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Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Languages, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
St Paul's Collegiate School is a private day and boarding secondary school in Hamilton, for ages 13–18. It offers Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International AS Levels alongside NZQA pathways, including NCEA. The Junior Programme (Years 9–10) covers core English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health and Religion, with Te Reo Maaori as a Year 9 core and optional language or literacy studies. Some Year 9–10 subjects are taught in single-sex classes to tailor content. The Year 11 Diploma aligns with NZ Curriculum, and Years 12–13 provide NCEA Level 2 or Cambridge options, with scholarships possible. The 19-hectare campus hosts boarding houses (Harington for girls; Williams, Sargood and Clark for boys), a dining hall, chapel, gym and centres including the Gallagher Agribusiness Centre of Excellence and the Cambridge International Centre. Tihoi Venture School near Taupo offers an 18-week outdoor adventure program. Service, culture and sport are woven through daily life.
77 Hukanui Road, Chartwell, Hamilton 3210, New Zealand; Postal address: Private Bag 3069, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240
Gallery
The school has not added photos
The Essentials
St Paul's Collegiate School has 970 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.
Location
St Paul's Collegiate School is located in the middle of Hamilton City, at 77 Hukanui Road, Hamilton 3210, New Zealand. It sits on 19 hectares of land with pristine grounds and gardens. It is close to Westfield Shopping Centre, Porritt Athletic Stadium, Hamilton's CBD and the University of Waikato. Transport options are available for students.
Stages
Junior Academic Programme (Years 9–10) and Senior Academic Programme (Years 11–13) form the two main strands of St Paul's. Tihoi Venture School provides a dedicated outdoor education experience for Year 10 students.
Type
Private, independent day and boarding secondary school.
Additional learning support
The Learning Enhancement Unit provides learning support with teacher aides, reader-writers and learning support staff, and offers academic mentoring, learning support and goal-setting; small class sizes support individual learning.
Religious affiliation
Anglican Christian
Bus service
Five daily bus routes operate for students living outside the Hamilton area: Cambridge, Tamahere, Te Kowhai, Morrinsville and Te Awamutu. The cost varies by route, pickup location and year. Bookings are via the Application for Daily Transport Form or by contacting Facilities on +64 7 957 8890, or transport@stpauls.school.nz. PDF bus routes are provided at the bottom of this page.
Diving Deeper
Boarding Arrangements
The school has three boys' boarding houses—Williams, Sargood and Clark—and a girls' boarding house, Harington House. It also operates Tihoi Venture School, with all Year 10 boys spending 18 weeks boarding at Tihoi near Taupo. A limited number of Year 9 girls will be offered boarding from 2026, with Years 9–13 girls in residence by 2027. The dining hall serves meals; breakfast is available for girls in Harington House via kitchen facilities, while lunch and dinner are provided in the dining hall for boarders.
Uniform Requirement
St Paul's uses a formal uniform with distinct summer, winter and formal components, plus designated sports and PE attire. Summer: boys wear a grey shirt and grey shorts with a black belt and black McKinlay sandals; girls wear a grey blouse with regulation black culottes; optional black jersey. Winter: boys wear a grey shirt, long socks worn with garters, black lace-up shoes and a black jersey or jacket; girls wear a white long-sleeve shirt, grey skirt, stockings, black lace-up shoes and a black jersey or jacket. Formal: white shirt and tie with blazer; trousers for boys and a grey skirt with pantyhose for girls. PE: official house shirt or equivalent with black shorts; sports uniforms are required for sport; closed footwear is required in certain areas. Hats, jackets and grooming rules are also specified for appearance and safety.
Food Options
Boarders have meals in the Dining Hall; attendance is compulsory for boarding students unless excused by a Housemaster, and day students attend lunch. Breakfast and snacks for girls are prepared in kitchen facilities at Harington House, while lunch and dinner are provided in the dining hall for all boarders. A weekly dining menu is published for planning.
House System
The school operates a house system with eight houses: Clark House (boarding), Williams House (boarding), Sargood House (boarding), Fitchett House (day), Hall House (day), Hamilton House (day), School House (day) and Harington House (female students). Housemasters provide pastoral care and coordinate house activities and competitions throughout the year.
