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St Paul's College Ponsonby

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$2,800
Ages 11 - 17 years
Type Boys School
Opened 1955
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages English
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

St Paul's College Ponsonby is a Years 7–13 Catholic Champagnat Marist boys' school located at 183 Richmond Road, Ponsonby, Auckland. The campus delivers a dual pathway curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE subjects in selected areas and NCEA as the senior qualification. In Years 7–10, students work toward the Junior Diploma, an NCEA‑aligned credential requiring 80 credits and at least 20 service hours; Excellence and Merit endorsements require 65 credits, and top achievers may receive the Headmaster's Endorsement. All students are expected to pass Level 3 NCEA and pursue University Entrance or another recognised pathway, with NCEA and Cambridge results published annually. The College emphasises Marist values—Family, Presence, Simplicity, Love of work—and provides strong pastoral support, an on‑site nurse, a Mind Coach, and a Learning Centre Coordinator. Facilities include a Library Online and a dedicated Music program, plus a broad sport offering. Extracurricular life centers on music, culture, service, leadership, and community, including Polyfest participation and a Service Programme.

The Essentials

St Paul's College Ponsonby has instruction in English.

Location
183 Richmond Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand. The College is located in Ponsonby, Auckland. Access is via local roads and public transport; the AT app provides current train and bus timetables, and the 105 bus serves the area.

Stages
Years 7-13

Type
Catholic Champagnat Marist School for Boys

Additional learning support
The Learning Support Department uses a dual New Zealand–based online program and a structured reading program to help students improve literacy. The Leader of Learning Support and teacher aides work with the Pastoral and Careers departments, and the department coordinates with MOE resources and RTLB for additional assistance.

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Religious affiliation
Catholic (Marist tradition)

School day structure
The school day runs Monday to Friday with a start at 8:43 am (assembly at 8:48 am) and a finish at 3:20 pm after six periods and two breaks; Thursday features a Chapel Assembly in place of a Form Time.

Bus service
The College does not operate a school bus service. Students use public transport; the AT app provides current train and bus timetables, and the 105 bus serves the area. Students on the Eastern and Southern train lines are expected to be at Britomart by 7:45 am to catch the 105 bus.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required for all students and differs by year level. Years 7–10 wear a junior uniform: short-sleeve shirt, shorts, jumper, socks, tie, black shoes, and scarf; Years 11–13 wear a senior uniform: long-sleeve shirt, trousers, jumper, socks, tie, blazer, and scarf. Prestidges (formerly Elizabeth Michael Uniforms) supplies the uniform and online ordering is available; second-hand donations are accepted.

Governance and Ownership
St Paul's College Ponsonby is governed by a Board of Trustees that includes Proprietor Representatives (Matthew Abel, Carlo Abeleda, Alex Hilbron, Brother Tim Leen), as well as Parent Representatives and Staff and Student Representatives; Presiding Member (Chair) is Josephine Lloyd and the Headmaster is Keith Simento. Board meetings in 2026 are scheduled for 16 February, 30 March, 11 May, 22 June, 3 August, 14 September, 27 October, and 30 November; the Board Secretary is Ms Georgie Sadler.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Paul's College Ponsonby ranges from NZD 2,800 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- No application fee is charged at the time of submission of the standard enrolment application pack. Applications proceed to interview once the required documents are submitted and no fee is shown on the application form or enrolment pack.

Tuition / compulsory fees (by year group and per term)

- The school collects compulsory Attendance Dues and requests Financial Contributions and a Catholic Character contribution. Fees are presented per instalment (per term) and as an annual total.

- Years 7–8 (per instalment / per term):
- Attendance Dues: NZD 136.00.
- Catholic Character Contribution: NZD 17.50.
- Financial Contribution – School Board: NZD 371.50.
- Financial Contribution – Proprietor: NZD 175.00.
- Total per instalment (per term): NZD 700.00.
- Total per year (four instalments): NZD 2,800.00.

- Years 9–13 (per instalment / per term):
- Attendance Dues: NZD 281.00.
- Catholic Character Contribution: NZD 17.50.
- Financial Contribution – School Board: NZD 226.50.
- Financial Contribution – Proprietor: NZD 175.00.
- Total per instalment (per term): NZD 700.00.
- Total per year (four instalments): NZD 2,800.00.

