St Peter's School

New Zealand, Cambridge

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The school at a glance

Instructs in English

Fees NZ$310 - 1,190

Ages 11 - 18 years

Pupil numbers 1196

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Opened 1936

Bus Service No

Academic offering

Curriculum NCEA, International Baccalaureate

Taught languages Vietnamese, Korean

Typical class size 25

Strengths Outdoor Education, Academic Enrichment, Sport

Clubs Leadership and Professional, Community and Service

Stages Secondary

Introduction

St Peter's School is a private co-educational day and boarding school in Cambridge, New Zealand, founded in 1936. The school offers NCEA, IB, and the St Peter's Diploma alongside extensive co-curricular activities.

Cambridge, New Zealand

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The Essentials

Location

St Peter's is located in Cambridge, a town in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Stages

The school serves students in Years 7 through 13.

Type

St Peter's is a private co-educational day and boarding school.

Country affiliation

New Zealand

Religious affiliation

The school holds a Special Christian Character designation with strong Christian values integrated throughout the curriculum.

School day structure

Day placements for Years 7–13 and boarding placements for Years 8–13.

Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

The school offers boarding with 24/7 campus activity.

Uniform Requirement

The school has a compulsory uniform. The cost of the uniform ranges from NZD 1,700 to NZD 1,900.

Food Options

Lunch is included in tuition.

House System

There are six boarding houses within the house system; Top House is a haka competition between houses.

Governance and Ownership

The school is an independent institution governed by the St. Peter's Trust Board.

Fees

Application fees

- Application fee: NZD 310 (inclusive of GST).
- Acceptance fee (payable when an offer is accepted): NZD 1,190 (inclusive of GST).

Tuition fees — Domestic students (effective 2026)

- Years 7–8:
- Ten instalments (monthly): NZD 2,453 per instalment.
- Per term (four instalments): NZD 6,133 per term.
- Annual: NZD 24,530 per year.
- Years 9–10:
- Ten instalments (monthly): NZD 2,807 per instalment.
- Per term (four instalments): NZD 7,018 per term.
- Annual: NZD 28,070 per year.
- Years 11–13:
- Ten instalments (monthly): NZD 3,043 per instalment.
- Per term (four instalments): NZD 7,606 per term.
- Annual: NZD 30,425 per year.

All domestic tuition amounts include GST. Lunch is included in the tuition.

Tuition and boarding — International students (effective 2026)

- Years 8–13 tuition (international): NZD 20,525 per year (annual).
- International boarding: NZD 58,920 per year (annual).
- Other international charges (estimates shown): medical insurance NZD 525; examination fees NZD 500–900 (estimated); administration fee NZD 650 (estimated). Lunch is included in the tuition.

Boarding / Homestay (fees shown where published)

- International boarding (annual): NZD 58,920.
- Homestay arrangements:
- Homestay accommodation for domestic students (where available): approximately NZD 3,000 per year.
- Homestay accommodation for international students during holidays and leave weekends: approximately NZD 5,000 per year.

Other costs and routine charges

- Campus fee: NZD 1,500 payable per child per year.
- Alumni membership: NZD 250.
- St. Peter's Parents' Association: annual charge (amount determined annually).
- School uniform: NZD 1,700 – NZD 1,900 (one-off / seasonal purchase range).
- Incidental charges (music lessons, academic trips, camps, co-curricular activities, etc.): approximately NZD 3,000 – NZD 4,000 per year (estimate). Camp charges are commonly billed on the same cycle as tuition/boarding. Lunch is included in tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Instalment options available: ten instalments (monthly), four instalments (termly), or annual payment. Billing dates for termly instalments are the customary term-cycle dates (termly instalments are the published four-instalment option; ten instalments run January–October).
- Payment mechanics commonly used: the school's fee schedules require a direct debit or credit-card authority for fee payments; a credit-card merchant surcharge may apply. Families can elect the instalment frequency and provide the required authority for automated payments.
- Notice of withdrawal: at least one full term's written notice to the Admissions Office is required. If one full term's notice is not provided, the next term's fee is payable in full; the Head of School may waive this requirement at their discretion.

Refund information and refundable status of specific charges

- The schedule lists the application fee (NZD 310) and acceptance fee (NZD 1,190) as payable at application / on acceptance. The published schedule does not specify these fees as refundable. For withdrawal, the requirement to give one full term's written notice (or pay the next term's fee) applies.

Summary of common fee payment methods

- Instalment choices: Ten instalments (monthly), Four instalments (per term), or Annual payment.
- Typical payment mechanisms: Direct debit and credit-card authority are used for fee collection; credit-card payments may incur a merchant surcharge. Specific bank transfer or international payment instructions and account details are provided to families through the school's accounts/fees office or parent portal at enrolment.

