offers surfing, hiking, scuba diving and camping. International students can take on leadership roles such as International Prefects, Student Leaders and Ambassadors, and peer mentors.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model East Asian Relations Conference (MEARC) is hosted for secondary students to engage in structured debate on international affairs. Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) involves Macleans College students in a simulated UN setting. Grace Baylis (Year 13) was selected as part of the New Zealand Schools' Debating Team. There are over 100 activities available, including academic clubs, sport, drama and intercultural programs.

Arts & Creative
Performing Arts is a central part of student life, with events such as a Gala Concert celebrating the year's performing arts. Creative Arts, Design & Industries are highlighted within the extra-curricular program. A broad range of arts‑based activities includes music, drama and related disciplines.

Cultural & Language
Intercultural clubs are available as part of the extra-curricular program. Senior Spanish language students explore the cultures of 20 countries. The Intercultural Committee (ICC) runs events and supports intercultural groups such as Chinese Culture Club, Lion Dance, K‑Pop groups and more.

Social & Hobbies
Groups and Clubs cover a wide range of social and hobby interests; sign-up lists are available through the school. Group activities include clubs and shared lunches as part of student life. The Whānau House System provides an extended family network across houses.

Community & Service
Volunteering or mentoring is available through Ways to Give. International Prefects celebrate a year of service. Community service opportunities are demonstrated through events such as charitable fundraisers and festival activities.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leaders and House Prefects provide leadership across the school, with Year 12 Camp Leaders and Year 13 House Prefects and School Prefects included in the leadership structure. The Careers Department offers career development support. MEARC and MUNA provide leadership opportunities in international affairs and debate.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Whānau House System creates an extended family of students and staff, supporting belonging and wellbeing. Outdoor adventures are part of the extra-curricular life. Sport and fitness activities contribute to overall wellbeing and resilience.
Languages

Language Provision
English language support (ESOL) is provided for international students at all levels. ESOL programs are designed to build confidence in the English language, support learning across all subjects, and help students fully participate in school life. Students move into mainstream classes with pastoral and academic support. ESOL is available to long-term international students; short-term stays are not eligible.
School Events
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