- Notes on these amounts:
- Attendance Dues are compulsory and are a condition of enrolment. They are GST inclusive and do not qualify for the tax credit. Financial Contributions are voluntary and eligible for the tax credit where stated.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual invoice: issued by the start of Term 1. Statements are sent periodically (termly) and are available on request. Payments must be made by the due date shown on the invoice/statements.

- Instalments: fees are collected per instalment (per term) and families may pay in full at the start of the year, per instalment, or by regular periodic payments via an arranged payment plan.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. St Paul's College (Ponsonby) operates as a Years 7–13 college and does not publish any boarding or hostel charges or boarding facilities.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Uniforms:
- School uniform items (junior/senior shirts, blazer for Years 11–13, jumper, tie, socks, black shoes, scarf, PE uniform) are required. The official uniform supplier is Prestidges (65 New North Road, Eden Terrace; phone number provided). No uniform price schedule is published in the information booklet. Sports kit is ordered separately via the College teamstore.

- Sports costs:
- Participation in school sport requires payment of any code-specific fees once teams are selected; an e-commitment is signed and relevant fees are payable. Uniform and equipment requirements (mouthguard, boots, PE shorts, etc.) are additional costs. Some codes require fundraising or travel contributions for events such as AIMS Games. Specific price amounts for sports registration are not published in the general information sheets.

- Stationery and coursebook costs:
- Year-level stationery lists are provided and include a mixture of general stationery (bought by families) and some coursebooks/workbooks ordered through the College. Example (Year 9, 2026): Basic English Workbook NZD 16.95; Workbooks NZD 50.00 (where listed); Retreat contribution NZD 15.00; Science workbook NZD 20.00. Coursebooks ordered through the College will not be issued without prior payment. Year-specific stationery lists are published for Years 7–13.

- Music and instrument lessons:
- Instrumental lessons (brass, woodwind, piano, guitar, percussion, voice) are offered; access to an instrument and itinerant teacher arrangements may incur additional costs. Specific lesson fees or hire charges are not listed in the general information sheet.

- Other activity or subject charges:
- Individual subjects, retreats, field trips, external exam fees, and some co-curricular activities may carry separate charges; where applicable these appear on term invoices or specific activity notices. Specific amounts for these items are set per activity and are not listed as a blanket schedule in the general information booklet.

Refund information

- There is no publicly published, detailed fee-refund policy in the school's general enrolment/information materials or the information booklet. School policy documents are held on the school's SchoolDocs platform which requires credentials to access; specific refund or cancellation terms are not available in the public information booklet or attendance-due pages. For refunds or billing disputes, contact the College finance team directly.

Fee payment options and instructions

- Payment methods and instructions:
- Bank transfer (internet banking / direct credit) is accepted. Bank account details for payments are: ASB bank account 12-3107-0018298-01 (payee name: St Paul's College (Ponsonby) Board). Include your son's Student ID number and his name as the payment reference; if paying for multiple children, include each student's ID.

- Payment frequency options: pay in full, per term instalment, or by regular periodic payments via an agreed payment plan. Payment deadlines are the dates shown on the invoice/statements.

- Allocation instructions: funds are allocated according to the payment reference and any instructions provided on the bank transfer; changes to allocation must be written on the payment transaction as that instruction is followed when applying payments.

- Credit-card or third-party online payment options are not listed in the publicly available information booklet or fee notices; the bank transfer method and payment-plan arrangements are the clearly documented options.

Contact for finance queries

- Finance enquiries (billing, statements, payment plans, assistance) are handled by the College finance team; email contact for finance appears in the school's information materials. For queries about invoices, statements, or payments, contact the finance office as shown in school contact information.
Academics

St Paul's College Ponsonby teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 11 to 17.