Academics

Curriculum

The school offers three pathways: NCEA, International Baccalaureate, and the St Peter's Diploma, blending traditional and contemporary approaches.

Exam Results

IB Diploma results 2024: 58 students; average score 32; 91% pass rate; 8 students achieved 40+ (14% of the cohort). IB Diploma results 2025: 84% pass rate; 96% university entrance; 10% earned 40+; 32-point average; 3 points above world average. NCEA results 2024: Year 13 pass rate 91.8% (115/125 certificates); 84% heading to university or tertiary education; Year 12 pass rate 98%.

Higher Education Progression

Student Futures provides personalised guidance with career-life consultants, assistance with curriculum choices, career management workshops and tertiary planning support. There are visits from tertiary institutions and alumni, and guidance on vocational pathways. The school's alumni network numbers over ten thousand globally, helping broaden horizons and improve post-school prospects.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

St. Peter's Cambridge delivers social and emotional learning through a robust pastoral care model and a house system, supported by year-level structures and a dedicated wellbeing team. Heads of Year oversee student wellbeing across year levels, coordinating mentors to support students to flourish. The school emphasizes belonging and community, with a boarding environment that fosters whānau and connectedness. On-site Health Centre provides nursing care, professional counsellors, and chaplains who offer guidance and spiritual support. A culture of care underpins daily interactions to ensure students feel safe, seen and supported to be their authentic selves.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Academic Support differentiates instruction to recognise each student as an individual learner, using data and regular progress checks to tailor assistance. Teachers differentiate instruction and provide targeted support to help students progress in each subject. Clear communication with the Head of Year helps ensure the right supports are in place. Data-informed reviews help track progress and adjust strategies as needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English Language Learning courses (ESOL) support international students and complement their academic success. A range of comprehensive ESOL courses is available and tailored to each student's needs.

Mental Wellbeing

St. Peter's provides wellbeing support through a dedicated pastoral care model that blends a traditional House system with year-level structures and a skilled wellbeing team. Heads of Year oversee wellbeing across year levels and coordinate mentors to support students. The boarding environment fosters belonging and resilience, reinforcing a culture of care. An onsite Health Centre provides nurses; qualified counsellors offer guidance to students and families. Two chaplains provide spiritual and pastoral support to the community. A pastoral mindset permeates all settings, ensuring every student feels safe, seen, and supported to follow their own path.

Safeguarding

St. Peter's is a signatory to the Code of Pastoral Care for International Students, reflecting commitment to safeguarding international learners throughout their journey. A dedicated onsite Health Centre, professional counsellors and two chaplains provide safeguarding-relevant support, and the boarding environment includes structured pastoral care and safe living arrangements.

Parent Experience

History

St Peter's School was founded in 1936 in Cambridge, New Zealand.

Community

St Peter's has a 24/7 boarding community that creates a strong sense of belonging for students and families. The school emphasizes safe, respectful relationships, pastoral care and a leadership-first culture. A broad co-curricular program in arts, sports, expeditions, service and clubs helps students discover passions, build friendships and develop character. The school values a close partnership with parents and caregivers to support wellbeing and overall success.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

A Parents' Association is active at the school.

Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus includes an equestrian centre, golf driving range, boathouse on Lake Karapiro, an ancient kahikatea forest, a working dairy farm, and access to a velodrome.

Sports Facilities

An equestrian centre, golf driving range, boathouse on Lake Karapiro, and access to a velodrome are available.

Academic Facilities

Modern learning spaces are available.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Clubs and societies, service opportunities, trips and tours are offered.

Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Debating; philosophy and ethics; digital technologies are among clubs at St. Peter's. New clubs are added each year to broaden intellectual engagement.

Arts & Creative

Arts and cultural programmes are offered.

Cultural & Language

Kapa Haka and Pasifika programmes celebrate Māori and Pacific Island cultures and provide cultural expression and community. They connect students with heritage and peers across the school.

Social & Hobbies

Clubs and societies include philosophy and ethics, digital technologies, and debating, as well as dance and music groups and the Musical Theatre Academy. Lunchtime activities enable students to explore diverse interests and socialise.

Community & Service

Service opportunities are available.

Leadership & Professional

The Seven-Year Student Journey framework develops character and leadership through progressive experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sports programmes with extensive facilities and adventure-based learning are offered.

Languages

Language Provision

English Language Learning (ESOL) courses are offered to support international students. A range of comprehensive ESOL courses is tailored to each student's needs. This language support complements students' academic studies.

