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Wentworth College

New Zealand, Auckland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$18,300 - 23,800
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 360
Type Co-educational
Opened 2003
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge
Taught languages Spanish, French, Mandarin, German
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Leadership and Professional, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary, Secondary
Introduction

Wentworth Private School is a private school in Gulf Harbour, Auckland, offering Cambridge International Examinations with small class sizes and specialist teachers.

Gulf Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand

The Essentials

Wentworth College has 360 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location

Wentworth is located in Gulf Harbour, Auckland, New Zealand.

Stages

Years 1–13; College serves Years 7–13.

Type

Wentworth is a private school offering Cambridge International Examinations.

Pupil Nationality Mix

International students come from China, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, France and Germany; around 30 international students (pre-COVID); total students about 260, with local students roughly 230. Local to international ratio ≈ 230:30.

Country affiliation

New Zealand

Bus service

The school operates bus services for students.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Some international students live with a parent in New Zealand, but many stay with homestay families in the Gulf Harbour area. Homestay families are police vetted and handpicked to suit each student's needs, and a weekly allowance is provided to cover living expenses.

Uniform Requirement

Uniform is compulsory for all students and must be worn correctly at all times. The College uses Summer and Winter uniforms for both girls and boys, plus a burgundy-blue PE kit; changeover dates apply. The Uniform Shop sells uniform items.

Food Options

Lunch is provided through a school lunch delivery service (ezlunch). The weekly menu includes sushi on Mondays–Wednesdays and Go Deli options on Thursdays and Fridays, with orders placed online by 9am for delivery at the school; payments are processed through MyKindo.

House System

Wentworth College uses a traditional three-house system: McDonald, Findlay and Fleming. Students participate in inter-house competitions and tutor groups, with House leadership roles and a year-round house activity and fundraising program.

Governance and Ownership

Wentworth College is governed by a private Board of Trustees and operates as a Charitable Trust. The Founding Document guides governance decisions and underpins the school's values and strategic direction.
Fees

Annual tuition at Wentworth College ranges from NZD 18,300 to NZD 23,800 for 2026/27.

Application & Enrolment Fees

- Domestic application fee: NZD 100.00 (one-off, non-refundable).
- Domestic enrolment confirmation fee: NZD 850.00 (payable on acceptance; one-off, non-refundable).
- International application fee: NZD 250.00 (one-off).
- International enrolment fee: NZD 1,000.00 (one-off).
- International entrance bond: NZD 500.00 (one-off).

Tuition Fees (by year group and billing unit)

- Domestic (school year 2026):
- Wentworth Primary (Years 1–6): NZD 4,575 per term (inclusive of GST), based on a four-term year. Annual equivalent: NZD 18,300.
- Wentworth College (Years 7–13): NZD 5,950 per term (inclusive of GST), based on a four-term year. Annual equivalent: NZD 23,800.
- Sibling discount: 5% for the second child and 20% for the third and subsequent children attending Wentworth Primary or College.

- International (published 2025 figures; used for international invoicing where applicable):
- Wentworth Primary (Years 1–6): NZD 30,576 per year (inclusive of government taxes).
- Wentworth College Years 7–10: NZD 37,590 per year (inclusive of government taxes).
- Wentworth College Years 11–13: NZD 40,110 per year (inclusive of government taxes).

Boarding / Homestay

- The school arranges homestay accommodation for international students. Homestay annual fees (2025 schedule):
- Over 14 years: NZD 16,720 per year (44 weeks @ NZD 380 per week).
- Under 14 years: NZD 17,600 per year (44 weeks @ NZD 400 per week).
- Homestay placement fee (one-off): NZD 375.00. Homestay visiting fee (per year): NZD 170.00. Airport transport (each way): NZD 140.00.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition fees are invoiced in advance at the beginning of the academic year. Payment may be made as a lump sum at the start of the year, or on a term-by-term basis prior to the start of each school term, or by regular automatic payments throughout the year. Most families pay monthly from February to November inclusive; alternate arrangements may be made with the school office prior to the commencement of the school year. Parents may be required to withdraw students whose fees are not current.
- Notice requirement on withdrawal: Two full term's notice of withdrawal is required. No refunds will be made except at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. GST at 15% is included in all domestic fees.
- For international students, immigration requirements mean most fees (including insurance where applicable) must be paid prior to visa issuance; sundry items (uniforms, textbooks, trips) are invoiced as they arise.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Uniform: allow approximately NZD 900 (international guidance figure; actual items invoiced via uniform shop).
- Stationery: allow approximately NZD 200 (international guidance).
- Activity fees and term levies: vary by term and activity (field trips, camps, co-curricular activities).
- Exam fees (CAIE): approximately NZD 110 per subject (where applicable).
- Sundry fees (workbooks, class trips, sports, camps) will be invoiced to the sundry account when incurred.