Governance and Ownership
St Paul's is governed by the Waikato Anglican College Trust (formerly the Waikato Anglican Boys' College Trust). The Bishop of the Waikato Diocese is the official visitor, and the Trust is independent of the Diocese, endowed to fund and operate the school. The Trust was founded in 1957 and began admitting girls in the mid-1980s, with full co-education in the senior years from 2010; current Trustees include the Chair and other named members.
Fees
Annual tuition at St Paul's Collegiate School ranges from NZD 32,059 to NZD 74,210 for 2026/27.
Application / Enrolment fees (one-off)
- Domestic enrolment fee (one-off): NZD 1,500. Deposit (deducted from first-year fees): NZD 2,000. - International enrolment fee (one-off): NZD 1,500. Bond: NZD 2,000 (the bond is repaid at the end of the student's time at the school once all accounts are settled).
Tuition fees by year group and study mode (annual, per term and per-month where applicable) — 2026 figures
Note: St Paul's operates a four-term school year; per-term amounts below are the annual fee divided by four. Domestic and international tuition amounts are shown separately.
- Domestic students (Years 9–13, except Year 10 Tihoi adjustments): - Tuition (annual): NZD 27,756. - Tuition (per term): NZD 6,939. - Tuition (if billed monthly over 10 months): NZD 2,776 per month (annual divided by 10).
- Domestic Year 10 (Tihoi year) additions: - Tuition (annual): NZD 27,756 (same tuition). - Tihoi course fee (annual): NZD 2,301. - Tihoi-specific boarding component shown separately (see Boarding / Tihoi section). - Example combined Year 10 estimated totals are reflected in the school's Year 10 schedule (annual totals vary depending on day vs boarding and Tihoi boarding component).
- International students (annual figures for 2026): - Tuition (annual): NZD 51,249. - Tuition (per term): NZD 12,812 (rounded). - Tuition (if billed monthly over 10 months where that option applies): NZD 5,125 per month (rounded). - Boarding (annual): NZD 21,231. - Boarding (per term): NZD 5,308 (rounded). - Lunch fee (annual, where applicable): NZD 2,803. - International Year 10 (Tihoi) additions: Tihoi course fee NZD 2,724 and a reduced Tihoi boarding component when applicable.
Fees presented as totals and discounts (examples shown by the school)
- Domestic example totals (annual, excluding incidental charges): - Day student fee total (before discount): NZD 30,559. Discount if annual fees paid in full by the date specified: NZD 1,222; fee including discount: NZD 29,337. - Boarding student fee total (before discount): NZD 47,617. Discount if annual fees paid in full by the date specified: NZD 1,905; fee including discount: NZD 45,712. - International example totals (annual): - Day student total: NZD 54,282 (includes tuition, parents' and collegians' fees and lunch). - Boarding student total: NZD 72,710 (includes tuition, boarding, parents' and collegians' fees). - International fees require full payment in advance by the published annual deadline.
Boarding fees and Tihoi specifics
- Standard boarding (Years 9–13): Annual NZD 19,861 for domestic boarders (2026). Per-term and monthly breakdowns are above. - Tihoi (Year 10) program: - Tihoi course fee (Year 10) for domestic students: NZD 2,301 (2026). - Tihoi boarding component and combined Year 10 totals are published separately for day and boarding Year 10 cohorts; the Tihoi boarding element for Year 10 is shown as a separate item in the Year 10 fee schedule. - Homestay / holiday boarding for international students (indicative): NZD 70 per night or NZD 420 per week; homestay for day students (estimated annual based on 45 weeks) also shown in the international estimates.
