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Saint Kentigern College

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$28,422 - 51,232
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2325
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1953
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish
Typical class size 24
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Saint Kentigern College sits on 100 acres overlooking Tamaki Estuary in Pakuranga, Auckland. It serves day and boarding students aged 11 to 18 and offers both International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and a NZQA/NCEA pathway in Years 12–13. In Year 11, students complete NCEA Level 1. The IB Diploma has six subjects (three HL, three SL), one language, and core elements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service. The Senior School provides a broad range of subjects across Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. The campus includes the Jack Paine Centre for arts and design, dedicated science and commerce spaces, and Music Centre with choral and instrumental programs plus a dance studio. Sports facilities include a Sports Centre, outdoor fields, a synthetic turf, a swimming pool and on-site rowing programme. The college began in 1953 and welcomed girls in 1996, adopting a parallel education model.

130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010, New Zealand

The Essentials

Saint Kentigern College has 2,325 pupils, typical class sizes of 24, instruction in English.

Location
Pakuranga Campus, 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus sits in the Pakuranga area of Auckland and is part of Saint Kentigern College. Directions and bus information are available to assist travel to the campus.

Stages
Years 7-13 (ages 11-18)

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Religious affiliation
Presbyterian

Bus service
Bus information is available for the Pakuranga Campus.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Bruce House is the on-campus boarding facility for Saint Kentigern College students in Years 9–13 (ages 13–18). It is a small, welcoming hostel set in landscaped grounds with views of the Tamaki Estuary. Boarders benefit from supervised evening prep time and dedicated duty staff who are College teachers, with a diverse community that participates in College life, sport and cultural activities.

Uniform Requirement
There are two daywear uniforms—Years 7–10 (Middle School) and Years 11–13 (Senior School)—with a formal uniform worn on Formal Friday during winter. Prefects wear kilts for formal occasions, and a separate sports uniform is worn for Physical Education. Uniform items are available from the on-site Mungo's Uniform Shop or online; sample sizes are available and second-hand uniforms can be purchased.

Food Options
Saint Kentigern Trust runs the Senior School Saints Café and the Middle School Kents Café, offering a range of healthy foods and drinks with much of the food prepared onsite and menus that change regularly. Saints Café operates before school, at interval, and at lunch from 7:00am to 2:00pm, with online ordering for collection through the OLE and charges to the parent account; orders must be placed by 9:00am. The Cafés accommodate dietary requirements and provide contact details for the Café Manager.

House System
All students belong to one of six houses: Cargill, Chalmers, Hamilton, Wishart, Stark, and Wilson. Within each house, students are organised into Tutor Groups, with Year 7–8 forming Form Classes. Heads of House oversee pastoral care within a tutor-based family structure across the College.

Governance and Ownership
The Saint Kentigern Trust Board is the governing body for Saint Kentigern College and the four Saint Kentigern schools. It is an independent body with the power to appoint its members and was founded in 1949 to provide schools for boys in Auckland; the Trust Deed was amended in 1995 to educate girls as well. In 2009, the Corran and Saint Kentigern Trust Boards merged, with staffing and operations for the Girls' School campus brought under the Trust.
Fees

Annual tuition at Saint Kentigern College ranges from NZD 28,422 to NZD 51,232 for 2026/27.

Enrolment and application fees
- APPLICATION FEE: NZD 300.00 (payable when submitting an application; non-refundable).
- ACCEPTANCE FEE (enrolment confirmation): NZD 500.00 (invoiced when a place is offered; non-refundable).
- ASSOCIATION FEE (lifetime Alumni / Parents & Friends membership): NZD 775.00 (invoiced on offer; non-refundable).
- CONTRIBUTION LEVY (all students): NZD 1,500.00 (invoiced on offer).

Tuition fees — College (Years 9–13)
- Annual tuition fee (applies to College students): NZD 28,422.00 per year.
- Per term (calculated): NZD 7,105.50 per term (annual tuition divided by four). (This per-term figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition.)
- Per month if using the 10-month instalment plan (calculated): NZD 2,842.20 per month (annual tuition divided by 10). (This per‑month figure is a calculation based on the published annual tuition and the school's 10‑month instalment option.)

Boarding fees (Bruce House)
- Annual boarding fee (term time only): NZD 21,810.00 per year. Boarding fees are charged in addition to tuition.
- Per term (calculated): NZD 5,452.50 per term (annual boarding fee divided by four). (Per‑term figure is a calculation.)
- Boarding does not include tuition; weekly and full‑term boarding options are available within the boarding programme.

Other compulsory and typical costs
- SOFTWARE LICENCE FEE (one-off): NZD 250.00.
- PUBLICATIONS FEE (annual, approximate): NZD 200.00.
- UNIFORM (approximate cost for newly enrolled students to obtain full uniform): NZD 1,300.00 (approx). Second‑hand options may reduce this cost.
- LAPTOP BUNDLE: Variable — an approved laptop bundle (device, accidental damage cover, extended warranty, carry case) is required from Year 6 and is available through the school's preferred supplier.
- IB DIPLOMA CHARGE (for students taking the IB in Years 12–13): NZD 1,000.00 per year (charged in instalments where indicated).
- ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM / SUBJECT COSTS: Variable — extra charges may apply depending on year level and subject selection (examples: specialist subject levies, field trips, workbooks, camps, overnight excursions, external exam fees).
- SPORTS / CO-CURRICULAR TRIP COSTS: Variable — charges depend on participation and event.
- BUS FARES: Variable — fares depend on route and distance; route and fare details are updated each year.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Domestic (NZ) accounts: All accounts require payment by Direct Debit unless tuition is paid in full under the early‑payment options. Direct Debits (including incidentals) are processed on the 20th of each month (January to December).
- Early payment discounts:
- Full payment in advance by 05 December of the prior year: 1.5% discount on net tuition.
- Full payment by 20 January: 0.9% discount on net tuition.
- Instalment option: Tuition may be spread over 10 months (February to November) by Direct Debit; incidentals may be direct‑debited January–December.
- Overdue and transaction charges: Interest on overdue balances may be charged at 1% per month. Payments made by credit card incur a 2% surcharge. Dishonoured payments attract a dishonour fee (NZD 20).
- International student billing: Annual international tuition and boarding costs are billed in November of the year before entry and are payable in a single lump sum by the end of November; a paid receipt is required to support a student visa application.

Refunds, notice and withdrawal
- APPLICATION, ACCEPTANCE and ASSOCIATION FEES are non‑refundable.
- If a student is unable to attend at the beginning of a term, fees remain due; the Trust Board does not undertake to remit or refund fees for illness, quarantine, or other causes.
- NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL: A minimum of one term's written notice to the College Principal is required to withdraw a student (day or boarder). Without correct notice, full fees for the following term will be charged in lieu of notice.
- FEE PROTECTION: The Trust Board operates a Fee Protection Scheme that may cover tuition (and boarding where applicable) in the event of the death of a fee‑paying parent or legal guardian; entry is automatic upon payment of the first fee instalment and eligibility restrictions apply.

Sibling discounts and concessions
- SIBLING DISCOUNT: 5% off tuition for two family members attending Saint Kentigern campuses; 10% off tuition where three or more family members attend. Students receiving scholarships or other concessions are not eligible for the sibling discount.

Payment methods and practical notes
- Direct Debit is the required method for ongoing billing and instalments. Credit card payments are accepted but attract a 2% surcharge. Overdue amounts may accrue interest. Dishonoured payments incur an NZD 20 fee. For international enrolments, annual tuition and boarding are billed and must be paid in full to provide a receipt for visa purposes.

How additional charges are handled
- Many costs beyond tuition and boarding (subject levies, EOTC camps, field trips, workbook charges, elective programme fees, sports tours) are variable and billed as required; these are direct‑debited as incidentals unless otherwise invoiced.

Contacts for accounts and payments
- Accounts / Finance contact for fee queries: accounts@saintkentigern.com ; Phone: +64 9 577 0747.
Academics

Saint Kentigern College teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum
The Senior School offers a broad range of subjects across Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. In Year 11, every student undertakes the NCEA Level 1 qualification. In Years 12 and 13, students may choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's NCEA. The IB Diploma is a two-year program with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), one language as a second language, and core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service. The NZQA/NCEA path comprises Levels 1–3 with internal and external assessments; most subjects offer 16–20 credits per subject, and Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 enable progression toward certificates. A Course Handbook provides comprehensive information about the core curriculum and elective subjects.

Exam Results
In 2023, Level 1 NCEA achieved a pass rate of 98.8% (415/420), with 40.96% Excellence Endorsement and 44.82% Merit Endorsement; 86% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 2 NCEA achieved 99.29% (279/281) with 31.54% Excellence Endorsement and 47.67% Merit Endorsement; 79% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 3 NCEA achieved 97.84% (272/278); 21.94% Excellence Endorsement and 48.2% Merit Endorsement; 70% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. The University Entrance rate for the year stands at 91%.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have progressed to universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, New York University, University of Melbourne, and University of Sydney.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Navigate programme enhances student well-being and character development. Tutor groups and the six Houses provide ongoing pastoral care, with two adult Heads of House. Every teacher acts as a tutor, maintaining strong relationships with their tutor group and parents. Chapel services are held weekly in house groups, and family house services are conducted once a term. Student Futures experts help students navigate life beyond Saint Kentigern.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Enhanced Learning Centre (ELC) liaises with classroom teachers to enhance learning for individual students. All students referred to the Enhanced Learning Centre are assessed to determine their learning needs and the assessment results are used to determine appropriate support in collaboration with parents and teachers. Gifted and Talented students are provided with opportunities to showcase their achievements and are celebrated, school-wide, during Gifted Awareness Week.

Mental Wellbeing
The Guidance Department includes the Head of Guidance, counselling psychologists and clinical psychologists, who are available to students during school hours. The Pastoral Care team comprises Deputy Principals, Heads of House, Head of International Students, Guidance Counsellors, the Chaplaincy team, Nurse, Head of Student Futures (Careers), Maori and Pasifika Director, and Director of Boarding. The Health Centre is staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00am–4:00pm. Weekly Chapel services are a central feature of school life, and Student Futures provides career guidance and information about future pathways with regular tertiary institution visits.

Safeguarding
Saint Kentigern follows the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021 for international students. Emergency contacts for international students are provided by the Director of International Students. Bruce House is the boarding facility for students (years 9 and above), with the Director of Boarding acting in loco parentis. A College Code of Conduct for Students outlines expected behaviour and disciplinary procedures. The Health and Safety policy sets safeguarding and safety protocols, and incidents or hazards must be reported.
Parent Experience

History
Saint Kentigern College opened in 1953 on a rural site near Auckland, 16 kilometres from the centre of the city, near the Tamaki Estuary. The foundation Headmaster was Reverend Adam MacFarlan, appointed in 1952 to lead the College in the Presbyterian tradition. Bruce House opened in 1954 to house boarders, with 103 boarders by 1956, and Elliot Hall was completed in 1958 as an Assembly Hall and Gym. In 1996 the Trust Deed was amended to admit girls, and the first girls joined in 2003, introducing a parallel education model with single-gender classrooms and shared opportunities. Governance has evolved through a sequence of leaders and the Saint Kentigern Trust; Warren Peat served as Executive Head from 2001, and in 2023 Damon Emtage became College Principal with Dr Kevin Morris as Executive Trustee since 2022, and the College is authorised to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Source: College History

Community
The College community is anchored in faith, with Christian Education, weekly chapel services and a focus on service to others. Termly House Chapels bring families together, reinforcing shared Christian values within the community. The community is grounded in values of respect, integrity, service, excellence and love that shape student character. Source: College page (Why Saint Kentigern College)

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents and Friends Associations of each Saint Kentigern school play a vital role in building a sense of community and supporting school activities and initiatives. Membership consists of dedicated volunteers, with an annual AGM in March and multiple opportunities to contribute. Each of the three school associations meets about eight times per year to plan activities, with updates from senior staff and a Trust Board delegate. The College Association volunteers and raises funds, operates Kents Café for Middle School and Saints Café for Senior School, and organises special fundraising events. The Girls' and Boys' School associations contribute through fundraising and events such as Fireworks Night, Celtic Day, and Flora MacDonald Day, celebrating Celtic heritage. Funds raised are used at the committees' discretion to provide equipment or facilities that enhance the students' educational experience. Source: Parents and Friends
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Set on 100 acres overlooking the Tamaki Estuary in Pakuranga, Saint Kentigern College provides expansive facilities designed to support holistic student development and educational outcomes. Learning spaces are light and spacious with technology and reliable connectivity. The campus features specialist spaces for arts, science, commerce, and design, supporting a range of creative and academic activities. The facilities include spaces for performance and movement across the campus.

Sports Facilities
The Sports Centre houses two versatile indoor courts that can be configured into a single 1,800 m² space with an electronic curtain. It includes five PE/Health teaching rooms, changing rooms, and offices for teaching and coaching staff. A strength and conditioning centre, a physiotherapy room, and a video-analysis presentation room support training and assessment. Beyond the Sports Centre, groomed fields, an artificial turf surface, tennis courts (one under cover), an indoor cricket facility, a competitive-length swimming pool, and an on-site rowing programme extend the sporting facilities.