Refund information

- Domestic refunds: No refunds will be made except at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. Two full term's notice of withdrawal is required for domestic students.
- International refunds and visa-related payment conditions are governed by the international tuition agreement and immigration rules; most international fees (including insurance if arranged by the school) are required to be paid prior to visa application/issuance.

Fee payment options and banking details

- Account name: Wentworth College. The account suffix varies by charge; ensure the child's name appears in the particulars or code fields and use the correct suffix for each payment type.
- Bank account numbers (use the correct suffix for the charge):
- Application & Enrolment fee: 02 0100 0816277 07.
- Tuition fees (College / Primary): 02 0100 0816277 00 (College) or 11 (Primary).
- Bus fees: 02 0100 0816277 08.
- Sundry fees (workbooks, trips, camps, sports): 02 0100 0816277 10.
- Uniform shop: 02 0100 0816277 12.
- Credit card / EFTPOS: available in the Uniform Shop and for Tuition Fees (in person or over the phone). A credit card surcharge of 2.7% may apply.
- Alternative electronic payments: WeChat Pay and AliPay accepted (1.85% surcharge applies for these payment types).

Notes on typical extras

- Medical insurance for international students: Students may arrange their own cover or the school can arrange Studentsafe cover (example figure NZD 650 for 12 months where arranged).
- Additional personal costs: pocket money, extra-curricular activity costs (sport/music), bus fares where applicable.
Academics

Wentworth College teaches Cambridge for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

The school follows Cambridge International Examinations.

Student Teacher Ratio

Average class size is 22 students.

Exam Results

University Entrance rate is 95%+; Cambridge qualifications are accepted by universities in more than 160 countries.

Higher Education Progression

The curriculum prepares students for university and beyond, with Cambridge qualifications recognised by universities worldwide.

Gifted and Talented

The school can customise teaching programmes to extend gifted children, and move students up or down year levels if required.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school aims to establish an inclusive learning environment that fosters the holistic development of every student. It emphasizes equity, respect, self-esteem, interpersonal proficiency, and ethical values to empower students as socially responsible individuals. The school fosters a sense of belonging, underpinned by teachers who know each student personally and provide tailored support. This student-centered approach supports confidence, happiness, and academic progress.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The curriculum includes Assessments for Students with Special Needs and Counselling & Career Guidance, indicating formal processes to support learners with diverse needs. These provisions are integrated into the school's curriculum framework to identify and assist students as part of ongoing planning. The school maintains a policy framework that supports inclusive education and wellbeing.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

An ESOL Support program is available for students for whom English is a second language. ESOL lessons are integrated into the timetable; non-English-speaking students attend one or two ESOL sessions daily while the rest of the timetable is in mainstream classes. The program follows the Cambridge ESOL framework with testing aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. After-school IELTS preparation courses are offered to help ESOL students advance their English and exam readiness.

Mental Wellbeing

The school promotes mental wellbeing through an inclusive culture and strong teacher–student relationships that foster belonging, self-esteem, and interpersonal skills. Health and safety policies address welfare and safety, including Suicide Prevention and Child Protection, reflecting a safeguarding emphasis on student welfare. Policies are reviewed and updated regularly, with copies available on request through the school office.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding measures include a Child Protection policy under Health & Safety Policies and a Suicide Prevention policy. The health and safety section also covers related areas such as emergencies, welfare, and safeguarding procedures. Policies are reviewed and updated regularly, and copies can be requested from the Board Secretary; contact gclews@wentworth.school.nz for policy copies.
Parent Experience

History

Wentworth College opened on 27 August 2003 with 43 students and 10 teachers. It was founded in 2003 as a co-educational Years 7 to 13 school. It operates as a private Cambridge Education in Gulf Harbour, Auckland. In August 2013 Wentworth celebrated its first 10 years with an Alumni Social Evening and an Anniversary Dinner.

Community

Wentworth Friends & Families is a body of parents and friends whose children attend Wentworth Primary, focused on promoting the family-focused character and values of the school. They welcome new families into the school and provide support for the school's social functions in the calendar. Wentworth Primary hosts events such as Grandparents Day, Learn to Sail, School Disco and the 10 Year Anniversary as part of its Primary School Events. These community activities are described across the Wentworth Primary and Events sections.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Wentworth Friends & Families is the parent body for Wentworth Primary, focused on the family character and values of the school. They welcome new families into the school and provide support for social functions in the calendar. Meeting dates are published in the Primary Newsletter, and updates are available via the Wentworth Friends & Families Facebook page (a closed group not administered by the school). This group serves as the primary parent–community association for Wentworth Primary.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

Wentworth College Gulf Harbour campus sits on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, about 40 minutes north of Auckland city. The campus is a coastal setting surrounded by nature and offers facilities for both academic and co-curricular activities. It features a modern sports centre with a gymnasium, a dance studio and a weights room, plus tennis courts and outdoor sporting fields. It is within walking distance to Gulf Harbour Marina and near Shakespear Regional Park for outdoor education experiences. Access is by car, ferry (Gulf Harbour Ferry runs 12 times daily) or school bus.

Sports Facilities

The campus has a modern sports centre with a gymnasium, a dance studio and a weights room, plus tennis courts and outdoor sporting fields. Swimming Sports are held at a local pool for Years 5–13, offering competitive and participation-based events. Water Sports Day for Years 7–10 takes place at local beaches with paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing. Rugby, netball, football, basketball, hockey, and cricket are offered as team sports, with opportunities to compete locally and regionally. House events such as Athletics Day, Cross Country and Mathex supplement sport, and outdoor education activities are also part of the program.

Academic Facilities

Generous classroom provision and specialist facilities such as science laboratories, a technology suite and a music room.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Co-curricular activities include Debating, Thinkers Club, Chess, Spanish Club, Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold), Photography Club and Art Club; the Duke of Edinburgh Award is available at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. A golf academy is also offered as part of sport and co-curricular opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has a Cambridge-based curriculum taught by specialist teachers across English, Mathematics, Science (including laboratory experiments), Global Perspectives, Physical Education, Computer Science, Music, Art, Spanish, Mandarin and Technology. The program is designed to prepare students for Cambridge examinations later in their schooling. Specialist teachers are trained in each subject to support high standards.

Arts & Creative

The school has cultural co-curricular activities including Chess Group, Debating, and Dance Groups (such as ballet and pilates). The school also has a range of Musical Groups and an annual Drama Production.

Cultural & Language

The school teaches Spanish and Mandarin as language studies. Mandarin and Technology are part of the Year 7–8 curriculum. A Spanish Club is available as a co-curricular activity.

Social & Hobbies

The school offers a very wide range of sports, and all students are encouraged to take part in at least one sport each year. Most students compete in two or three sports across summer and winter codes. Netball, Hockey and Basketball are popular, and there is a Sailing and Rowing program as well as a shooting range at the school.

Leadership & Professional

The school has leadership opportunities through Senior Leaders who motivate younger peers and uphold high standards. The leadership structure includes Prefects and Portfolios. There are House Leaders as part of the house system.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The school offers a wide range of sports and actively encourages participation in at least one sport per year. Most students compete in two or three sports across summer and winter codes. Traditional codes such as Netball, Hockey and Basketball are popular, and Sailing and Rowing teams are part of the sport program, with a shooting range also available at the school.
Languages

Language Provision

An ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programme supports international students' English language development. IELTS preparation courses are offered after school for ESOL students. Year 7-9 students study at least one language, with options including Spanish or Mandarin. Languages offered include Spanish, Mandarin and French; Cambridge IGCSE language options include IGCSE Spanish and IGCSE French, with IGCSE ESOL also available.
Reputation

Accreditations

Cambridge International - examination centre.
Admissions

Admissions

Wentworth College accepts applications from new long-term overseas students. Short-term study for 2–6 weeks is not offered. Step 1: Download and complete the appropriate application form and read the International Tuition Agreement. These documents provide the information needed to assess your application and to offer a place if eligible. They also help the school arrange the best possible homestay if one is required. Return the documents to the International Student Director by email or post if you wish to proceed. Step 2: Return the completed forms and include copies of your most recent school reports and the passport ID page. These documents help verify your academic history and identity. They enable the school to progress with the enrolment assessment. Step 3: An enrolment interview is arranged, by Zoom, WeChat or Teams if overseas, or face-to-face if you are in NZ. The interview helps assess suitability for enrolment and allows the applicant to ask questions. It also provides an opportunity to confirm program placement and any English language support needs. Step 4: If you are successful and accepted, you will be offered a conditional offer of place and an invoice for the tuition and homestay fees. The conditional offer indicates that certain conditions must be met before final admission is confirmed. The invoice outlines the financial obligations for tuition and homestay. Step 5: Upon payment of the tuition fees, an Official Offer of Place and a Receipt are issued, which are the documents required to commence the student visa application with New Zealand Immigration. Step 6: The Homestay Coordinator will arrange a homestay family and advise the details. If required, the school can arrange International Student Medical and Travel Insurance, which is a compulsory requirement of the stay in NZ. Step 7: Notify arrival times and the school will arrange airport pickup andtransfer you to Gulf Harbour. You will be introduced to your host parents. School uniforms can be arranged after arrival, and you should bring a copy of your student visa in your passport on the first day.

Scholarships

Entrance Scholarships for 2026: There will be no Scholarship Examinations held in 2025 for 2026 entry. Scholarships for 2026 new entrants may be considered for exceptional circumstances, and would be awarded based on outstanding academic ability, while also considering the applicants' notable abilities in other areas, such as sport, culture and community endeavours. Please inform the Admissions Registrar if you wish to be considered for a scholarship at time of application and your reasons why.
School Events
The school has not added events