Other costs and additional charges to allow for
- Parents' Association fee: NZD 115 per year (billed over 10 months). - Collegians' Association fee: NZD 115 per year (billed over 10 months). - Typical additional charges that may appear on an account during the year: sports levies, itinerant music lessons, curriculum software, subject/camp charges, special trips, and uniform (sport and school). - Uniform cost estimate for new students (indicative for international students): NZD 2,000–2,200. - Bedding for boarding students (indicative): NZD 150. - Travel and medical insurance (international student indicative cost): around NZD 700.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Regular billing: Fees are billed in ten monthly instalments and are payable by the 20th of the following month. Other charges incurred during the year are payable on the 20th of the month following the date incurred. Interest is charged on overdue accounts at a rate determined by the Board of Trustees. - Payment plan options: Direct debit or automatic payment may be set up from a bank account with options of 10 equal monthly payments, 20 equal fortnightly payments, or 40 equal weekly payments. The school requires the first monthly payments to commence on the published January start date for the year. Adjustments to cover disbursements may be made during the year but must be paid in full by the published year-end date. - International students: Full payment in advance is required by the published annual deadline (the school specifies the date by which international fees must be received each year). The international fee schedule also requires payment of the enrolment bond on acceptance.
Accepted payment methods and bank details
- Accepted methods: cheque or cash (NZ cheques), internet/telephone banking, direct credit to the school bank account, telegraphic transfer (SWIFT), direct debit/automatic payment. Visa and MasterCard are accepted with a surcharge of 2% to cover processing. - School bank account for electronic payments (Bank of New Zealand): Account name: Waikato Anglican College Trust; Bank account number: 02 0320 0203376 00; SWIFT BKNZNZ22. Parents should include the student family name in the payment particulars.
Refunds and charges for withdrawal / non-attendance
- Enrolment fees and the enrolment deposit paid at acceptance are non-refundable. - Where a student is withdrawn by the family or expelled by the school, the Trustees reserve the right to charge an amount equivalent to one term's tuition fees (and boarding fees where applicable) as liquidated damages. - International bond payments are repaid at the end of the student's enrolment once all accounts are settled, subject to the school's published refund and bond conditions.
Practical notes on account handling
- Incidental charges (sports, music lessons, trips, consumables) are billed as they arise and must be paid by the due date on that invoice. - Families choosing instalment plans should ensure their chosen plan commences on the school's published start date to avoid shortfalls; adjustments for variable disbursements must be cleared by the school year-end.
(End of fees overview.)
Academics
St Paul's Collegiate School teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels for students aged 13 to 18.
Curriculum
Junior Academic Programme (Years 9-10) follows a core of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health, Religious Studies and Te Reo, with technology and arts options. Year 9 and Year 10 are taught in single-sex classrooms for some subjects to tailor content. All Year 9 students take either a foreign language or a literacy and numeracy course, and they also choose two Master Class subjects for half a year. At Year 10, students follow a core of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health and Religion and three additional options, coordinated with Tihoi. The St Paul's Diploma is a Year 11 programme aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum, with six subjects, four assessments per subject and a total up to 192 points; graduating with Honours, Distinction or a standard Diploma recognises high achievement. In Years 12-13, the senior curriculum offers English and four or five additional subjects, with options for NCEA Level 2 or Cambridge International qualifications in Mathematics and English in Year 12, and typically five subjects at NCEA Level 3 in Year 13, with Scholarship Examinations available. The proposed changes to NZQA's NCEA will begin in 2029 for Year 12, while St Paul's continues to challenge and support students through these pathways.
Student Teacher Ratio
The school maintains small class sizes to support individualized teaching and strong teacher–student relationships.
Exam Results
St Paul's consistently achieves academic results that are significantly higher than national pass rates. In 2024, 34% of St Paul's Diploma students achieved the Diploma, 25% achieved Distinction and 35% achieved Honours. For NCEA, 2024 pass rates were 95% for Level 2, 95% for Level 3, with University Entrance at 82% (national pass rates 73%, 68% and 48% respectively). Cambridge International Examinations recorded a 2024 pass rate of 95% for AS (Year 12). New Zealand Scholarship results show 2023: 33 scholarships with 5 Outstanding; 2022: 43 scholarships with 6 Outstanding; 2021: 28 scholarships with 3 Outstanding.
Higher Education Progression
University Entrance is a respected pathway for admission to New Zealand universities, with 2024 University Entrance pass rate at 82% (national 48%). Cambridge International qualifications are recognised by leading universities worldwide and provide a progression route for students pursuing study beyond high school. Cambridge is described as the world's most popular international qualification and is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide.
