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St Mark's School

New Zealand, Wellington

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$37,620 - 48,854
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1917
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP)
Taught languages Spanish, English
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Primary School
Introduction

St Mark's School is an independent Anglican co-educational primary school in Wellington, New Zealand, serving Preschool to Year 8. It is an International Baccalaureate World School authorised to deliver the Primary Years Programme and follows the New Zealand Curriculum for Years 0–6 in a faith-informed environment. The school offers a broad curriculum with ESOL support to assist international students. Facilities include wireless learning spaces, a large outdoor field, a library, a hall and chapel, science labs, an iHub, and music and performing arts studios, with specialised classrooms for Spanish, Visual Art, Drama and Physical Education. The International Hub supports ESOL and events. A wide range of clubs and activities spans Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, and Social and Hobbies, complemented by sport such as football, water polo and basketball. Since 1917 the motto Nulla Dies Sine Linea—Make Your Mark Every Day—has guided St Mark's. For students and communities alike.

13 Dufferin Street, Basin Reserve, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

The Essentials

St Mark's School has instruction in English.

Location
Located in Wellington, New Zealand. The address is 13 Dufferin Street, Basin Reserve, Wellington 6021. It is situated in central Wellington near the Basin Reserve.

Stages
Preschool to Year 8

Type
Co-educational

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Religious affiliation
Anglican

School day structure
Preschool: 7:30am–9:00am arrival; 3:00pm End of School Day; 3:00pm–5:30pm Extended Day Scheme. Primary: 8:20am–3:05pm school hours; Years 1–3 dismissed at 3:00pm.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Accommodation for international students is provided under a formal accommodation arrangement. If the student is under 10 years old, they will live with one or both parents unless accommodated in a School Hostel. Accommodation arrangements must comply with the Code of Practice for International Students and immigration requirements; the School's responsibility for a student who leaves New Zealand during enrolment ends on departure and resumes on return.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform policy. Uniform items are available through The Den, including navy blazers, jumpers, tunics, white shirts, navy shorts and trousers, and house‑sport uniforms; colours and items reflect house affiliation. Students must wear the uniform correctly and keep it clean.

Food Options
The school runs a lunch program through LunchOnline, which is transitioning to Ezlunch in Term 1, 2026. Ezlunch provides online ordering and secure payments for lunches, with meals supplied by the school's lunch providers.

House System
The school has a house system with four houses: Averill (blue), Owen (green), Watson (red), and Julius (gold). The house system supports year‑round events and competitions to foster inter‑house involvement and teamwork.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the St Mark's School Board, an independent Anglican school. The Board includes a Bishop's Nominee, and the Principal serves as a Board member.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Mark's School ranges from NZD 37,620 to NZD 48,854 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrolment fees
- Application fee (Preschool & Primary domestic): NZD 100 (non-refundable).
- Enrolment fee (Preschool & Primary domestic): NZD 450 (non-refundable).
- Enrolment fee (International students): NZD 800 (non-refundable).
- International incidental fees deposit: NZD 3,000 (held to be drawn on for other billed items).

Tuition fees — International students (day students)
- Years 1–6: NZD 37,620 per year. Per term: NZD 10,973. Per week: NZD 1,463. International tuition is required to be paid in full in advance.
- Years 7–8: NZD 48,854 per year. Per term: NZD 13,585. Per week: NZD 1,656. International tuition is required to be paid in full in advance.

Tuition fees — Domestic Primary (NZ citizens / permanent residents)
- Junior School (Years 0–2): NZD 21,100 per annum; NZD 5,275 per term.
- Middle School (Years 3–5): NZD 21,568 per annum; NZD 5,392 per term.
- Senior School (Years 6–8): NZD 24,264 per annum; NZD 6,066 per term.

Preschool (weekly fees by age / session length)
- Over 3 years old with 20 hours ECE (School Day 7:30–15:00): 5 days NZD 333; 4 days NZD 280; 3 days NZD 216. Extended Day (7:30–17:30): 5 days NZD 413; 4 days NZD 338; 3 days NZD 256.
- Under 3 years old or without 20 hours ECE (School Day 7:30–15:00): 5 days NZD 481; 4 days NZD 396; 3 days NZD 300. Extended Day (7:30–17:30): 5 days NZD 571; 4 days NZD 469; 3 days NZD 355.
- Preschool fees are charged for the 48 weeks per year that the Preschool is open regardless of illness, family holiday, statutory holidays and Teacher Only days.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Domestic Primary tuition invoices are issued four times per year (December, March, June, September) and are due and payable by the 20th of the month following the tax invoice date. Fees received after the due date incur a 10% penalty and unpaid invoices will incur a collection cost.
- International tuition is required to be paid in full in advance. A minimum 4‑week enrolment period applies for international students.
- Notice on withdrawal: one term's written notice to the Principal is required before a student leaves the Preschool or School; otherwise an additional half term's fees will be payable in lieu of notice for domestic students. A one‑term notice requirement also applies when students transfer from international to domestic status; no refund will be made for international fees during the term that notice is given.

Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable; St Mark's operates as a day Preschool and Primary school only.

Other costs and regular additional charges
- Building levy (domestic Preschool & Primary): NZD 250 per term.
- Qustodio (formerly Family Zone) subscription (domestic Primary): NZD 25 per annum.
- Uniform: Students studying for four weeks or less may wear their own uniform; long‑term students (one term or more) must purchase a uniform. Second‑hand uniform options are available.
- Medical / travel health insurance: Parents must arrange and pay medical insurance in full in advance for international students.
- Other fees that may be billed separately or deducted from the international incidental deposit include additional language tuition, camp costs, examination fees, and other items as determined by the school.

Refunds and notice
- Domestic: one term's written notice before a student leaves is required; failing to provide this will result in an additional half term's fee being charged in lieu of notice.
- International: one term's notice is required when transferring from international to domestic status; no refund will be made for international fees during the term that notice is given. Incidental deposits are drawn on for other billed items; unspent balances will be managed according to school accounting and withdrawal policies.

Fee payment options and bank details
- Accepted methods: direct credit / internet banking (direct credit), Visa or Mastercard credit card (an administration fee of 3% applies to card payments). Direct Debit is the only regular instalment option when approved. Payments are due on or before the 20th of the month following the tax invoice date for invoiced tuition.
- Bank account details provided for payments: Account name: St Mark's Church School; Bank: Bank of New Zealand; SWIFT BKNZNZ22; Account number: 02 0568 0303506 02. (No IBAN number listed for NZ account).

Late payment and incentives
- Late payments incur a 10% penalty and collection costs may apply for unpaid tax invoices. A 3% administration fee applies to Visa and Mastercard payments. Direct Debit instalment arrangements are available subject to Finance Department approval and advance setup by the dates specified by the Finance Department.
Academics

St Mark's School teaches IB (PYP).

Curriculum
Follows the New Zealand Curriculum in a Catholic environment for students in Years 0–6; the school provides a broad, faith-focused curriculum that supports the holistic growth and development of its pupils.

Gifted and Talented
Extension sessions for those gifted in music; extension in physical education, sports and music; extension programmes for children with special abilities provide opportunities to develop their gifts and talents.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Student health, safety and wellbeing are at the heart of St Mark's School and Preschool. The school is an Anglican institution and develops the spiritual wellbeing of students. The Daily K is a morning outdoor activity for Preschool to Year 8 that promotes wellbeing, physical fitness and community as students run or walk together. Pause, Breathe, Smile is a mindfulness programme run across the school to build emotional resilience, self-awareness and positive relationships. The Preschool wellbeing programme includes yoga, nature walks and mindfulness activities, designed to calm the mind and build resilience, and the IB Primary Years Programme encourages inquiry, collaboration, reflection and a positive self-concept, with emphasis on respect for other cultures and an international perspective.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides ESOL and mother tongue coordination to support international learners. A dedicated Learning Support Associate Dean assists teachers and students to address learning needs. The Arrowsmith programme is adopted to provide paid cognitive therapy for students who experience learning difficulties, where eligible. The IB Primary Years Programme is implemented as an inclusive curriculum that supports diverse learner needs. Classroom language policy and signage support multiple languages, including English, Te Reo Māori and Spanish, reflecting language learning as part of the curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The International Hub is the base for all international students and the venue for English lessons, shared lunches and social occasions. The school provides ESOL support and has a designated ESOL and mother tongue coordinator. English language instruction is integrated with the IB programme to support language development alongside other subjects. A language policy supports mother tongues and host languages, with classroom signage reflecting English, Te Reo Māori and Spanish.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a core focus, with mindfulness and resilience-building widely implemented. Pause, Breathe, Smile supports emotional resilience, self-awareness and positive relationships across the school. The Daily K provides a daily outdoor activity that promotes physical activity and community, helping to start each day with energy and connection. The Anglican character underpins spiritual wellbeing, complementing the IB framework's emphasis on holistic development.

Safeguarding
St Mark's is guided by the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, which requires providing a safe and supportive environment, clear information and orientation, and accessible grievance processes. The school maintains policies and procedures to safeguard student fees and contract rights, and to monitor agents for reliable information and advice. If concerns arise, NZQA and iStudent Complaints provide independent avenues for resolution. The Code also ensures appropriate consideration of English language proficiency in education and provides mechanisms for safeguarding and accountability.
Parent Experience

History
St Mark's is an independent Anglican school for girls and boys from Preschool to Year 8. It is an International Baccalaureate World School authorised to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP). St Mark's School was founded in 1917, and the motto "Nulla Dies Sine Linea" translates to Make Your Mark Every Day, a phrase suggested by Reverend C.F. Askew, the Vicar of St Mark's and chairman of the first School Committee. The motto has guided the school for more than a century. The school is co-educational.

