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St Cuthbert's College

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$27,500 - 63,088
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1633
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1915
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin, Tetum
Strengths Sport, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

St Cuthbert's College is an all-girls day and boarding school in New Zealand offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma and a bespoke curriculum for ages 5 to 18. The college operates across multiple campuses, including the Epsom site and the Kahunui campus in the Bay of Plenty, with a Learning Hub and spaces as part of enhancements. The Junior School (Years 0-6) features a Structured Literacy Approach, strong numeracy, smaller class sizes, and specialist teaching in Music, French and Physical Education. The Senior School (Years 7-10) provides a core programme with language tasters and pathways, plus Year 10's outdoor learning experience. Year 11-13 offer a bespoke Year 11 Diploma and two pathways: NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or the IB Diploma. The college serves almost 1,700 students and provides facilities, including a Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Philosophy wing, technology labs, libraries, a Performing Arts Centre, and a Centennial Centre for Wellbeing.

The Essentials

St Cuthbert's College has 1,633 pupils, instruction in English.

Location

Located in Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus address is 122 Market Road, Epsom, Auckland 1051.

Stages

Junior School Years 0–6; Senior School Years 7–10; Senior School Years 11–13.

Type

The school is an all-girls day and boarding school.

Additional learning support

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are available to support students whose first language is not English.

Country affiliation

New Zealand

Bus service

Transport options include dedicated school bus routes organized by Auckland Transport; Outer Link bus; private and public NZ Bus routes; Remuera train station within walking distance.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding at St Cuthbert's is a vibrant community where over 100 girls from Years 9–13 flourish academically, personally and socially. Students progress through three distinctive boarding houses—Melrose, Dunblane and Elgin—each tailored to the needs of different year levels as they move through the senior years. The College is located in Epsom, Auckland.

Uniform Requirement

The uniform is available exclusively from Black Watch House, the on-campus uniform shop on the lower ground floor of the Robertson Building. Families can purchase via the online shop or visit the shop during opening hours.

Food Options

A wide variety of food is provided in the dining hall, including a hot lunch option with a salad, smoothies and wraps. The Violet Wood Dining Hall is the heart of the boarding community, with shared meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner options are offered and smoothies are available at the smoothie bar; there are summer BBQs in the Melrose House outdoor area.

House System

The college has three boarding houses—Melrose, Dunblane and Elgin—that accommodate different year levels as students progress through Years 9–13.

Governance and Ownership

The school is governed by a Trust Board that oversees strategic planning for the College. The St Cuthbert's Foundation was launched to support the College's strategic plan.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Cuthbert's College ranges from NZD 27,500 to NZD 63,088 for 2026/27.

Application and Acceptance Fees

- Application fee: NZD 320 (GST inclusive). This fee is waived if the applicant's mother is an Old Girl.
- Acceptance (enrolment) fee: NZD 2,480 (GST inclusive). This acceptance fee is non‑refundable and includes lifetime membership to the Old Girls' Association and membership of the Parents & Friends' Association.

Tuition and Boarding Fees (annual and per term/quarter)

- New Zealand resident tuition (2026):
- Years 0–6: NZD 27,500 per year / NZD 6,875 per quarter.
- Years 7–13: NZD 31,544 per year / NZD 7,886 per quarter.
- Kahunui (Year 10 residential experience): NZD 3,500 (annual one‑off fee).
- Boarding (for boarders): NZD 21,608 per year / NZD 5,402 per quarter. Boarding is available for Years 9–13.

- International student tuition (student visa) (2026):
- Years 0–6: NZD 55,000 per year / NZD 13,750 per quarter.
- Years 7–13: NZD 63,088 per year / NZD 15,772 per quarter.
- Kahunui (Year 10): NZD 3,500 (annual one‑off fee).
- Boarding: NZD 21,608 per year / NZD 5,402 per quarter.