Gifted and Talented
A junior scholarship programme exists for Year 9 students showing exceptional academic promise. The Year 11 Diploma offers a tailored pathway with six subjects and four assessments, and in Years 12-13 there are Cambridge and/or NCEA options alongside a Scholarship Examinations pathway. An Academic Scholarship Group supports Year 13 and exceptional Year 12 students with targeted preparation, including subject-specific tuition and exam technique; the Learning Enhancement Unit also supports priority learners.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
St Paul's runs a Hauora programme every Thursday to build resilience and wellbeing. Year 9 includes peer support activities and an introduction to the counselling team. Year 10 covers health and wellbeing, life skills, and Maatauranga Maaori. Year 11 focuses on critical thinking, taha wairua, careers, and health and wellbeing. Year 12 provides health and wellbeing lessons plus academic mentoring, with planned programmes such as Loves Me Not and road safety education. Year 13 concentrates on careers, academic mentoring, and the transition from secondary school to employment or further education.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Enhancement Unit supports learners of all abilities. The Director of Priority Learners oversees teacher aides, curriculum management, and individual education plans with parents, agencies, and staff. Small class sizes and a team of teacher aides provide learning support. A range of programmes includes academic mentoring, learning and support, and goal setting. A quiet space is available for study and reflection.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International students receive lessons in English. ESOL classes are available daily. An Education Learning Plan IELP tailored to their needs is provided, along with OCESOL. IELTS, TOEFL and SAT support is offered, and peer support helps students settle. A buddy system supports international students in their first days.
Mental Wellbeing
The Hive includes a Health Clinic and Counselling Services. It is a health and wellbeing centre located at the heart of the school. Counselling Services support students mental and emotional well-being.
Safeguarding
St Paul's has a Child Protection Policy dated 14 June 2023 that sets safeguarding practices for school activities. The school is signatory to The Education Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners Code of Practice developed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
Parent Experience
History
The rise of St Paul's began on 12 February 1959 when the School opened under headmaster W. Ford with 60 boys, two-thirds of whom were boarders. The land purchased for the School was a farm called The Great Oaks, and the oak and acorn have become a symbol of growth for St Paul's. From 1963 to 1969, the dining hall, library and gymnasium were built and the Chapel of Christ the King was dedicated. Headmaster Tony Hart (1970–1979) established Tihoi Venture School, which opened in 1979 to provide character development through adventure. In 1985 girls were admitted, Harington Boarding House opened in 1992, and in 2024 the Board announced that girls would be able to enrol from Year 9; the school's motto State in Fide and a Founders' Day service are observed to honour the founders, and headmasters over the years include W. Ford, J. D. Lewis, H. R. Hornsby, A. D. Hart, M. G. Lawrence, S. W. Cole, G. J. Fenton, G. Lander and B. Skeen.
Community
Collegians, the school's alumni, give time voluntarily and maintain long-standing ties with St Paul's, with members collectively having more than 105 years of connection. Grandparents' Day is part of the school calendar, with a Grandparents' Day event noted on 20 March 2026. The School Haka, He Haka maa te Wharekura o Paaora Tapu Ki Waikato, was written in 2010 by Collegian Te Aro Moxon and is performed on significant occasions, including welcomes and the annual House Haka competition; it forms part of the Poowhiri welcome for new students and staff.
Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Association provides a forum for parents to participate in and contribute to a wide range of school-related activities. The committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting held in March. Activities include fundraising to help the School and organising social functions, with much of the work carried out at sub-committees. Meetings are held in the Collegians' Pavilion, start with drinks and nibbles at 6.30 pm, and finish by 8 pm. All current school parents are welcome to attend; join our Facebook group or email to be part of the Association.
