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St Peter's College Epsom

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$19,800
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Boys School
Opened 1939
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge (Secondary), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, Spanish, French
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

St Peter's College, Epsom is a Catholic boys' secondary school in Auckland, New Zealand, located at 23 Mountain Road. The college runs a dual qualification pathway from Year 11: Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), along with St Peter's Certificate Te Ara o Hato Petera. From Years 7–10, a Junior Academic Programme operates, with Years 7–8 following the New Zealand Curriculum augmented by a Junior Cambridge core. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Theology and Philosophy, History, Geography, Music, Technology, Physical Education, Health, Art, Maori, Chinese and Spanish. BYOD is required; Years 7–8 use tablets, Years 9–13 use laptops, with Microsoft 365 as the digital platform. Facilities include the Edmund Rice Library, science labs, technology workshops, computer labs, playing fields and a new gym. The school emphasises music, kapa haka and a broad sporting programme across 30 activities. Pastoral care supports wellbeing across junior and senior years.

23 Mountain Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023

The Essentials

St Peter's College Epsom has 1,300 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Located at 23 Mountain Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand. It is in the Epsom suburb of Auckland. The school serves students in Years 7 to 13.

Stages
Years 7–13

Type
Catholic boys' school

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
Start bell 8:30 am. The timetable on Monday to Friday includes Period 1 (8:45–9:30), Period 2 (9:30–10:05), Period 3 (10:15–11:00), Interval (11:00–11:30), Period 4 (11:30–12:10), Period 5 (12:10–12:50), Lunch (12:50–1:20), Period 6 (1:20–2:05) and Period 7 (2:05–2:45).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Homestays are the preferred option for international students. SPC Families host international students in Catholic households, usually with boys attending the College with whom students can readily relate. Homestay arrangements are coordinated by St Peter's College via an application form.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required and is sold only by Edmund's Shop (uniform excluding shoes). Edmund's Shop sells the uniform and stationery year-round. Shop hours are Monday–Thursday 9:30am–2:00pm (parents by appointment) and Friday 8:00am–12:30pm (parents by appointment); students may visit during interval and lunch.

House System
St Peter's College uses a House system to support pastoral care. In Year 7 & 8, 70% of subjects are taught by the House Class teacher, with specialist teachers delivering other subjects. The Houses are central to student leadership.

Governance and Ownership
The buildings and land are owned by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland. The College operates as a state-integrated Catholic school overseen by a Board of Trustees.
Fees

Annual tuition at St Peter's College Epsom ranges from NZD 19,800 for 2026/27.

Application and enrolment fees

- An Administration Fee of NZ$ 2,000 applies for international students.
- A Homestay Placement Fee of NZ$ 300 applies (international students living in homestays).
- No separate non‑refundable “application fee” amount is published in the school's international fees schedule; the Administration Fee and Homestay Placement Fee are the explicit processing/placement charges shown.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts and per‑term breakdowns)

- International students (Years 7–13): Tuition NZ$ 19,800 per year. GST (15%) on that tuition is shown as NZ$ 2,970. Per‑term breakdown (school year divided into four terms): Tuition NZ$ 4,950 per term; GST component per term NZ$ 742.50 (these per‑term figures are derived by dividing the published annual figures by four).

- Domestic New Zealand students (citizens and residents): New Zealand law provides free enrolment and free education for children who are not international students; state‑integrated schools may charge compulsory Attendance Dues (for property costs) and may request voluntary Special Character contributions. For Catholic schools in the Diocese of Auckland (which applies to St Peter's College), Attendance Dues for 2026 are set at NZ$ 136 per term (NZ$ 544 per year) for primary/Y0–Y8 and NZ$ 281 per term (NZ$ 1,124 per year) for secondary/Y9–Y13. For St Peter's College (Years 7–13), the relevant Attendance Dues rate is NZ$ 136 per term for Years 7–8 and NZ$ 281 per term for Years 9–13, in line with the diocesan schedule.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- International tuition is published as an annual charge (NZ$ 19,800 for Years 7–13). Homestay is published as an annual charge for 48 weeks (NZ$ 20,160). The school's international fee schedule shows the items billed and the amounts; payment timing and instalment arrangements are handled under the school's enrolment/contract documents.
- Attendance Dues (Diocese of Auckland) are normally billed per term and may be paid in full at the start of the year or by regular instalments (weekly, fortnightly, monthly or per term) as arranged with the school or proprietor's collection agent.