- Building maintenance levy (per family): NZD 1,000 for one student; NZD 1,500 for two or more students.
- Sibling discount: A 30% tuition discount applies to the third and subsequent daughters once they start at the College (conditions apply).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Invoicing and due dates:
- Tax invoices/statements are issued monthly; annual fees are invoiced quarterly.
- Quarterly invoice / direct debit processing schedule (2026):
- Quarter 1 invoice date: 13 January 2026 — due (direct debit) 31 January 2026.
- Quarter 2 invoice date: 1 April 2026 — due (direct debit) 30 April 2026.
- Quarter 3 invoice date: 1 July 2026 — due (direct debit) 31 July 2026.
- Quarter 4 invoice date: 1 September 2026 — due (direct debit) 30 September 2026.
- Payment frequencies available via Direct Debit by the College (no fee for the direct debit service): 40 weekly payments, 20 fortnightly payments, 10 monthly payments, or quarterly payments (quarterly amounts include disbursements and fees billed to date). Weekly/fortnightly/monthly direct debits commence on 22 January 2026; a year‑end wash‑up payment may be processed in December. Weekly/fortnightly/monthly direct debit instalment amounts (including an estimate for disbursements) are published by year group. Example direct debit instalments (including an estimate of NZD 2,000 for disbursements):
- Year 0–6: Weekly NZD 740 / Fortnightly NZD 1,480 / Monthly NZD 2,960.
- Year 7–13 (not Year 10): Weekly NZD 840 / Fortnightly NZD 1,680 / Monthly NZD 3,360.
- Year 10: Weekly NZD 930 / Fortnightly NZD 1,860 / Monthly NZD 3,720.
- Boarders Year 7–13: Weekly NZD 1,380 / Fortnightly NZD 2,760 / Monthly NZD 5,520.
- Full‑year in‑advance option: One lump sum payment of the full year plus an estimate of NZD 2,000 for disbursements is due by 31 January (cash or credit card accepted for the lump sum). A direct debit is still required for the year‑end wash‑up.
- Disbursements (extras) are invoiced monthly and the published estimate for budgeting is NZD 2,000 (this excludes overseas trips, overnight camps, technology equipment or leases, and donations).
- Interest and penalties: Interest of 1% per month is charged on overdue accounts; dishonoured direct debit payments incur a NZD 20 charge in addition to any bank charges. Non‑payment within the time specified by the Trust Board may result in parents being asked to withdraw the student.

Payment methods and options

- Payment methods accepted for lump‑sum payments: cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted). A direct debit arrangement with the College is available for instalment payments (no fee).
- Direct debit (managed by St Cuthbert's) is the instalment mechanism; families can choose weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly frequencies. A wash‑up payment at year end may apply.

Boarding details and charges

- Boarding availability and fees:
- Boarding is offered for Senior School students (Years 9–13).
- Boarding fee: NZD 21,608 per year / NZD 5,402 per quarter (same boarding fee applies to New Zealand residents and international students).
- Change of status/withdrawal for boarders: One full quarter's boarding fee will be charged where a change in status occurs but notice requirements are not fulfilled. One full term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to withdrawal from the College as a boarder or day girl, otherwise one quarter's fees in lieu will be charged.

Other compulsory or common family costs

- Building maintenance levy per family: NZD 1,000 (one student) or NZD 1,500 (two or more students).
- Uniform: All uniform items are supplied via the on‑campus Black Watch House uniform shop (new students are required to have a fitting and new families must purchase uniform in person for sizing). Compulsory uniform items are listed by year group (examples include blazer, tunic, shirts, ties, PE kit, shoes and selected sportswear). Families should budget separately for full uniform packs.
- Devices and stationery: Students have device requirements by year level (Years 5–9 require an iPad with keyboard and Apple Pencil; Years 10–13 require an Apple MacBook). Stationery for Years 7–13 is purchased via OfficeMax; families should budget for a device and stationery in addition to tuition and uniform.
- Additional common costs not included in tuition: overseas trips, sports tours, subject‑specific materials, optional academy or activity levies, overnight camps, external examination fees, medical expenses, personal items, and donations. Disbursements billed monthly may include many of these items.