Curriculum
NCEA is the primary senior qualification, with Cambridge IGCSE subjects offered in selected areas. In Years 7–10, students work toward the Junior Diploma, an NCEA-aligned achievement tool requiring 80 credits and at least 20 recorded service hours; Excellence and Merit endorsements require 65 credits, and top achievers can receive the Headmaster's Endorsement. All students are expected to pass Level 3 NCEA and achieve University Entrance or another recognised pathway. NCEA and Cambridge Results are published, showing UE attainment data across years (e.g., 86% for St Paul's in 2025 and 50% nationally; 80.7% in 2024 and 48.2% nationally; 79.5% in 2023 and 48.2% nationally; 73.5% in 2022 and 50.3% nationally). Cambridge IGCSE Maths and Science are reported under the Cambridge pathway.

Exam Results
St Paul's College continues to outperform national averages in NCEA results. In 2025, Year 11 was 62%, Year 12 was 91%, Year 13 was 95%, and University Entrance was 86%. In 2024, Year 11 was 72%, Year 12 was 73%, Year 13 was 70%, and UE was 80.7% for St Paul's and 48.2% nationally. In 2023, Year 11 was 78%, Year 12 was 94%, Year 13 was 86%, and UE was 79.5% for St Paul's and 48.2% nationally. In 2022, Year 11 was 44.9%, Year 12 was 72.7%, Year 13 was 94.9%, and UE was 73.5% for St Paul's and 50.3% nationally.

Higher Education Progression
University Entrance is the required benchmark for progression to higher education; all students are expected to pass Level 3 NCEA and achieve UE or an approved alternative pathway.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Pastoral Support provides a safety net for students from Years 7 to 13 and uses a CRISP triage system to address emotional and personal difficulties. The CRISP framework covers crisis intervention, referrals for mentoring and intensive support, implementation of programs to build life skills, strengthening partnerships between home, College and student, and ongoing support. The Pastoral Care Team includes the Deputy Headmaster – Pastoral & Operations, the Dean of Student Welfare, the SENCO, and a School Counsellor. The College also provides on-site counsellors and social workers, a school nurse, a mind coach, and dental services to support student wellbeing. Information shared with Pastoral or Health staff is confidential as part of holistic care within the Catholic Marist character.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Department provides teacher aide support and literacy enhancement programs to assist students with diverse needs. A Leader of Learning Support coordinates with teacher aides to tailor support and facilitate transitions for students with high needs. The department relies on information from parents and external reports to plan support and works with the Ministry of Education (MOE) data and assessments to secure ongoing teacher aide support. The college partners with RTLB for additional testing and action planning for students with learning or behaviour needs. Dual Language learners with English as a second language also benefit from this assistance when needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Dual Language learners with English as a second language receive assistance through Learning Support, guided by MOE data and testing to inform planning. The college works with RTLB for additional English language and learning support as needed.

Mental Wellbeing
Mind Coach is a referral-based service funded by the Ministry of Health and available one day per week; no walk-ins are accepted and sessions are conducted by a Ministry of Health school-based psychologist through FreshMinds. The College also has a Registered Nurse on site who provides health services to all students, including mental and social support, Year 9 HEADS assessments, immunisations, referrals to health or social services, and management plans for chronic health needs.

Safeguarding
Pastoral Care provides holistic care within the Catholic Marist character, with safeguarding embedded in the College's approach. All information shared between the Pastoral Care and Health teams is private and confidential, and the College maintains a Code of Conduct to support student safety and wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
St Paul's College began as a Marist School on Pitt Street in 1884. St Paul's College, Ponsonby, opened in 1955 when Sacred Heart College relocated to Glen Innes. Marist education is based on a holistic vision that communicates gospel values. Education within the Marist tradition is characterised by Family, Presence, Simplicity, Love of work, and the way of Mary. We are guided by two principles: Respect and Responsibility.

Community
St Paul's College presents a governance Board and a Staff 2026 roster. Student Leaders are featured as part of the student voice. Photo Galleries illustrate school life. An Old Boys and Friends Community connects alumni with the school.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
St Paul's College Ponsonby is a Years 7–13 Catholic Champagnat Marist school for boys. It is located at 183 Richmond Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021, New Zealand. The college provides a holistic education with strong pastoral support and access to a Library Online, a dedicated Music program and a range of sports. A Junior Diploma supports Years 7–10, and Learning Support is provided through a Learning Centre Coordinator, with a Mind Coach on site and an on‑site nurse. Students are guided toward NCEA and University Entrance, with Homework expectations and a weekly Engagement Report.