Academic Facilities
The Jack Paine Centre (JPC) houses art rooms, food technology, hard materials, soft materials, and design classrooms. The College provides dedicated Commerce and Science spaces, and the Science block is fully equipped with labs supported by technicians. The Music Centre offers facilities for individual and group practice and includes a performance auditorium for choral and instrumental programmes. The dance studio is a hub of movement that can be divided into two teaching spaces and accommodates performances, with a cushioned floor in the downstairs activity room.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Rowing on Tamaki Estuary; music programs including choral and instrumental offerings housed in the Music Centre; a dance studio; a broad range of sports supported by the Sports Centre and outdoor facilities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Saint Kentigern College runs multiple academic competitions and intellectual enrichment programs. Three College teams qualified for the World Scholar's Cup Global Round, competing in team debates, collaborative writing, the Scholar's Challenge and the Scholar's Bowl. A student has represented New Zealand in Debating at national and international events, reflecting the College's strong debate program. The College also hosts the STEM Racing competition, showcasing student engineering and teamwork across Development and Professional classes.

Arts & Creative
The College provides extensive arts opportunities, led by seven music programmes: Orchestra, Strings, Rock, Chamber, Concert Band, Jazz, and Choral. Co-curricular music groups are available to all levels, with both auditioned and all-comer ensembles, fixed weekly rehearsals, and weekend workshops and performances. The performing arts program also includes Speech & Drama, theatre sports and school productions, and an Oral Assessment Programme with Speech New Zealand.

Cultural & Language
Language and cultural activities include competitive events in French, with Saint Kentigern students taking part in Alliance Française Auckland debates. The College hosts international engagement through visits such as Ōtaki Scholars, and participates in cross-cultural competitions such as the World Scholar's Cup, which involves students from many backgrounds. These programs foster cultural awareness and global collaboration.

Social & Hobbies
Students engage in social and hobby activities through drama productions, music ensembles, and arts events. The College hosts school productions and participates in national arts competitions such as the Shakespeare Festival Nationals. The arts and culture programs also provide opportunities for creative writing, film projects and other peer-led activities.

Community & Service
Service and leadership are central to College life. College Prefects and leadership groups lead service initiatives and model Saint Kentigern values. Action and service activities are embedded in the Middle College program, including Mataatua Marae visits and Saint John First Aid training.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is formalised through College Prefects, Head Prefects and a College Leadership Team. The Prefect Commissioning ceremony marks the official induction of student leaders, who guide peers and drive College life. Leadership development includes leadership camps and ongoing roles in student councils and committees.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing and physical development are supported by extensive sport and fitness programs, with over 25 regular sports codes and a dedicated development program. Mountain biking is offered as a co-curricular activity, and the College provides a state-of-the-art fitness centre with Athletic Development Coaches to support training and holistic wellness.
Languages

Language Provision
Te Reo Maori, French, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish are offered for language learning. In Years 7 and 8, two languages are introduced: a European language (French or Spanish) and an Asian language (Mandarin). In Year 7, these two languages are studied for a semester; in Year 8, one language is studied for the full year. Languages are available across senior years as semester-long and full-year courses, and Saint Kentigern College provides two qualification pathways: NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Application: To apply to Saint Kentigern College, complete the Online Application Form. Applications can be submitted up to three years before the intended entry year. A non-refundable application fee of $300 is charged per application. Attach a copy of the child's NZ Birth Certificate or NZ Passport or current passport, along with their latest school reports; if there have been any educational or medical assessments, provide the reports as well. 2. Request for documentation: Around 12 months ahead of entry year, the Admissions team will be in touch to request additional supporting documentation, such as school reports. 3. Interview: After the application and documents are received, prospective students and their caregiver may be invited to attend an enrolment interview in an informal, friendly setting. Interviews are held the year prior to entry. Not every student will be offered an interview and may be placed in a wait pool. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided. 4. Offer of Place: Following a successful interview, a written offer for the child's place will be issued. The offer is usually sent within a week of the interview. To secure the place, an Enrolment Agreement must be signed by both Parents or Caregivers and returned along with the non-refundable Acceptance Fee, Association Fee and Contribution Levy. 5. Acceptance: To complete enrolment, sign the Enrolment Agreement and return it with the required fees. Fees and levies are non-refundable.

Scholarships
Saint Kentigern College offers Scholarships to students entering Years 9-11. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarship categories: Academic, All-Round, Alumni, Boarding Bursary, Performing Arts, and Sport. Scholarships may cover up to 50% of tuition for most categories; Alumni up to 25%; Boarding Bursary up to 50% of boarding fees; Sport up to 50% (up to 90% in exceptional cases). Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student's schooling. Applications open for 2028 Scholarships on 2 November 2026; 2027 Scholarships are closed. Timeline: 1) Apply online (no fee) with required documents; 2) Exams and auditions as required; 3) Interviews for shortlisted candidates; 4) Offer of scholarship; 5) Acceptance by returning Enrolment Agreement.

Waitlist
Due to high demand, some applicants may be placed in a wait pool while spaces become available. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided.
School Events
The school has not added events
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