Boarding / Homestay fees (where applicable)

- The College does not operate a school boarding hostel; homestay placement is used for international students. Annual Homestay Fees (48 weeks) are NZ$ 20,160. A Room Holding Fee for the Christmas holiday period is NZ$ 300. An Airport Collection Fee is optional (minimum NZ$ 70).

Other costs and regularly excluded items

- The international fees schedule specifically excludes (additional costs payable by families): insurance, school uniform, stationery and transport, co‑curricular activities, school subject trips, and NCEA / CAIE / Scholarship exam fees. Uniform and stationery are available from the school's uniform shop (Edmund's Shop) and must be purchased separately.
- Uniform shop payment and returns: the uniform shop accepts cash, Eftpos and credit cards (VISA & Mastercard) in‑store; Paywave and the school Parent Portal payment arrangements are also available for uniform/stationery charges. Exchanges and returns have a 30‑day condition policy (original docket, unworn, tags attached).

Refund information

- Detailed refund and withdrawal conditions are set out in the school's Contract of Enrolment and in the New Zealand Education (Pastoral Care of International Learners) Code of Practice; those documents govern refunds for international students, student fee protection and the school's obligations where a visa is declined or where a student withdraws. Parents should refer to the enrolment contract for the precise refund schedule and conditions that apply to tuition, administration and homestay fees.
- The international fee sheet also carries a standard reservation/disclaimer that the school reserves the right to change fees.

Fee payment options (methods commonly accepted)

- Parent Portal / school online payments (school portal). In‑store uniform payments: Cash, Eftpos, Credit Card (VISA & Mastercard), Paywave. Attendance Dues and school charges: Automatic payments, Internet banking, and school/agency arrangements are commonly used for termly or instalment payments. International tuition and homestay payments are typically arranged by bank transfer or the methods set out in the enrolment contract and invoice instructions.

Notes on scope and missing detail

- The public international fee schedule provides the annual international tuition figure, GST, homestay and named levies; it does not publish a separate line called an "application fee." The school's Contract of Enrolment contains the full billing schedule, refund rules and the detailed payment instructions for international tuition and homestay fees; those contract details are the authoritative source for refund timing and billing terms.

(End of fee overview)
Academics

St Peter's College Epsom teaches Cambridge (Secondary), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
The College runs a dual qualification pathway from Year 11: CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) and NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement), plus St Peter's Certificate Te Ara o Hato Petera. From Years 7–10, a Junior Academic Programme operates. In Years 7–8, core subjects English, Mathematics and Science follow the New Zealand Curriculum with the Junior Cambridge programme as the core syllabus, and other subjects include Theology and Philosophy, History, Geography, Music, Technology, Physical Education, Health, Art, Maori, Chinese and Spanish. BYOD is required: Years 7–8 use tablets with keyboards; Years 9–13 require a personal laptop; the College uses Microsoft 365 as the digital platform. Subject guides and course outlines are provided for Years 7–10.

Exam Results
The College delivers outstanding academic performance across NCEA and CAIE. In 2022, 102 of 103 students gained University Entrance. The 2022 Annual Report confirms the high level of University Entrance attainment.

Higher Education Progression
The Careers Centre provides information on study options ranging from universities to apprenticeships. The Careers Centre, led by the Careers Advisor, offers subject choice support, information on scholarships, and CV tips, along with access to CareerWise resources. All Year 13 students have a mandatory career session each year.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school meets every student's personal, academic, physical, spiritual and emotional needs. Pastoral Care creates the culture and environment needed for social and learning development. Pastoral Care is part of St Peter's College's distinctive Catholic character. All staff contribute to Pastoral Care. The Pastoral Care Team focuses on supporting students identified as struggling with College life, including health, family, financial and personal issues. Referrals to the Pastoral Care Team are made through the relevant Head of Year.