Sports Facilities
The college runs a sports program across many codes. Sports offered include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football/Futsal, Lawn Bowls, Rugby League, Rugby Sevens, Rugby Union, Tag/Touch and Volleyball. Year 7 and 8 sport is offered. The Sport section includes draws and results.

Academic Facilities
Library Online provides digital library access. Learning Support is available through a Learning Centre Coordinator. A Junior Diploma exists for Years 7–10 to track learning progress. NCEA and University Entrance are supported, with all students expected to pass Level 3 NCEA. Homework is assigned to support learning, with a Weekly Engagement Report.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music and Culture are integral; instrumental music lessons cover brass, woodwind, piano, guitar, percussion and voice, taught by specialist teachers. Curriculum music is core for Years 7–10 and optional for Years 11–13; Concert Band and Choir provide performance opportunities. Instrument hire is available through approved providers. Performing arts include collaborations with other colleges and stage productions. Sailing trips and a Service Programme, including Vinnies, are part of student life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers Academic Overview, Careers, and Learning Support. Library Online is available for students, and NCEA and Cambridge Results are part of the academic program. Technology & Acceptable Use guides digital learning.

Arts & Creative
Music is an integral part of a holistic education. Instrumental lessons cover brass, woodwind, piano, guitar, percussion and voice; brass and woodwind are compulsory in Year 7-8, with guitar, piano and percussion from Year 9. Music is a core subject for Years 7-10 and optional for Years 11-13. Music Groups include Concert Band and Choir, and there are opportunities for Performing Arts productions.

Cultural & Language
St Paul's College has a variety of cultural activities including Music, Performing Arts, Samoan Cultural Group, Tongan Cultural Group and Kapa Haka. The school participates in Polyfest annually, which is a catalyst for positive leadership development. Samoan and Tongan groups are well established and may expand to include others if interest exists.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers a broad range of sports and Year 7-8 sport. The school aims for 100% sports participation with the motto 'Fit in the HEAD, fit in the HEART and fit in the BODY.' Sporting codes include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football/Futsal, Lawn Bowls, Rugby League, Rugby Sevens, Rugby Union, Tag/Touch and Volleyball.

Community & Service
The school runs a Service Programme as part of its Catholic Marist character. There is an active Old Boys and Friends Community and engagement with Vinnies. The Leadership Academy provides opportunities that involve service and community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
The Leadership Academy operates for Years 11-13 to develop leadership and team-building skills. Members receive industry mentors, leadership training, and opportunities to attend conferences. Leadership events include the Steinlager 2 sailing adventure, and future leaders and prefects are selected from this group.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Pastoral Support provides a safety net for students from Years 7 to 13 using a CRISP triage system for crisis intervention, referrals, and life-skills development. The Pastoral Care Team includes a Deputy Headmaster – Pastoral & Operations, a Dean of Student Welfare, a SENCO, and a School Counsellor, with on-site health services from a nurse and a mind coach. Lumino dental checks are offered on site.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches in English. English offerings include Reading English, English (Foundation) and Cambridge English. Te Reo Māori is offered as a language subject.
Admissions

Admissions
1. St Paul's College is a Catholic, Champagnat Marist school for boys from Year 7 to 13, enrolling primarily in Years 7, 8 and 9; enrolment at other levels is subject to availability. Preference is given to students who are Catholic or establish a connection with the Catholic faith. The catchment area includes Grey Lynn, Ponsonby and nearby suburbs such as Avondale, Henderson, Pt Chevalier, Mt Roskill, Blockhouse Bay, Onehunga, Mangere and Manurewa. To start the enrolment process, download and submit a completed Enrolment Pack; pages 8–10 of the Application Form must be completed by hand in ink, e-signatures will not be accepted, and all required documents should be submitted to the College Reception or scanned and emailed to the Enrolment email to avoid delays.
School Events
The school has not added events
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