doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
Q

Queen Margaret College

New Zealand, Wellington

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$22,731 - 62,227
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 700
Type Co-educational, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1919
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese
Typical class size 20
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Queen Margaret College is an independent Presbyterian day school for girls in Wellington, New Zealand, educating pupils aged 3 to 18. It is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Primary Years Programme (Years 1–6), the IB Middle Years Programme (Years 7–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Years 12–13). In Year 11 students undertake NZ's National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1 and may continue with Levels 2 and 3 or pursue the two‑year IB Diploma. The school also delivers a bespoke curriculum to suit individual strengths and learning styles. The campus provides arts, drama and music facilities, a purpose‑built performance space, a theatre, and sports complex with a gym, tennis courts and a dance studio. On-site boarding includes Queen Margaret House and Queen Margaret Residence (nine two‑person rooms). Notable features include Queen's Edge after‑school programmes, the Queen of Hearts service initiative and the THRIVE programme for students.

The Essentials

Queen Margaret College has 700 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
53 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Stages
Preschool to Year 13

Type
Independent Presbyterian day school for girls

Pupil Nationality Mix
Representing over 40 nationalities

Additional learning support
Learning Enrichment and support coordinated by Learning Enrichment Coordinator

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Religious affiliation
Presbyterian

School day structure
Junior School day 8:30am–3:00pm; Senior School day 8:30am–3:30pm

Bus service
QMC private bus for Wellington's Western Suburbs; Western Coach Service available with morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups; contact reception for details
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding at Queen Margaret College offers three accommodation options: Queen Margaret House (QMH), a luxury, purpose-built boarding house on campus; Queen Margaret Residence (QMR), opening in 2026 to provide a senior independent-living pathway for Years 12–13; and Homestays with a local family. Boarding is seven days a week for Years 7–13, with tailored options including short-term boarding. Boarders have access to on-site amenities such as the gym, fitness centre, dance studio, and music practice rooms, and meals are fully catered from a healthy global menu with the option of self-catering for senior students.

Uniform Requirement
The school maintains a uniform, with New Zealand Uniforms as the exclusive retailer. The Uniform Guidelines govern dress and grooming, and there is online access to the NZ Uniforms store as well as information on second-hand uniform sales run by the Parents' Association.

Food Options
Fully catered, varied, and nutritious meals from a healthy global menu, with the option of self-catering for senior students.

Governance and Ownership
The College is governed by the Queen Margaret College Board of Governors. The Queen Margaret College Foundation Trust, formed in 2005, is an independent registered charity that supports the college's financial security and fundraising for buildings and scholarships, operating with not-for-profit status.
Fees

Annual tuition at Queen Margaret College ranges from NZD 22,731 to NZD 62,227 for 2026/27.

Application and acceptance fees

- Enrolment (application) fee: NZD 180 payable on application.
- Acceptance fee: NZD 500 payable on acceptance of a place.
- For international applicants: Registration fee NZD 300 and Acceptance fee NZD 1,500 (international fees are itemised separately below).

Domestic tuition fees (2026) — per term and annual, by year group

- Preschool:
- School Day (per week): NZD 320; Weekly full fees: NZD 665.
- Extended Day (per week): NZD 400; Weekly full fees: NZD 745.
- Years 1–6: NZD 5,573 per term; NZD 22,290 per year.
- Years 7–8: NZD 6,998 per term; NZD 27,990 per year.
- Years 9–10: NZD 7,166 per term; NZD 28,665 per year.
- Years 11–13: NZD 7,350 per term; NZD 29,400 per year.

Notes on domestic tuition figures:
- All amounts are quoted in New Zealand Dollars and include GST where required. The published tuition figures include the compulsory fees protection insurance charge, the technology levy and the building levy unless otherwise stated. A sibling discount of 10% on tuition fees applies for second and subsequent children (not applicable to Preschool or where a scholarship applies).