Mental Wellbeing
Sue Maloney is the full‑time Guidance Counsellor at St Peter's College. The school offers a confidential counselling service available to all students, staff and parents. Counselling supports the journey from childhood into young adulthood, helping to navigate academic expectations and life's adversities. Counselling fosters listening, understanding and the development of caring, contributing and responsible people. Counselling respects differences and supports those who are disempowered or disadvantaged. Counselling sessions can be arranged by walk‑in, email or phone call; contact details are available through the school.
Parent Experience

History
St Peter's College opened on 29 January 1939 as the third Christian Brothers of Ireland school in New Zealand, welcoming 183 students. The site was bequeathed to the Catholic Diocese of Auckland by the Outhwaite family for education of Catholic boys. Major development followed, including the 1959 site expansion and the construction of the Chapel, the Science Block and the Edmund Rice Library, with rail access enhanced over the years. From 1989 to 2015 the campus expanded under lay leadership, the first lay Headmaster followed by James Bentley taking the role in 2016. In the modern era the Chapel of St Peter opened in 2020, and Kapa Haka, Samoan and Tongan groups have achieved regular success at the Auckland Polynesian festival, while the annual musical—often in collaboration with Marist College—has become a highlight of school life.

Community
An Old Boys' and Friends of SPC Association has been connected with the College since its early years; the Old Boys' Association was established around 60 years ago and continues to support the College, including funding the Edmund Rice Old Boys' Scholarship Trust to help boys entering tertiary education. Prefects Charity Initiative demonstrates student leadership and service; Prefects run 70 km in 7 days to raise funds for MissioNZ (The Pontifical Mission Societies in New Zealand). The PTFA supports the College through events such as the landmark St Peter's Fair held annually in March, and on-campus activities including New Entrant's Information Evening, Grandparents' Day and uniform sales. The college culture includes Kapa Haka and Pacific groups and a continuing annual musical; collaborations with Marist College are anticipated as part of cultural and arts life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) is a group of dedicated parents and friends who support St Peter's College in a variety of ways. They serve supper at the New Entrant Information Evening, sell second-hand uniforms on sale days in the hall, and collate books on Grandparents' Day. Fundraising by the PTFA has funded projects such as the landmark cross outside the hall and the deck and shade sails for students. The PTFA's flagship event is the St Peter's Fair, held annually in March. All parents are welcome to join, and meetings are held at 7pm on the first Monday of each term in the school library; Friends of the PTFA can help without attending meetings. Co-Chairs are Rosalyn Beuth and Gerard Thompson, with contact details provided on the page.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has an Edmund Rice Library with online services, a Technology facility for electronics, woodwork and IT, Science Laboratories, Computer Labs with audio-visual teaching aids, and playing fields for sport. A new gymnasium is on site.

Sports Facilities
The school has playing fields for sport and a new gymnasium. Sport at St Peter's encompasses more than 30 sports, including rugby, softball, athletics, rowing, football and basketball.

Academic Facilities
The Edmund Rice Library provides library facilities for students. A Learning Support Department is located on the ground floor of C Block. The College runs CAIE (Cambridge Assessment International Education) and NCEA pathways, and offers St Peter's Certificate Te Ara o Hato Petera. A Junior Academic Programme operates in Years 7–10 with Year 7 and Year 8 course outlines and a Curriculum Matrix.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Music, Cultural, Performing Arts and Art are offered as part of College Life, alongside Year 7 & 8 programs and Careers.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
CAIE and NCEA are the dual qualification pathways offered. Junior Academic Programme runs in Years 7–10. The school operates a Microsoft 365–based environment with BYOD: tablets for Year 7–8 and laptops for Year 9–13. Learning Support is provided to assist students as required.

Arts & Creative
Music has a high profile; Year 7 and 8 boys receive obligatory musical tuition in their first two years. Instrumental tuition is delivered by specialist teachers across a range of instruments. Established ensembles include Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Senior Concert Band, Senior Orchestra and Senior Choir, with the senior groups regularly competing regionally, nationally and sometimes internationally. Trinity College London music exams are offered, and the Music Night showcases the department's work.

Cultural & Language
St Peter's has a large variety of cultural activities to cater for diverse interests including Debating, Drama and Kapa Haka. Kapa Haka has a proud history at SPC. Maori, Samoan and Tongan groups support student cultural life and participation in events, with Māori and Pacific communities actively contributing to activities and celebrations.

Social & Hobbies
Year 7 & 8 experiences are wide-ranging across Academic, Special Character, Sporting, Musical and Cultural opportunities. The annual Middle School Eisteddfod provides opportunities for singing, instrumental music and poetry in a Performing Arts context. Cultural groups such as the Māori, Samoan and Tongan communities offer social communities and activities for students.

Community & Service
Prefects Charity Initiative is part of the SPC community service model. The PTFA – Fair and Old Boys & Friends of SPC Association are active community groups linked to the College. Service Projects, along with leadership programs like the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award, provide avenues for volunteering and social responsibility.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leadership includes Student Leaders and Prefects, with a Head Boy and a portfolio-based leadership structure. Junior and Senior School Leadership Opportunities exist across year groups, with designated roles and responsibilities. The Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award is part of leadership pathways and outdoor education.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sport has more than 30 sports on offer, with every student encouraged to take part in at least two sports each year. The program has a history of national success across Rugby, Softball, Athletics, Rowing, Football and Basketball. The sport program also relies on a large network of volunteers—staff, parents, old boys and community members—who coach, manage and support teams.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. Mandarin Chinese, French and Spanish are taught as language subjects. Languages are offered within Cambridge International Examinations (CAIE) pathways, including IGCSE Mandarin Chinese, IGCSE French and IGCSE Spanish. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support is provided for international students.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The school opens enrolment applications the year before entry. Applications open at 9:00 am on February 3, 2020 and close at 4:00 pm on April 3, 2020. There is no entrance test as part of the enrolment process. Preference is the major criterion, and there is no geographic zone; places are not guaranteed due to high demand.

2. The school hosts an Open Day during the enrolment period. Open Day was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, with sessions at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm. The day offers families the chance to visit and learn about enrolment and the College.

3. Interviews are conducted as part of the enrolment process. Year 7 enrolment interviews commence at the end of Term 1 and continue into Term 2. Interviews for Year 8–13 take place in Term 2 and are possible only if vacancies exist.

4. Families are notified of the outcome of their application by the end of Term 2. The communication of offers or declines concludes the enrolment decision for the year.

5. If accepted, families pay a non-refundable Acceptance Fee of $750 before enrolment can be confirmed. The Acceptance Fee goes toward College fees including Attendance Dues, and payment completes the enrolment confirmation.

Scholarships
The school offers NZQA Scholarships across many subjects, with final approval to enter the Scholarship program given by Mr Kingdon. Costs are $0 for domestic students and $102.20 for each scholarship subject for international students (e.g., three subjects would cost $306.60). Scholarships carry monetary awards and various eligibility criteria. Scholarship subjects cover a wide range of areas, including Accounting, Art (Design, Painting, Photography), Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Chinese, Classical Studies, Economics, English, Geography, History, Media Studies, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies (Theology and Philosophy), Spanish, Statistics, Technology (DVC), Te Reo Māori, and more. The scholarship structure includes five awards: Single Subject ($500 per subject, max $1,000), Top of Subject ($2,000 per year for up to 3 years), Scholarship Award ($2,000 per year for up to 3 years), Outstanding Scholarship Award ($5,000 per year for up to 3 years), and Premier Award ($10,000 per year for up to 3 years). To continue receiving awards, students must meet ongoing academic criteria. Final approval to enter the St Peter's Scholarship program is with Mr Kingdon. The program expects scholarship students to attend all scholarship classes and to sit all enrolled scholarship exams. Subjects offered include Accounting, Art-Design, Art-Painting, Art-Photography, Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Chinese, Classical Studies, Economics, English, Geography, History, Media Studies, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies, Spanish, Statistics, Technology-DVC, Te Reo Māori.
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