Facilities
Facilities Overview
The school sits on 19 hectares in Hamilton and offers modern, first-class facilities for sport, culture, spiritual life and academics. Four boarding houses provide on-site accommodation: Harington House for girls and Williams, Sargood and Clark for boys, along with a dining hall and a chapel used by the whole student body daily. The campus includes extensive sports facilities, a dedicated gym, and multiple courts and fields to support a wide range of codes. The Tihoi Venture School, located near Taupo, provides an 18-week outdoor adventure programme with its own dormitories, dining hall, classrooms and adventure facilities, including an indoor climbing wall and a high ropes course. The Gallagher Agribusiness Centre of Excellence supports on-site teaching and learning, as do other campus facilities including meeting rooms and catering options.
Sports Facilities
St Paul's has first-class sports facilities including an international hockey turf, tennis courts, squash courts, a heated 25-metre swimming pool, gymnasium, basketball and volleyball courts, and extensive outdoor playing fields. The facilities support participation in a broad range of summer and winter sports.
Academic Facilities
The school boasts a well-equipped art room, a design and technology facility, a dark room and a metal/wood workshop. The Gallagher Agribusiness Centre of Excellence is a key on-site facility for agriculture-related studies and industry partners. The Cambridge International Centre supports the dual curriculum and provides additional academic opportunities.
Extra Curricular Facilities
Music, culture and technology are highlighted at St Paul's. Every Year 9 pupil learns a musical instrument and participates in the class band programme, and kapa haka is offered as part of the arts and culture curriculum. A wide range of summer and winter sports is available, including rugby, soccer, cricket, hockey, tennis, swimming, squash, basketball, volleyball, badminton, lacrosse, netball and more.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Academic & Intellectual
The school has small class sizes with an average of 20 students or fewer, providing individualized attention and accountability for learning. Specialist teachers share academic knowledge and skills to help students achieve qualifications that open a wide range of further learning opportunities beyond St Paul's. A house system and pastoral staff support students, helping them stay connected with peers and teachers while pursuing their goals. The school emphasises a structured learning environment that prepares students for life beyond school.
Arts & Creative
The school encourages participation in visual arts, music, drama and productions, kapa haka, debating and chess. An Art and Culture Awards program recognizes arts achievements. Students gain experience performing in front of their peers and public audiences. International Week celebrates cultural diversity.
Cultural & Language
Te Reo Maaori is a core subject for Year 9 students. Senior students deepen their grasp of Te Reo Maaori with topics covering national and global contexts, developing reading, writing, listening and speaking. They also explore Ngaati Wairere histories and local Waikato customs. They learn weaving and use whakatauki, kupu whakarite, tongikura and kiiwaha to enrich language use.
Social & Hobbies
Sport is compulsory for all students, and Year 9 students undertake compulsory itinerant music lessons. A wide range of performing arts offerings is encouraged to grow creativity and public performance. Tihoi Venture School provides an outdoor education-based experience for Year 10 students to develop independence, resilience and self-management.
Community & Service
Service and outreach are central to St Paul's Collegiate School. The program includes multiple initiatives such as Over the Fence Ministry, Year 11 Service Programme, Flame Cambodia trips, and the Community Gala. Other activities include Waikato Hospital Chaplaincy, the Community Fridge for Fairfield families, St Joan's Rest Home ukulele and art lessons, and The Serve meal project.
Leadership & Professional
Student leadership opportunities are available through the school's system of Heads of School, Heads of Houses and Portfolio Prefects. 2026 Heads of School include Head Girl Olivia Waddell and Head Boy Adi Manda, with deputies, Heads of Houses and portfolios such as Academic Prefects, Arts Prefects and International Prefect. Roles such as Mission and Outreach and Sports Prefects provide opportunities to lead and contribute to school life.
Lifestyle & Wellbeing
St Paul's is an Anglican school with a virtues-based ethos including empathy, kindness, compassion, tolerance, helpfulness and service. Daily Chapel services and assemblies are held in the Chapel of Christ the King, and chapel activities include choir and concert performances. The chaplain serves as pastor, religious education leader, service coordinator and counselor, providing spiritual guidance and support. Service is an important part of the school's holistic approach to wellbeing.
Languages
Language Provision
Te Reo Maaori is a core subject for Year 9. Senior students deepen their Te Reo Maaori study, focusing on reading, writing, listening and speaking, and explore local histories and customs linked to Ngaati Wairere and the Waikato region. All lessons are in English and international students undertake a full course of study alongside New Zealand students. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tuition is available daily with small classes and an individual learning plan; IELTS and SAT preparation is available for Years 12 and 13, and the school can arrange examinations if required.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Apply: St Paul's is a Hamilton boarding and day high school for boys and girls, Years 9-13. 2027 and 2028 enrolment applications are open; applying two years prior to the start date is recommended. There is no fee to complete an online application. Applications are accepted while places remain available. 2. Family meeting and video: If offered a family meeting (interview), families are invited to submit a video introduction and a school report prior to the enrolment interview. Interviews begin in the first two terms of the year preceding the start year and last about 30 minutes. Due to high demand, some applicants may not receive an interview; boarding and affiliated families are interviewed first. 3. Offer of a place and acceptance: If a family receives an offer of a place, they have two weeks to accept by paying the enrolment fee and returning a signed Admissions Agreement. Affiliation with the school: Priority for interviews is given to affiliated applicants (siblings of current or past students, direct descendants of Collegians, direct descendants of past staff, or direct descendants of governance members). If affiliated, include the information in the enrolment form. Fees: The annual fees schedule can be found here.
Scholarships
Scholarships include Academic, Distance boarding, Sports, Financial hardship bursary, and Cultural. Scholarship awards are generally between $2,000 and $10,000 per annum, and priority is given to families with genuine financial need. The Scholarship Application must be submitted in hard copy by the end of Term Two to the Scholarship Committee of St Paul's Collegiate School. The application requires: a handwritten personal statement; most recent end-of-year school report; a one-page CV (if required); one character reference from a current teacher, principal or family friend. A financial declaration is required for all scholarships, including totals for assets and liabilities and total worth; a more detailed financial statement form may be downloaded from the website for financial hardship bursaries. Applicants indicate the scholarship category (Academic, Distance boarding, Sports, Financial hardship bursary, Cultural).
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
Where is St Paul's Collegiate School located and what age range does it serve?
St Paul's is located in Hamilton, New Zealand, at 77 Hukanui Road. It serves students aged 13 to 18 (Years 9–13) and operates as a private, independent co-educational day and boarding secondary school. Tihoi Venture School is the outdoor-education option for Year 10.
What does the curriculum look like for junior and senior years, and what is Tihoi?
The Junior Academic Programme (Years 9–10) covers core subjects with some single-sex classes in Year 9–10 and offers language or literacy options plus two Master Class subjects. The Senior Programme (Years 11–13) includes the St Paul's Diploma (Year 11) and options for NCEA Levels 2–3 or Cambridge qualifications, with Scholarship Examinations available. Tihoi is an 18-week outdoor education program for Year 10 students that runs separately from the main campus.
Is St Paul's a boarding school and how big is the campus?
Yes, St Paul's offers boarding in four boys' houses (Williams, Sargood, Clark) and one girls' house (Harington). The campus spans 19 hectares in Hamilton, with extensive grounds, a chapel, and on-site facilities to support sport, academics and student life.
What are the current tuition and boarding fees for domestic and international students?
Domestic tuition is 27,756 NZD per year (Years 9–13, excluding Tihoi adjustments), with domestic boarding at 19,861 NZD per year. International tuition is 51,249 NZD per year, and international boarding is 21,231 NZD per year. Additional costs include enrolment fees, bonds, lunch, and Tihoi-specific charges where applicable.
How does the admissions process work and when should families apply?
Applications for 2027 and 2028 are open, and applying two years before the start date is recommended. The process includes a family meeting or video introduction and an enrolment interview; offers require acceptance by paying the enrolment fee and returning an admissions agreement. Affiliated applicants (siblings, relatives with school ties) are prioritised.
Are there scholarships and how can families apply?
Yes, scholarships cover Academic, Distance boarding, Sports, Financial hardship bursary and Cultural categories, typically ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 NZD per year. The Scholarship Application must be submitted in hard copy by the end of Term Two, with documents including a personal statement, school report, references, and a financial declaration if applying for a hardship bursary.
What curriculum paths exist and what are typical subject patterns?
In Year 11, students follow the St Paul's Diploma aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum, with six subjects and four assessments per subject (up to 192 points). Years 12–13 offer NCEA Level 2/3 or Cambridge International qualifications in Mathematics and English, with Scholarship Examinations available. NZQA changes to NCEA begin in 2029 for Year 12, while St Paul's continues to offer diverse pathways.
How does St Paul's support high achievers and what are exam results like?
St Paul's reports strong results across Diploma, NCEA and Cambridge pathways. In 2024, 34% of Diploma students achieved the Diploma, 25% Distinction and 35% Honours. NCEA pass rates were 95% for both Level 2 and Level 3, with a University Entrance rate of 82%. Cambridge AS pass rate in 2024 was 95%.
What is the typical class size and how does that support learning?
The school maintains small class sizes, with an average of 20 students or fewer, enabling individualized teaching and strong teacher–student relationships. The Learning Enhancement Unit provides additional academic mentoring and targeted support, supplementing ESOL where needed for international students.
What are the key campus facilities, including Tihoi and the Gallagher Centre?
The Hamilton campus sits on 19 hectares and includes sport facilities (hockey turf, tennis, squash, a heated 25m pool, gym, courts, fields), as well as arts and design spaces and meeting/catering facilities. The Gallagher Agribusiness Centre of Excellence supports agriculture-related studies, and the Cambridge International Centre backs the dual curriculum. Tihoi Venture School near Taupo offers an 18-week outdoor program with its own dormitories and dining hall.
What sports facilities and codes are supported?
St Paul's has extensive sports facilities, including an international hockey turf, multiple tennis and squash courts, a heated pool, gym, basketball and volleyball courts, and expansive outdoor fields suitable for rugby, cricket, netball and more.
What other facilities support academics and student life?
Academic facilities include a well-equipped art room, a design/technology area, a dark room, and a metal/wood workshop. The Cambridge International Centre runs on-site, and there are chapel facilities, a dining hall, and spaces for meetings and events to support student life.
What extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities exist?
Beyond academics, St Paul's offers music, drama, kapa haka, debating and chess, plus a broad range of summer and winter sports. Leadership roles are available through Heads of School, Heads of Houses and Portfolio Prefects, including roles in academics, arts, sports and outreach.
Are there service, cultural and international programs?
Yes, service and outreach are central, with initiatives like Over the Fence Ministry, Year 11 Service Programme, Flame Cambodia trips, and community projects. International students have buddy support and participate in cultural activities as part of campus life.
How does the school support arts and music across year levels?
All Year 9 students learn a musical instrument and join the class band program, with opportunities for performance and kapa haka as part of the arts curriculum. There are additional drama, public performance and culture awards to recognise achievement.
What wellbeing and safeguarding supports are available?
St Paul's runs a Hauora wellbeing program weekly, with age-appropriate content across year groups, plus the Hive health clinic and counselling services. The school follows safeguarding practices through a Child Protection Policy and is aligned with New Zealand's Education Pastoral Care code for international learners.
How does the school support students who need learning support or English language help?
The Learning Enhancement Unit provides teacher aides, learning support staff and individualized plans. ESOL is offered daily for international students, with IELP plans, IELTS/SAT support and testing arrangements as needed.
What mental health and pastoral care options exist?
Mental health support is available through the Hive health centre and counselling services, complemented by chaplaincy and pastoral care within the house system to support students' well-being.
How does boarding work and what is Tihoi Year 10?
Boarding is available in Williams, Sargood, Clark (boys) and Harington House (girls). Tihoi Year 10 is an 18-week outdoor-education program near Taupo, with its own dormitories and dining, designed to build independence and resilience. A limited number of Year 9 girls will be offered boarding from 2026, with full girls' boarding by 2027.
What is the uniform like and what is the house system?
St Paul's uses a formal uniform with summer, winter and formal components, plus sports attire. There are eight houses (Clark, Williams and Sargood for boarding; Fitchett, Hall, Hamilton, School for day students, and Harington for female students) each led by a Housemaster who coordinates pastoral care and activities.