International tuition and compulsory international charges (2026)

- International tuition (annual scales):
- Years 1–6: NZD 46,195 per year.
- Years 7–13: NZD 55,495 per year.
- Additional compulsory international charges (annual amounts shown):
- Sundry activities deposit: NZD 2,500 (used for camps, private music lessons, etc.; unused portion refunded in line with the College refund policy).
- Mentor fee: NZD 2,500.
- Insurance (medical and travel; 12 months cover arranged by the College unless alternative policy provided): NZD 633 (compulsory unless a compliant alternative policy is supplied).
- Homestay and related international boarding options:
- Option 1 — Boarding (Queen Margaret House, 7-day, term time only): NZD 22,570 per year. Holiday homestay fee (term breaks only, fixed annual fee covering 7 weeks of term holidays): NZD 3,150.
- Option 2 — Full homestay: NZD 450 per week for 45 weeks (NZD 20,250) plus homestay administration fee NZD 1,000.
- Where additional ESOL support is required for international students, estimated extra cost is approximately NZD 3,000 per year.

Boarding fees and deposits (2026)

- Boarding deposit (domestic boarders): NZD 1,000 (non-refundable; deducted from boarding fees once the student is fully enrolled).
- 7-day boarding (annual): NZD 22,570.
- Holiday homestay (fixed annual fee covering 7 weeks of term holidays, if applicable): NZD 3,150.
- Homestay (where arranged): NZD 450 per week for 45 weeks (NZD 20,250) plus NZD 1,000 homestay admin fee (when applicable).

Community levies and other recurring charges

- QMC Foundation Trust levy: NZD 50 per term (NZD 200 per year) — charged per family.
- QMC Parents' Association levy: NZD 15 per term (NZD 60 per year) — charged per family.
- QMC Old Girls' Association levy (Years 9–13): NZD 12.50 per term (NZD 50 per year) — charged per student.
- Fees protection insurance: charged as a percentage of tuition (noted at 1.98% in the fees notes) and is compulsory for eligible year levels.

Other costs and discretionary charges

- Uniforms: Uniforms are additional to tuition. The College's exclusive retailer is New Zealand Uniforms (on-site collection and online ordering available) and the Parents' Association runs second‑hand uniform sales; uniform cost varies by items purchased.
- Stationery, subject resources, field trips, camps, private music tuition, examination fees (NZQA for Years 11–13), specialist course charges, and other incidental costs may be charged in addition to tuition and will appear on regular invoices. Some subject or activity costs are charged as they occur.
- Sundry activities deposit for international students (NZD 2,500) is used to pay for camps, private music lessons and similar items; any unused portion is refundable in line with the refund policy.

Billing schedule, invoicing and payment terms

- Invoicing: Fees are invoiced monthly; tuition and boarding fees are due by the 20th of the month following the invoice (terms and conditions). Preschool fees are payable monthly in advance by direct debit.
- Instalment and payment plans:
- A 10‑month instalment plan is available (payments due by the 10th of each month, February through November) where the parent/guardian nominates direct debit from a bank account.
- Accepted payment methods:
- Direct debit from a nominated bank account.
- Online bank transfer to Queen Margaret College Fees Account (Westpac Wellington: 03 0518 0316528 09).
- Credit card online payments (a 3% surcharge applies to credit card transactions).
- Overdue accounts and charges: Interest of 5% per month may be charged on overdue accounts. The College may recover outstanding debts through solicitors or a debt collection agency and will require withdrawal of the student if fees remain unpaid.

Refunds, withdrawal notice and related rules

- No fee is refundable where the pupil does not start or does not complete a full term.
- Notice of withdrawal: At least a term's written notice is required to withdraw a student from the College (and the Boarding House where applicable). Fees continue to be payable over the notice period. For withdrawal at the end of the school year, notice is required by the last teaching day of Term 3. Insufficient notice may incur a charge of up to twelve weeks' tuition in lieu of notice.
- Sundry deposits (such as the international sundry activities deposit) may be refunded if unused in line with the College's refund policy.

Mandatory protections and special charges

- Fees protection insurance is compulsory for eligible domestic students (Years 1–13) and is charged as part of fees to provide continuity of tuition in the event of death or permanent disability as specified in the College policy.
- International students must have medical and travel insurance arranged either through the College (compulsory cover shown) or via an alternative compliant policy provided in English.