Community
St Mark's has an active community including wellbeing and pastoral care, an Alumni network, and a School Board. The Parents' Association is the official body representing all parents; it supports the welfare of the school community by holding events that promote involvement, raises funds, and enables engagement of parents, caregivers, teachers and children. The PA coordinates significant fundraising events throughout the year and is known for Cupcake Day, Sausage Sizzle, and Matariki activities. PA meetings are held during term time on the first Friday of the month at 8:20 a.m. in the School Staff Room, and Class Coordinators are parent volunteers who support classroom communications and organize class events. The school hosts annual community events such as an Open Day and other activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Association is the official body representing all parents at St Mark's School. Its purposes include supporting the welfare of the school community by holding events that promote involvement and fun, raising funds, and enabling engagement of parents, caregivers, teachers and children. The PA coordinates significant fundraising events throughout the year; Cupcake Day, Sausage Sizzle, and Matariki are examples of activities. Committee meetings are held during term time on the first Friday of the month at 8:20 a.m. in the School Staff Room, and all parents and caregivers are welcome to attend. Class Coordinators are parent volunteers who support the classroom teacher in communications, organize class events, and assist with annual fundraising. To learn more, you can contact the PA president at stmarkspa@st-marks.school.nz.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
St Mark's provides a wireless learning environment with well-resourced modern classrooms. There is a large outdoor playing space, a library, a hall and chapel, and specialised subject classrooms. The school features a science lab, iHub, music rooms and performing arts studios. The International Hub is the centre of the programme for ESOL and social events.

Sports Facilities
The school has a large outdoor playing space. The hall supports indoor physical activities and events. Sports offered include football, water polo and basketball. A Running Club and other active programs support physical education.

Academic Facilities
The school has well-resourced modern classrooms. There are specialised subject classrooms, a science lab, an iHub, music rooms and performing arts studios. Dedicated specialist teachers provide classes including Spanish, Visual Art, Music, Science, Drama and Physical Education. St Mark's offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. International students receive ESOL sessions.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs. Clubs include Jazz and Rock Bands, Orchestra, Choirs, and Sports such as Football, Water Polo and Basketball. There are clubs for Running, Robotics and Coding, Musical Theatre, Speech and Drama, Lego and Chess. The International Team plans termly excursions to develop understanding of New Zealand culture.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Code Camp develops 21st-century skills through projects in a pretend tech company, creating games and websites and building mobile apps. MAC/CRACAMAC is a Maths Achievement Challenge where students undertake investigations and earn a badge to wear on their blazer. Robotics Club prepares teams for the Robocup Competition. Lit Quiz and Chess Club provide academic and cognitive challenges.

Arts & Creative
Music is central to life at St Mark's, with itinerant lessons and ensembles including choirs, bands, and an orchestra. The music program features Year 1–4 Choir, Year 5–6 Chapel Choir, and Year 7–8 Chapel Choir, with performance opportunities at school events and venues in Wellington; Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Rock Band offer additional performance options. Itinerant Music Lessons are taught by professional tutors and cover instruments such as piano, saxophone, violin, drums, and voice. The Performing Arts program includes drama and dance, with after-school Speech and Drama and Musical Theatre offerings.

Social & Hobbies
Running Club meets before school on Thursday mornings for local runs or school-hall circuits. Chess Club is a lunchtime activity open to Years 0–8, fostering chess skills and competition. Comic Club and Lit Quiz provide library-based creative and literary challenges.

Community & Service
Service Club participates in community projects, including collecting clothing for Kiwi Community Assistance and sourcing donations of non-perishable foods for the Wellington City Mission food bank.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
St Mark's offers a broad sports program across summer and winter. Summer codes include Water Polo for Years 7–8, Mini Polo for Years 5–6, Junior Netball for Years 1–4, and Touch Rugby for Years 3–8; Winter codes include Football, Hockey, and Netball with trials for team selections. The school hosts three whole-school sports days—Cross Country, Swimming Sports, and Athletics—with house points; there is also a Running Club before school.
Languages

Language Provision
Spanish is taught as a Specialist Subject within the Primary Years Programme.
Reputation

Awards
null

Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit your application for entry. On receipt, your child's name is placed on a waiting list for the desired year of entry. An entry cannot be guaranteed, as spaces may be limited or oversubscribed. The application checklist requires a completed application form, a non-refundable application fee of $100 (or direct debit), a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport, copies of latest school or preschool reports, and any other documents indicated in the Admissions information.

2. When a place becomes available, an interview will be arranged with the Principal prior to your child starting at St Mark's. The interview is scheduled once a place is available, and the school requires that all documentation supporting the application (including school reports and any additional information) has been received before the interview.

3. If a place is offered, a letter of offer is sent with important information about the school, stationery requirements, and uniform. Acceptance is confirmed by returning the completed enrolment documentation and paying the Enrolment Fee of $450. The Enrolment Fee is non-refundable if your child does not commence at St Mark's.

Scholarships
St Mark's Entrance Scholarships are offered. 2026/27 scholarship applications are open.

Waitlist
Your child's name is placed on a waiting list for the desired year of entry on receipt of the application. An entry cannot guarantee entry, as spaces may be limited or oversubscribed, and the waiting list remains until a place becomes available. When a place becomes available, an interview with the Principal will be arranged prior to your child starting at St Mark's.
School Events
The school has not added events
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