Refunds, notice and penalties

- Acceptance fee: non‑refundable.
- Absence from school (illness, quarantine, parents' overseas transfer or other causes) does not entitle families to cancellation or refund of fees. Suspension or expulsion of a student does not result in a refund of fees.
- Withdrawal notice: One full term's written notice to the Principal is required prior to withdrawal for either boarders or day students. Failure to provide the required notice will result in one quarter's fees charged in lieu. A change from boarding to day status without the required notice will attract one full quarter's boarding fee.

Administrative and contact details for fees

- Accounts contact: fees@stcuthberts.school.nz. Phone numbers for general enquiries and the uniform shop are published for families who need assistance with purchases or payment arrangements.
Academics

St Cuthbert's College teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

The curriculum from Years 0-13 combines academic rigor with forward-thinking innovation, preparing young women for a rapidly changing world. Subject offerings cover sciences, English, humanities, languages, mathematics, technology, and the arts, with tailored choices aligned to university entrance requirements and future career aspirations. Guidance on subject selection is provided by Careers advisors, tutors, Deans, and teachers. Extension for High Achievers includes acceleration in Mathematics, NZQA Scholarship programmes, and mentoring. Junior School (Years 0-6) features a Structured Literacy Approach, a strong numeracy programme, smaller class sizes, and specialist teaching in Music, French, and Physical Education. Senior School (Years 7-10) offers a core programme with language tasters in Year 7 and pathways in Year 8, plus a Year 10 Kahunui outdoor learning experience. Year 11-13 provide a bespoke Year 11 Diploma and two qualification pathways: NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Exam Results

2024 results: 99% of students achieved University Entrance across IB and NCEA; NCEA pass rate for Levels 2 and 3 was 100%; IB pass rate was 100% with 22% achieving 40+/45. NZQA Scholarships were awarded: 139 total, with 25 outstanding. 2023 results: 97% of Year 13 gained University Entrance; six Top NZ Subject Awards; three NZQA Outstanding Scholar Awards; two Premier Scholars. 2025 results: 99% University Entrance; 121 NZQA Scholarships awarded with 16 outstanding.

Higher Education Progression

University Entrance is a key pathway, with two qualification routes in Years 12-13: NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school provides University and Career Guidance to support local and offshore university applications, and offers a broad range of subjects to prepare students for tertiary study across multiple regions.

Gifted and Talented

Extension for High Achievers includes acceleration in Mathematics, enrichment opportunities, NZQA Scholarship programmes, and mentoring.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school has a dedicated Wellbeing Centre where our psychologist, counsellors, Deans and Careers staff are located to guide students' mental, physical and emotional health. The team works with teachers and families to ensure the overall wellbeing of every girl. The Wellbeing programme starts from day one and continues through graduation. The Year 7 Homeroom model provides close pastoral care, and Vertical Tutor Groups from Year 8 onward offer ongoing support to help girls settle, form friendships, and develop leadership and social skills. Strong friendships and a caring, inclusive community are nurtured through the school's ethos, with service and the values programme embedded across campus.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Pohutukawa Learning Centre is led by a registered educational psychologist and works with classroom educators, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists who regularly visit the school to meet each student's unique needs on site.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

If English is not your first language, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are provided to help establish stronger English language skills.

Mental Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Centre includes a psychologist, counsellors, Deans, nurses and mental health practitioners who guide students' mental health and wellbeing. The team collaborates with teachers and families to monitor wellbeing and respond to concerns. The Wellbeing programme runs from day one through graduation, with a focus on resilience, coping strategies and healthy relationships. Settling in is supported by teachers and older students to help girls feel belonging and connected. The Senior School pastoral structure, including Year 7 Homerooms and Vertical Tutor Groups, further supports social development and leadership and reinforces the school's values-based approach to wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History

St Cuthbert's College was founded in 1915 with 190 pupils. Gladys Wells led the early formation of the College in 1918. St Cuthbert's College Educational Trust Board is a registered charity. The Epsom campus centenary was celebrated in 2025, marking 100 years since 1925. The College serves almost 1,700 students with a thriving Junior School, Boarding programme, and a second campus, Kahunui, in the Bay of Plenty.

Community

The St Cuthbert's community is built around Parents & Friends volunteers, an Old Girls' Association, and an active Alumni network. The motto By Love Serve underpins community life and guides involvement by parents, staff and students. Events and reunions connect current families with alumni and friends. Gifts to St Cuthbert's Foundation support priorities such as Student Hardship Fund and Staff Scholarships.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Parents & Friends volunteers bind the community together and provide opportunities to get involved. An Old Girls' Association keeps alumnae connected and protects the College's heritage. Events & Reunions bring together current families, Old Girls and friends to foster connections. The Alumni & Friends program maintains ties with graduates, supports events, and coordinates personalised tours for prospective families. Gifts and philanthropy are channeled through the St Cuthbert's Educational Trust Board (a registered charity) to support the College, with areas such as Student Hardship Fund and Staff Scholarships; the Making Their Mark Awards celebrate inspirational Old Girls.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

St Cuthbert's operates multiple campuses with spaces dedicated to science, technology and the arts. The Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Philosophy wing provides science and humanities learning spaces. Technology labs enable hands-on Robotics, Design and Sewing, Home Economics, and Wood and Metal Craft. Libraries support reading and research with professional librarians. The Joan Holland Auditorium hosts drama performances, guest speakers and workshops. The Kahunui campus is undergoing enhancements, including a Learning Hub, welcoming pavilion and flexible learning spaces; stage two will add a staff village and expanded communal facilities.

Sports Facilities

St Cuthbert's provides a range of sports facilities to support participation across levels. A modern fitness centre and the Centennial Centre For Wellbeing provide training and wellbeing spaces. The college has a hockey turf, a football field, tennis and netball courts, and swimming pools. There is also a junior turf and indoor sports centres. These facilities are complemented by coaching staff including former national representatives and international competitors.

Academic Facilities

The college has dedicated Technology rooms for hands-on learning in Robotics, Design and Sewing, Home Economics, and Wood and Metal Craft. An entire wing is dedicated to Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Philosophy. Libraries provide reading and research spaces. Kahunui campus includes a Learning Hub and flexible learning spaces as part of a significant enhancement completed in January 2026.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Athlete Pathway Programme provides specialised support for talented athletes from Year 8 onward, including strength and conditioning, mentoring, injury prevention, nutrition guidance and balancing academic commitments. After-school activities are offered by external providers, including creative dance, rock band and karate, plus maths tutoring. Joan Holland Auditorium hosts drama performances, guest speakers and workshops. The Collegiate Centre enables bookings for after-school and community activities outside school hours.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

St Cuthbert's offers a broad range of academic clubs and competitions. Examples include Brainbee, Business Club, Chemistry Olympiad, Debating, English Language Mentoring, International Young Physics Tournament, Kids' Lit Quiz, Law Club, Mathex, Young Enterprise, and Med Society. Senior students can participate in Model United Nations, Mooting Team, Rotary Interact Club, and Shares Investment Club. These activities support inquiry, collaboration and public-speaking skills.

Arts & Creative

Performing Arts is a greatly valued part of St Cuthbert's life. The program includes School Musical Productions across age groups, and a dedicated Dance programme with The Company and Showquest. Music encompasses choirs, bands, orchestras and chamber groups with itinerant teachers, and opportunities to perform at showcases and festivals. Drama and Speech offer Drama Club, Theatresports and Shakespeare performances, with a dedicated Performing Arts Centre and a new recording studio.

Cultural & Language

St Cuthbert's has a broad range of cultural groups and events. Pōfiafia is the annual celebration of cultural diversity with performances from 16 student groups including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Kapa Haka, Korean, Mongolian, Samoan, Sri Lankan, Thai, Tibetan, Tongan and Vietnamese. Polyfest participation is a highlight, and Kapa Haka groups such as Kahukura have achieved top placements. Cultural Colours awards recognise outstanding cultural contributions. The school hosts celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Mooncake Festival and Festival of Flavours.

Social & Hobbies

St Cuthbert's offers diverse clubs and activities beyond academics. Junior School features Lovie Club, Debating, Chess Club, Coding Club, and Kapa Haka among others. Senior School provides Chess, Rock Climbing, Surfing, Tramping, eSports, Makers Club, and Film Society, along with a wide array of other interests. These activities run before school, at lunch, and after school.

Community & Service

By Love Serve underpins Service in Action, developing caring, empathetic, and globally aware citizens. Senior and Junior School service programs connect students with Communities Feeding Communities to address food insecurity. Year 11 Service Programme includes extensive service hours and support for local schools, with initiatives such as Girls in Need hygiene bags. Additional drives include Period Product Drive, Blanket Drive, Christmas Giving, and Wear What You Want Day to support various charities.

Leadership & Professional

Senior School offers leadership and professional development through clubs such as Young Enterprise (Y12) and the Law Club (Y9-13). Model United Nations and the Mooting Team provide opportunities for debate, advocacy, and diplomacy. Rotary Interact Club (Y9-13) offers service leadership and community engagement. Margin (student publication) and Shares Investment Club provide leadership experiences in publishing and finance.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

St Cuthbert's offers over 30 sport codes with pathways from participation to high performance. The school frequently sees students representing New Zealand in sports and provides scholarship support for top athletes. Facilities include a modern fitness centre, the Centennial Centre For Wellbeing, hockey turf, football field, tennis and netball courts, swimming pools, and indoor spaces. House sporting events such as Swimming Sports, Athletic Sports and Cross Country promote school spirit.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages are taught as part of the curriculum. In Year 7, students have language tasters in Latin, Spanish, French, and Mandarin, with Te Reo Māori taught year-round. In Year 8, students select foreign language pathways based on their Year 7 experiences. In Years 9–10 there are broader options in languages. For international students, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are available to support English language development.
Admissions

Admissions

The school has an Admissions Team that guides families through the application process from inquiry to place, with an online application form available when ready. The school welcomes girls at every year level in both the Junior and Senior Schools, and offers Boarding from Year 9. International students from Year 1–13 are welcomed into a diverse community. From the initial enquiry, the admissions team supports families to navigate the application process and get to know their daughter and family.

Scholarships

St Cuthbert's offers General Scholarships (General Excellence, Boarding and Performing Arts) and Endeavour Scholarships. For 2027, applications are invited for entry in 2027; applications for all available scholarships are open; applicants may apply for only one scholarship; NZ citizens or NZ residents who are prospective students may apply; examinations and interviews determine outcomes; results are emailed; the principal's decision is final. The Endeavour Scholarships award up to four places each year for Māori and/or Pasifika descent joining in Year 7 and/or Year 9, and provide support through school years. The value of each Endeavour Scholarship starts at 25% of tuition fees per year, rising to 100% with demonstrated financial need; criteria include cultural participation, academic ability and leadership; candidates sit English and Mathematics exams and may be shortlisted for interview. The general scholarships include General Excellence, Boarding, and Performing Arts; a Performing Arts Scholarship has a maximum of 50% tuition; a Kathleen Goulding Old Girls' Association Scholarship has a maximum of 75% tuition; a Margaret Beale Scholarship has a maximum of 100% tuition; Macdonald Junior Academic Scholarship and Macdonald Senior Academic Scholarship are not available for 2027. Boarding Scholarships for 2027 cover Year 9 up to 100% of boarding fees and Year 11 up to 50% of boarding fees (tuition not included). Applications require completion of the checklist and submission by the closing date; 2027 timeline includes closing date 27 March 2026, scholarship exams 22 April 2026, and interviews in late May 2026. For questions contact Brenda Crean at scholarships@stcuthberts.school.nz or call 09 940 9157.
School Events
The school has not added events