Summary of where amounts apply (quick reference)

- Application/acceptance fees (domestic): Enrolment NZD 180; Acceptance NZD 500.
- Domestic tuition per term (2026): Years 1–6 NZD 5,573; Years 7–8 NZD 6,998; Years 9–10 NZD 7,166; Years 11–13 NZD 7,350.
- Boarding: Annual 7‑day boarding NZD 22,570; boarding deposit NZD 1,000 (non-refundable, deducted from boarding fees on full enrolment).
- International annual tuition (2026): Years 1–6 NZD 46,195; Years 7–13 NZD 55,495; plus registration, acceptance, insurance, mentor fee and sundry deposit as itemised above.

If any specific numeric conversions, breakdowns by term for international tuition, or an itemised invoice example are required for your database format, these published figures can be used directly as the definitive amounts for the 2026 year shown above.
Academics

Queen Margaret College teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Queen Margaret College is an International Baccalaureate World School. Years 1–6 follow the Primary Years Programme (IB). Years 7–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (IB). In Year 11, students undertake New Zealand's National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1 and may continue with NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or pursue the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) in Years 12–13. The school emphasizes dual senior pathways to suit individual strengths and learning styles.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Results 2025: 98% pass rate; average score 34; 9 students (20%) scored 40+; 3 bilingual diplomas; IB Dux Madeleine Wilson achieved a perfect 45. National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Results 2025: Level 1 pass rate 96%; Level 2 pass rate 98%; Level 3 pass rate 98%; endorsements include 81% Merit or Excellence at Level 1, 88% at Level 2, and 68% at Level 3. University Entrance (UE) 2025 pass rate: 98%.

Higher Education Progression
Pathways after school include opportunities to go to University, a Polytechnic or begin an Apprenticeship; the college presents these options clearly to students in Year 11–13 as part of its Careers and future pathways.

Gifted and Talented
Learning Enrichment lessons and Extension programs provide challenge for high-ability students, with extension activities such as debating, public speaking, essay and creative writing competitions, Ethics Olympiad and Scholarship examinations. New Zealand Scholarships are available for high achievers (IB and NCEA eligible). LEAP and the ELEVATE Year 11 Programme offer accelerated and enriched learning options. Three students earned bilingual IB diplomas in 2025. The school also highlights international-level success of gifted students, such as a World Scholar's Cup team reaching Yale finals in 2024 with multiple medals.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
QMC implements a Proactive Wellbeing Strategy to support social and emotional learning, with THRIVE as a wellbeing programme designed for Year 7–13 that builds on six pillars of wellbeing. The school emphasises purpose, accomplishment, engagement, emotional strength, positive relationships and wellness, and provides parent talks through a Parent Speaker Series to help families discuss difficult topics. School wellbeing resources include access to SchoolTV for families.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International students and other students needing English language support receive inclusive English language tuition as part of tuition; additional ESOL tuition is available at extra cost, with regular testing and progress updates, specialist Speech and Drama lessons to boost fluency and confidence, and small classes to cater to individual needs.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by on-site school nurses available daily, on-site school psychologists, a school chaplain, and a Kaiārahi who supports Māori and Pasifika students. Restorative conversations guide student behavior, and SchoolTV provides wellbeing resources for families.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is embedded in wellbeing and pastoral care, with a Deputy Principal of Wellbeing and year Deans supporting students; on-site nurses, the Reverend as chaplain, and a Kaiārahi providing pastoral and cultural support. The school uses restorative conversations, Cyber Safety resources, and a Family Harm Awareness alert system developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and NZ Police to support students after incidents.
Parent Experience

History
Queen Margaret College first opened on 19 February 1919 with 53 pupils. The Scottish Presbyterian founders were The Hon. John Aitken and The Very Rev. Dr James Gibb, who believed in girls' education. The main building was originally built as a family homestead in Hobson Street, Thorndon by T.C. Williams. Special assemblies such as Founders' Day, Queen Margaret Day, Prefect Commissioning and House Banners maintain the history and traditions of the College in daily life. Today the College delivers a holistic education that emphasises community service and raises awareness of the needs of others.