Reputation

Accreditations

International Baccalaureate - authorised IB World School.
NZQA - NCEA approved.

Admissions

1. Step 1 - Your Application: Complete an Application Form for 2026 or 2027 enrolment. After submission, the admissions team reviews the application and contacts you with the outcome. To express interest for 2028 and beyond, submit an Expression of Interest and the admissions team will contact you when applications open. For 2028 and beyond, use the Expression of Interest form; for 2026/2027 enrolment, use the Domestic application or International application forms. 2. Step 2 - Family Interview: After the application is processed, the family may be invited to meet with a member of the Senior Leadership Team to discuss the child and what they hope to contribute to the school community; a positive attitude is valued. If Open Days have not been attended, a private student-led campus tour can be arranged at this time. 3. Step 3 - Application Offer: Successful applicants receive a written letter of offer by email with further documentation required to accept the offer. 4. Step 4 - Application Acceptance: After the completed documents are submitted and the acceptance fee is paid, the child's place at St. Peter's is confirmed.

Scholarships

Eligibility: Scholarships are awarded to new students who demonstrate service and leadership which will contribute positively to St. Peter's school community and would not otherwise be able to afford a St. Peter's education. Leadership and service can be demonstrated through the categories of Sport, the Arts, Culture or Academic Ability. Scholarship awards are up to 75% of fees per annum but will be based upon the applicant's expertise and the financial situation of the family. Priority will be given in all categories to families with genuine financial need. How to apply: Applications for 2027 Scholarships are now open. Please apply via the Scholarship applications link. To be considered for a scholarship, families must also complete an Application to Enrol for new students commencing their study at St. Peter's in 2027. The annual scholarship application process is open and will close at the end of Term 1; families will be notified of the outcome before the end of Term 2. Scholarship Timeline: Monday 12 January 2026 — Scholarship applications open; Wednesday 15 April 2026 — Scholarship applications close; Tuesday 2 June 2026 — Outcomes communicated to families. If you would like to enquire further about our scholarship process, please contact our Admissions team on admissions@stpeters.school.nz

School Events

The school has not added events

FAQs

Where is St Peter's Cambridge located?

St Peter's Cambridge is located at 1716 Cambridge Road, Cambridge 3283, New Zealand. The campus sits along the Waikato River and includes six boarding houses, extensive sports facilities, and diverse learning spaces.

What year groups does St Peter's Cambridge serve?

St Peter's Cambridge serves students in Years 7 to 13. The school uses a single community with a year-by-year structure that builds on prior learning.

Is St Peter's Cambridge co-educational and does it offer boarding?

Yes. St Peter's Cambridge is a private, co-educational day and boarding school. Day placements are for Years 7–13, and boarding placements are for Years 8–13, with six boarding houses on campus.

What are the domestic tuition costs for Years 7–8, 9–10, and 11–13?

For domestic students, tuition is NZD 24,530 per year for Years 7–8, NZD 28,070 per year for Years 9–10, and NZD 30,425 per year for Years 11–13. Lunch is included in the tuition, and GST is included in all amounts.

What are the international tuition and boarding costs?

International tuition for Years 8–13 is NZD 20,525 per year, and international boarding is NZD 58,920 per year. Additional estimates include medical insurance NZD 525, exam fees NZD 500–900, and administration NZD 650; lunch is included.

What fees are required at application and on acceptance?

An application fee of NZD 310 (inclusive of GST) is required at application, and an acceptance fee of NZD 1,190 (inclusive of GST) is due when an offer is accepted. Lunch is included in tuition.

What is the admissions process for new students?

The process involves four steps: submit an application (domestic or international), have a family interview with a Senior Leader (or private campus tour if needed), receive a written offer, and pay the acceptance documents/fees to confirm the place.

What curricula are offered at St Peter's Cambridge?

St Peter's Cambridge offers a progressive curriculum for Years 7–13 with dual pathways: NCEA or the IB Diploma for Years 12–13. The IB Diploma is the only IB offering in New Zealand's central North Island alongside NCEA.

How did the IB results look in 2024 and 2025?

IB results were strong: in 2024, 58 students had an average score of 32, an 91% pass rate, with 8 students (14%) achieving 40+; in 2025, the pass rate was 84% with 96% university entrance, 10% achieving 40+, and an average of 32, three points above the world average.

What support is available for higher education and career planning?

Student Futures provides personalised guidance with career-life consultants, helps with curriculum choices, and offers tertiary planning support. There are visits from tertiary institutions and alumni, plus guidance on vocational pathways.

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