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Selwyn House School

New Zealand, Christchurch

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$19,200 - 41,500
Ages 3 - 13 years
Pupil numbers 298
Type Co-educational, Girls School
Opened 1929
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages English, Spanish
Typical class size 17
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Preschool
Introduction

Selwyn House School is an International Baccalaureate World School delivering the Primary Years Programme from Pre-school to Year 8. It combines a co-educational pre-school with a girls' independent full primary school. The curriculum integrates academics with specialist programmes in STEM, the arts, sports, and leadership development, fostering inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The Primary Years Programme uses a Programme of Inquiry organized around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in time and place; How the world works; How we express ourselves; How we organise ourselves; Sharing the planet. Learning emphasizes small class sizes, personalised support, and a scaffolded approach across year levels, with specialist subjects across the year groups. Founded in 1929, Selwyn House offers a continuum from Pre-school to Year 8. Facilities include a heated pool, Technology Hub, Mechatronics, Food Technology, Visual Arts, Music and Spanish classrooms, library, Performing Arts Centre, and pre-school.

122 Merivale Lane, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand

The Essentials

Selwyn House School has 298 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
Selwyn House School is located at 122 Merivale Lane, Merivale, Christchurch 8014. It sits in the Merivale suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. The postal address is PO Box 25049 and the phone number is (03) 355 7299.

Stages
A co-educational pre-school for ages 2.5–5 years and a Year 1–8 girls' independent full primary school.

Type
Independent girls' school for Years 1–8 with a co-educational pre-school.

Country affiliation
New Zealand
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Board of Trustees governs the school. It is an independent girls' school with a co-educational pre-school for ages 2.5–5 and a Year 1–8 girls' full primary school.
Fees

Annual tuition at Selwyn House School ranges from NZD 19,200 to NZD 41,500 for 2026/27.

Application & Acceptance Fees

- Domestic application fee: NZD 175, payable on application.
- Domestic acceptance fee: NZD 800, payable on offer of a place; this acceptance fee includes lifetime membership to the Selwyn House School Alumni Association and is not refundable if the student does not take up the place.
- Pre-school enrolment fee: NZD 110, payable on enrolment.
- International application fee: NZD 375
- International acceptance fee: NZD 1550
International application fee amounts and acceptance requirements apply for overseas students. A refundable international disbursement bond of NZD 2,000 is charged for international students (refundable if unused).

Tuition fees — Domestic (primary years) — annual, 10-month instalments, and per-term (calculated)

- Years 1 & 2: Annual fee NZD 19,200; 10-month instalment NZD 1,920. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 4,800.
- Years 3 & 4: Annual fee NZD 22,700; 10-month instalment NZD 2,270. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 5,675.
- Years 5 & 6: Annual fee NZD 23,000; 10-month instalment NZD 2,300. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 5,750.
- Years 7 & 8: Annual fee NZD 25,000; 10-month instalment NZD 2,500. Per term (annual ÷ 4, calculated): NZD 6,250.

(Note: per-term figures above are calculated by dividing the published annual fee by four.)

Tuition fees — International (primary years)

- International tuition Years 1–4: NZD 38,500 (annual; international tuition is set and paid in advance).
- International tuition Years 5 & 8: NZD 41,500 (annual; international tuition is set and paid in advance).
- International disbursement bond: NZD 2,000 (refundable if unused).

Compulsory levies and other recurring charges

- Compulsory Development Levy (CDL): One daughter NZD 850 per year (or NZD 85 on the 10-month instalment plan); two or more daughters NZD 980 per year (or NZD 98 on the 10-month instalment plan).
- Incidental charges (for after-school opportunities, casual days, trips, etc.) are billed in arrears and appear as disbursements on regular invoices.
- Late payment fee: NZD 150 per student for payments made after the due date, with a further NZD 150 per student charged for each subsequent month the account remains unpaid. Accounts more than 60 days overdue will be referred to a debt collection agency.

Pre-school fee details (sessional and weekly rates; additional hours)

- Under-3s (8:30am–3:30pm) weekly rates: 3-day NZD 264; 4-day NZD 352; 5-day NZD 440.
- Ages 3–6 with maximum 20 ECE hours attestation weekly rates: 3-day NZD 180; 4-day NZD 240; 5-day NZD 300. With no attestation (no ECE hours) weekly rates: 3-day NZD 264; 4-day NZD 352; 5-day NZD 440.
- Additional hours charged at NZD 20 per half hour. Pre-school fees are invoiced weekly or fortnightly in advance; families are invoiced two weeks in advance of the child's first week.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- School tuition fees are invoiced monthly in advance. School invoices are payable by direct debit on the 20th of the month following invoice issue. Pre-school invoices are issued weekly or fortnightly in advance.
- The mandatory method of payment is by direct debit; a direct debit authority must be completed and returned to the school's business office before a child commences. The school does not provide credit facilities.
- A prepayment discount of 1.5% on tuition fees is applied if the full year's primary school tuition fees are received by 20 February (discount applies to tuition only).

Withdrawal, leave, and refund rules

- Fees paid are generally non-refundable. Fees paid or payable for any period of non-attendance will not be applied against other fees or charges.
- Acceptance fee: if a student does not take up the offered place, the acceptance fee is not refundable.
- Withdrawal: at least one full term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to withdrawal (or a full term's tuition fee is payable in lieu of notice). Temporary leave of absence for a term or more requires prior approval and a leave-of-absence holding fee (amount dependent on length of leave).
- International disbursement bond is refundable if unused.

Other notes on fee arrangements and collections

- The Trust Board may alter fees and charges at its discretion; incidental school charges will be invoiced monthly. When there are multiple signatories on an application, those signatories are jointly and severally liable for fees. In cases of extreme hardship the school may vary fee payment arrangements; applications for payment arrangements must be made in writing to the Finance Manager. Accounts unpaid beyond the stated terms may attract recovery action.
Academics

Selwyn House School teaches IB (PYP) for students aged 3 to 13.

Curriculum
Selwyn House School is an International Baccalaureate World School delivering the Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) from Pre-school to Year 8. It provides a continuum of education with a co-educational pre-school and a girls' independent full primary school. The curriculum integrates academics with specialist programmes in STEM, the arts, sports, and leadership development, fostering inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a global perspective. The Primary Years Programme uses a Programme of Inquiry organized around six transdisciplinary themes: Who we are; Where we are in time and place; How the world works; How we express ourselves; How we organise ourselves; Sharing the planet. Learning emphasises small class sizes, personalised support, and a scaffolded approach across all year levels, with specialist subjects offered across the year groups.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes provide personalised support and a nurturing learning environment across Pre-school to Year 8.

Gifted and Talented
A Specialist Programme offers Spanish, Music, Science, Mechatronics, Physical Education & Health, Visual Arts, Food Technology, Performing Arts and STEAM taught by specialists to deepen learning across Units of Inquiry.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing ensures every girl feels supported, valued and connected in all aspects of the school. A buddy system connects Senior School students with juniors to provide friendship and guidance. The Primary Years Programme fosters the development of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, social, self‑assessment and self‑management skills through Units of Inquiry. Units of Inquiry emphasise community, respect and empathy and engage students in dialogue and collaboration to deepen understanding of themselves, their wider community and the world. The IB World School values Curious, Courageous, Resilient and Inspirational and these values underpin daily learning and relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Small class sizes allow for personalised support and a scaffolded learning approach across Pre‑school to Year 8. A range of specialist subjects, taught by expert teachers, provides diverse learning experiences that accommodate different learner needs within the IB framework. The curriculum and teaching approach are designed to support students to develop confidence and independence while fostering collaboration and resilience.

Mental Wellbeing
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing is a daily programme that ensures every girl feels supported, valued and connected. Wellbeing is a core focus in the Pre‑school with yoga, mindful breathing, Smiling Minds and The Friendology Programme. The Principal emphasizes collaboration, empathetic understanding and lifelong relationships as foundations for successful learning. The four core values—Curious, Courageous, Resilient and Inspirational—guide learning and support wellbeing across the school.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1929. In 1921, parents and educators were inspired by Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy. Queen Philippa's School reopened as Selwyn House P.N.E.U. School in 1929, initially enrolling seven boys and 51 girls. The school offered a broad curriculum with specialist staff in musical appreciation, art, and voice production, and catered for girls from six to 18 years old and boys up to nine. Since 2008, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme has been offered; today the school is an all-girls full primary school (Years 1–8) with a co-educational pre-school, continuing to nurture intellectual, emotional and personal growth.

Community
Selwyn House has a welcoming, active community that includes the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association, the Selwyn House Parents' Association (SHPA), current pre-school and school families, and staff. SHPA and the school coordinate through events and newsletters that share news and opportunities to engage with school life. The community is strengthened by alumni connections and parent involvement that support the school's culture.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Selwyn House Parents' Association (SHPA) is part of the NZPTA. Its main goal is to encourage parent involvement and participation to help all children develop their talents, self-esteem and character. Throughout the year SHPA hosts events that promote positive relationships, strengthen friendships, and foster support within the community and beyond; popular annual events include the Carnival, Breakfasts, School Disco, and Parents' Quiz Nights. The SHPA Committee is made up of current parents who aim to strengthen relationships between parents, teachers and students and support fundraising and friendship-building. Meetings are open to join; for more information please email shpa@selwynhouse.school.nz.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Selwyn House School views the learning environment as central to the student experience. Each classroom is designed to meet the learning needs of the year level, supporting focus, creativity, and collaboration. Students have designated spaces for personal belongings and ready access to all school facilities. The campus includes an indoor heated swimming pool, an astroturf field with outdoor courts, a Technology Hub and Mechatronics suites, a Food Technology room, a music classroom, a Spanish language classroom, a visual art room, a multi-purpose library, a co-educational Pre-school, a Performing Arts Centre, and an outdoor playground.

Sports Facilities
Indoor heated swimming pool offers swimming lessons from Pre-school age to Year 8. An astroturf field and outdoor courts are suitable for basketball, hockey, netball, and tennis. The facilities support a broad range of physical education and team sports. These spaces are used by students across year levels.

Academic Facilities
Technology Hub & Mechatronics provide dedicated STEAM, science and robotics classrooms. A Food Technology Room is purpose-built for primary-age students. The Visual Art Room is well-equipped with a kiln and a printing press. The Library is a multi-purpose space with resources for presentations and private study. The Carolyn Fletcher Performing Arts Centre is a purpose-built music and performing arts building with a dedicated music classroom, practice rooms, and staging for productions. A dedicated Spanish language classroom supports language learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Outdoor Playground is a large space used by all year levels. The Carolyn Fletcher Performing Arts Centre supports productions, concerts, and award celebrations, with staging for events and practice rooms for itinerant music lessons. The Music program uses a dedicated music classroom and practice spaces. The Visual Art Room provides kiln and printing press facilities for art clubs and projects. Library resources support clubs and study groups and facilitate research.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Specialist subjects deepen Unit of Inquiry across all year levels with specialist teachers in Spanish, Music, Science, Mechatronics, Physical Education & Health, Visual Arts, Food Technology, Performing Arts, and STEAM. The programme is delivered by expert teachers who support students across year levels. It aligns with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, fostering inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary connections.

Arts & Creative
Performing Arts develop confidence and creativity through Dance and Drama, with annual and biennial productions. Music extends beyond the classroom through ensembles, performances, and on-site instrumental lessons with itinerant teachers. Visual Arts are celebrated through Art Shows and a range of Visual Arts clubs and drawing/sketching activities.

Cultural & Language
Spanish is taught as a specialist subject, with an emphasis on developing language skills and cultural awareness. The IB framework promotes international-mindedness and appreciation of diverse cultures. UNESCO Group and Kapa Haka are among the cultural opportunities available.

Social & Hobbies
Selwyn House offers a wide range of opportunities and clubs across leadership, STEAM, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, and sport. Notable clubs include Cantamaths, Code Club, Junior Mechatronics, Science Club, Stop Motion Club, Glee Club, Speech & Drama, and numerous music ensembles and sport teams. The Houses and Buddies programmes foster belonging and leadership across year levels.

Community & Service
Envirogroup, UNESCO Group, and Community Problem Solving are among the clubs that support community engagement and global awareness. SHPA (Selwyn House Parents' Association) coordinates events and activities that strengthen relationships among parents, staff and students, including Carnival, Breakfasts, School Disco, and Parents' Quiz Nights. Leadership and service opportunities are embedded in school life, including the Year 8 Leadership Programme.

Leadership & Professional
Year 8 Leadership Programme provides two designated leadership roles across areas such as Sports, STEAM, Library, Music & Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Enviro, PYP & Wellbeing, Language & Culture, House Leadership, Student Ambassadorship, and Communications. Leadership occurs at every stage with age-appropriate responsibilities and opportunities to lead assemblies and major events. The House System and Buddy Programme further promote leadership and peer mentorship across year levels.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport is central to life at Selwyn House, with weekly teams and opportunities to represent the school at Zones and the regional level; Athletics Day, Cross Country, Swimming, and a broad Winter and Summer sport offering are provided. Camps & Experiences include Year 4–8 camps and Space Week to foster independence, resilience, and real-world learning. Wellbeing is integrated through the Year 8 Leadership Programme and broader school life.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught as part of the Timetabled Specialist Programme in the Pre-school. The Timetabled Specialist Programme includes Visual Art, Music and Dance, Library, Performing Arts, Spanish, Buddies, Coding and Playball.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Registering Interest: Families may register their interest at any time by completing the registration form. Open Days and Personal Tours are available to learn more about Selwyn House School. If applying to Pre‑school, an additional application is required.

2. Enrolment Application: Submit an Application for Enrolment as soon as possible for entry to Selwyn House School. The application must include a copy of the student's full birth certificate. Evidence of NZ citizenship or residency if not born in New Zealand (e.g., passport or citizenship certificate) should be provided. Also include a copy of the most recent school report (if applicable) and any additional supporting documentation.


3. Visit and Interviews: Domestic applicants and families have an interview with the Principal, which can occur in person or online. Interviews for New Entrants and Year 1 are held when the child is four years old; applicants for Years 2–8 are required to attend an Experience Day, and the interview and Experience Morning may not be on the same day. International applicants meet with the Deputy Principal and Director of International Students after the application is received; this is not a formal assessment and is typically conducted by Zoom or Google Meet.

4. Offer of Place: Successful domestic and international applicants will be sent an Offer of Place and additional details. A confirmation fee is required to secure the enrolment space.

5. Starting School: Before starting at Selwyn House School, New Entrant and Year 1 students participate in Playgroup and the Transition to School Programme. New students schedule a school uniform appointment, receive information relevant to their entry year level, and receive their school stationery pack on their first day. Students are also matched with a classroom buddy to help with the transition.

6. Domestic Applications, International Applications, and Pre‑school Applications are available online.

Scholarships
2027 Scholarships are open until April 30th 2026: The Charlotte Mason is a new scholarship for Year 7 girls and covers the full cost of tuition fees for 2 years (all clubs and extra curricular activities excluded). Selwyn House School provides opportunities for scholarships to both prospective and currently enrolled students in Academics, Sports, Performing Arts, and Music. All applicants, regardless of scholarship type or current connection to the School, are required to sit the academic examination. Prospective students who wish to apply for a scholarship must submit a completed enrolment application before the scholarship application deadline. For more information contact Enrolments Co-ordinator Leanne Glasson at enrolments@selhouse.school.nz.
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