Community
We believe learning happens in partnership, and we're proud of the relationships with our old girls, parents and supporters who are committed to enhancing the experience of our students. The Old Girls' Association keeps alumni connected and widens opportunities for current students. The Foundation Trust, formed in 2005, enables ongoing financial security and funds projects that support the college's facilities and independence. The Parents' Association provides a social way for families to be involved in the life of their child's school, raises funds for projects that benefit students, hosts events to celebrate and promote cultural diversity, and sponsors awards and leadership training for seniors. MentorMatch Programme and Associate Governor Programme are also part of our community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The QMC Parents Association provides a social, enjoyable way for families to be involved in the life of their child's school. They raise funds for projects that benefit current students, host events to celebrate and promote cultural diversity, and sponsor several Awards and leadership training for seniors.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
53 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand. Queen Margaret House (QMH) is a spacious boarding house on campus with full catering and 42 rooms. Queen Margaret Residence (QMR) opened January 2026 as a senior boarding option with 9 two‑person rooms, an open‑plan kitchen and dining area, a large lounge and a study zone, and it sits on campus with easy access to classrooms. The campus includes event and performance venues such as Old Hall, Auditorium, Atrium, Assembly Hall and the Old Gym. Onsite catering is available for events held on site. The campus provides access to a gym, a fitness centre, a tennis court, a dance studio, music practice rooms and outdoor recreational spaces.

Sports Facilities
The Old Gym is our smaller gym with a netball and basketball court suitable for junior students. The campus also provides a gym and fitness centre, a tennis court and a dance studio, as well as music practice rooms and outdoor recreational spaces. A Sports Hall is available on campus for various activities.

Academic Facilities
A key arts facility cluster includes a purpose built music suite, an excellent performance space, an auditorium and a number of tuition rooms; there are two well‑equipped drama classrooms to support music, drama and performance education.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Performing arts offer major biennial productions, House Performing Arts, a number of choirs, instrumental ensembles, a Pasifika group Te Whānau o Kuīni Mākareta, Shakespeare festivals, and specialist lessons in instrumental music, singing, Speech and Drama. Queen's Edge is an exciting after‑school extra‑curricular programme for Years 7–9 with courses such as Viva Italia, Crown Creators and Queen of Hearts. Education outside the classroom (EOTC) weeks and camps provide outdoor learning and activities. The Year 7–10 Extracurricular programme highlights sports, performing arts and leadership opportunities, with one‑on‑one private lessons and a range of courses (e.g., CheckMates chess). There are also opportunities for leadership, international experiences and service learning.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Queen's Edge is an after-school programme for Years 7–9 designed to develop students' skills, talents and passions, expand their knowledge and world view, cultivate essential life skills and foster a lifelong love of learning. Tutors are passionate practitioners dedicated to inspiring and nurturing the next generation of courageous learners, with some Term 1 courses led by prefects to foster sisterhood. Courses cover languages, culture, service and other disciplines to broaden students' academic horizons. Each term offers fresh Queen's Edge experiences to support growth.

Arts & Creative
Arts programmes are delivered by an outstanding group of teachers and tutors. Performing Arts builds confidence and connection, with musicals and performances as part of the curriculum; private lessons, a choir or a cultural club are available. The arts are supported by an emphasis on Arts excellence, with strong programmes across the Arts and dedicated staff.

Cultural & Language
Viva Italia is an Italian language and culture course offered through Queen's Edge. Queen's Edge also includes courses such as Chinese Culture Club and other international offerings, broadening language and cultural exposure. Across subjects, there are opportunities for international exchanges and mentorship programmes. Queen's Edge includes programmes like Global Queens to connect with international experiences.

Social & Hobbies
Queen's Edge offers a range of social and hobby activities, including CheckMates! chess, Queen's Grace ballroom dancing, Queen's Feast cooking and other creative pursuits. Performing Arts provides opportunities to participate in musicals, private lessons, choir or cultural clubs. Education outside the classroom includes clubs and trips that encourage curiosity and new perspectives. Queen's Edge fosters sisterhood and lasting friendships through termly courses led by prefects.

Community & Service
Queen's Edge includes the Queen of Hearts service programme, offering opportunities to engage in meaningful service activities and develop civic responsibility. Projects benefit the school and wider community and are guided by a Service Prefect, building leadership, teamwork and empathy. Participants gain a sense of purpose by contributing to charitable initiatives and school causes.

Leadership & Professional
Queen's Edge provides leadership opportunities, with some courses led by prefects and a focus on developing leadership and collaboration skills. Service Prefect Teresa Li leads the Queen of Hearts programme, offering concrete leadership experience. Leadership and community service are woven into QMC's extracurricular offerings to empower students to lead and serve.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Education outside the classroom includes challenging outdoor activities, trips and clubs as part of EOTC week to broaden learning and wellbeing. Sports provide social, disciplinary and health benefits, with options to compete or participate for fun. The THRIVE wellbeing programme is designed for Year 7–13, with tutor-led sessions that address six pillars of wellbeing and personal growth. Parent resources include a Speaker Series and SchoolTV as wellbeing supports for families.
Languages

Language Provision
French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and Te Reo Māori are taught at QMC.

Immersion Programs
Tahiti (French), Japan (Japanese), China (Mandarin), Chile (Spanish) language immersion trips.
Reputation

Awards
IBO Report 2021 — IB evaluation report published in 2021.
Primary Years Programme Commendations — embedding the IB learner profile and promoting student voice and awareness of issues.
Middle Years Programme Commendations — nurturing a respectful learning environment and student responsibility; use of assessment data to strengthen practice.
Diploma Programme Commendations — promoting awareness of local and global issues and encouraging critical thinking and student ownership of learning.
Five-Year IB Review — outstanding result from the IB review.

Accreditations
International Baccalaureate World School — delivers the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme (IB World School) with IB evaluation recognizing the college's IB education.
Admissions

Admissions
Domestic Enrolments: Read the Terms and Conditions before starting the online application. Complete and submit the online application with a non-refundable application fee of $180. Following a review of the application, the applicant's daughter will be invited to an interview with the Principal. Following the interview, an Offer of Place may be issued. The applicant should return the confirmation and the non-refundable acceptance fee of $460 within 14 working days. Once the acceptance is received, confirmation of place is sent. International Enrolments: Read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before starting the application. Complete and submit the application with a non-refundable application fee of $250. If enrolling more than one child, use a separate form for each. Following a review of your application, we will advise you if your daughter has been selected for an interview with the Director of International Students. A translator will be provided if necessary. English testing if required. Following the selection process, you may receive an Offer of Place along with a form to confirm acceptance. Once acceptance is received, confirmation of your place at QMC will be sent.

Scholarships
The QMC Scholarship Programme is available to Years 7 through 13 for domestic students. It recognizes the College values of generosity, resilience, respect, integrity and courage, and rewards achievement in academics, sport, the arts, cultural pursuits, service or across multiple disciplines. Scholarships are effective through to Year 13 if the scholarship expectations are met; scholarship types may vary by year level and enrolment availability. The application process has no fee and a maximum of two scholarships may be applied for. Required documentation includes evidence of age, identity and New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency; a CV; a character reference; copies of two most recent school reports; copies of PAT/e-asTTle or NZQA records; evidence of participation in cocurricular activities, service or leadership, sporting excellence or cultural pursuits; a simple passport-style headshot; attendance at the scholarship examination if applicable; and if shortlisted an interview with the Principal. Scholarships open for 2027: Year 7 to 10 open 25 March - 24 April; Year 11 to 13 open 1 April - 1 May. Not currently offering Other Scholarships & Bursaries. For more information, contact enrolments.

Waitlist
Waitlisting at QMC describes a waitlist as a queue-based system. Applicants are eligible for entry but a place is not immediately available. The waitlists are managed chronologically by the date an application is received and do not rank applicants on the waitlist. Factors considered include date of application, family connections to QMC (daughters of Old Girls, siblings, extended family connections, e.g. grandparent who is an alumna), children of current staff, and, in some cases, boarders, international students or diplomats. Scholarships may affect waitlist considerations. Waitlisted families are kept updated, and waitlist movement depends on space availability.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Queen Margaret College with
vs Scots College
Search for more schools
Search schools in New Zealand View all schools in Wellington View all schools in New zealand IB curriculum schools in New Zealand Open days & tours in Wellington What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools