Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
ACG Parnell College is located between the inner-city suburbs of Parnell and Newmarket in Auckland, beside Auckland Domain, the city's largest park. The area is surrounded by art galleries, museums, and historic architecture, forming a vibrant cultural hub. The campus has excellent transport links, with bus, train, and ferry services nearby and is on the InnerLink bus route for convenient access to major transport hubs across Auckland.
Preschool (Early Learning); Primary School; Middle School; College (Senior Campus).
Cambridge International education provider for Early Learning to Year 13.
ELL (English Language Learner) support for non-native English speakers; Intensive English Language programme with regular progress assessments; ESOL support.
New Zealand
Private bus service for students from the North Shore and Eastern Suburbs; shared transport options from Western Suburbs; four routes across Early Learning, Primary School, Middle School and Senior Campus.
Boarding is available through Inspired's premium boarding facilities.
The uniform is worn by Years 1 to 11; Years 12 and 13 may wear mufti within a set dress code.
The cafeteria offers a variety of nutritious meals and snacks. Students can bring lunch from home or purchase freshly prepared food at the cafeteria, including items such as sandwiches, donburi, pasta, sushi, curry, noodles and rice dishes, muffins, fruit salad, and milk. The menu accommodates vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options.
ACG Parnell is an Inspired School in New Zealand and a proud member of the Inspired Education Group.
Cambridge International curriculum (IGCSE and A Levels) is taught from Early Learning through Years 12–13 via the Cambridge Pathway from Cambridge Primary to College; AS Level in Year 12 and A-Level in Year 13 with 23 AS courses and 18 full A-Level options.
100% A-Level pass rate; seven Top in the World Cambridge Awards; fifteen Top in New Zealand Cambridge Awards; 97% of Year 13 graduates achieve University Entrance; 46% of graduates gain admission to leading overseas universities.
Tailored university preparation and global opportunities; one-on-one university counselling for local and international universities; Unifrog platform; regular university visits; support for applications to leading universities such as the Ivy League and Russell Group.
Enrichment and extension for Gifted and Talented students through a differentiated teaching programme; opportunity to advance to higher levels in mathematics in Years 9–10 and in science in Year 10 for eligible students.
The school assigns a tutor who provides mentoring and academic support. Deans work with tutors to provide further assistance when needed. A range of tailored support channels enhances each student's learning journey, with school leaders closely monitoring both academic progress and pastoral wellbeing. An International Dean supports international students with academic matters, visa and funding queries. Parent Partnership and Achievement Conference Days keep families informed about progress and involvement.
Where appropriate, referrals are made for assessments with the Ministry of Education's Learning Support team. The Learning Support team provides access to special education services, speech-language therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists. Preschool Learning Support works with families and specialists to support children's learning and development. The Well Child Tamariki Ora programme supports the youngest learners and includes hearing and vision screening as part of the B4 School Check. An ESOL programme is available for students who would benefit from specialist English language instruction.
Intensive English Programme is delivered by specialist English language teachers. It supports students whose first language is not English with elementary or intermediate skills before transitioning into mainstream classes. Your child's progress is assessed regularly, and the team works closely with families to ensure development across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Literacy Support Programme is delivered through the English department and provides weekly targeted assistance in grammar, spelling, reading comprehension, and writing. The programme is available to students from Year 7 through to the senior years, with regular communication to families.
Pastoral care and wellbeing are central to the school environment. Each student is assigned a tutor who provides mentoring and academic support. Deans per year level, and an International Dean, support student welfare, academic progress, and personal development. A range of tailored support channels enhances each student's learning journey, with school leaders closely monitoring both progress and pastoral wellbeing. Progress is assessed regularly, and families are kept informed through Parent Partnership and Achievement Conference Days.
Applications to ACG Parnell are accepted year‑round for Early Learning to Year 13. Mid‑term entry is possible for most levels, but places in some year groups may be limited, so applying early is advised. The quickest and easiest way to apply is online; the application form takes about ten minutes to complete, and the Admissions Team will be in touch after submission to discuss the next steps. If you would like to learn more about the school, you can attend a Guided Tour or Open Day. 1. Application: complete the online form, which typically takes about ten minutes; after submission, the team will contact you to discuss next steps. 2. Interview: after reviewing the application, you and your child will be invited to a roughly 30‑minute interview to discuss needs and answer questions; please bring copies of documents if available, including the child's passport or birth certificate, the most recent school report, and standardised test results (e.g., PAT, e‑asTTle, or NCEA for senior students). 3. Offer: a decision will be provided within seven days of the interview; successful candidates receive an offer; the school requires a certain level of English fluency to access classroom instruction, and ESOL support is available for non‑native English speakers. 4. Acceptance: acceptance must be confirmed in writing and the acceptance fee paid; after that, arrangements can be made for uniforms and school transport in preparation for the start at the school.
ACG Parnell offers four scholarship options: Academic Scholarship, Founders Scholarship, Sibling Scholarship, and the Nsouli Scholars Programme through Inspired Education Group. The Academic Scholarship is for new students in Years 7 to 13 and covers part of tuition; selection is based on demonstrated academic ability, work ethic, and performance, with consideration also given to talents in sports, performing arts and leadership; scholarships are not available for financial hardship. The terms require a completed online admissions form, a CV detailing achievements, and selection based on the application, school reports, and an interview with a member of the Senior Leadership Team; scholarships are reviewed annually and may be withdrawn if attitude or performance are unsatisfactory; recipients are expected to participate in extracurricular life. The Founders Scholarship is for students currently studying at a New Zealand ACG secondary school who plan to begin a university course the following year and may be held with other awards; it recognises outstanding academic ability and personal qualities such as integrity, leadership, vision, drive and work ethic. The Sibling Scholarship rewards larger families; if four children attend ACG Parnell at the same time, the youngest may receive a full‑tuition scholarship, and for five or more children a 25% scholarship of total fees may be awarded, subject to enrolment criteria. The Nsouli Scholars Programme is an Inspired Education Group initiative offering up to 50 full scholarships across Inspired schools; several scholarships will be awarded to individuals of Lebanese origin as part of the programme's inclusivity.
360 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand. Based in Albany on Auckland's North Shore, the campus sits on a purpose-built 50-acre site set among native bush. A fleet of Kristin buses provides transport to multiple routes around Auckland.
Early Learning to Senior School (Early Childhood Education 6 months–5 years; Kindergarten through Year 13)
Independent, co-educational school
New Zealand
non-denominational
Dedicated Kristin buses operate for Kindergarten through Senior School with routes across Auckland. Drivers know students by name. Route information is available by selecting AM or PM tabs on the bus route page.
Homestay accommodation: Kiwi host families; international students usually live with a host family arranged by Kristin's International Services. Host families are carefully selected and police checked to ensure safety and welfare. The homestay provides a fully furnished bedroom with study facilities, three meals a day plus snacks, and transport to school and activities as needed.
Kristin has a formal uniform. An on-site uniform shop sells items with fittings by appointment; some items can be purchased direct from Argyle Online; secondhand uniform sales are held regularly. House colours are used in PE and in house T-shirts as part of the school's house system.
For international students in homestay, food is provided by the host family: three meals a day plus snacks; breakfast typically includes cereal and toast, lunch is usually a sandwich, and dinner is typically meat with vegetables.
The school uses a house system; house colours feature on PE shirts and House T-Shirts; House Deans oversee house matters in the Senior School.
Kristin School is owned by a charitable trust and governed by a Board of Governors comprising four Trustees and six Parent Governors.
The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum World School with dual curriculums: IB and NCEA; senior students choose between the IB Diploma Programme and NCEA.
Small class sizes; senior school classes have an average of 15 students.
The school has a 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma and 97% of students achieving University Entrance (UE) in 2024.
97% of students achieved University Entrance (UE) in 2024.
The school emphasises intellectual and personal development through academics, experiential learning, service and leadership. It aims to develop students who are curious, caring and responsible global citizens within an environment that supports wellbeing.
1. Apply online: Applications take about 15 minutes to complete and require documents such as the photo page of the applicant's passport or NZ birth certificate; for non-New Zealand passport holders, a visa copy; a recent head-and-shoulders photo; two most recent school reports; and copies of any educational assessments if applicable. 2. Little Doves ELC and Kristin Kindergarten: Applications are open year-round; after submission, the child is placed in an Applicant Pool and will be contacted for an interview if a place becomes available; tours are invitation-only. 3. Junior School (Year 0 and Year 1): Applications are open year-round; selected candidates are notified for an entrance interview closer to when the child turns five; tours are offered by invitation. 4. Middle School (Years 7 and 9, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand not all applicants will be selected for an entrance interview; those not selected will be placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if opportunities arise. 5. Senior School (Years 11–13, 2026 entries): Applications for 2026 have closed; 2027 and beyond are open; due to high demand and limited places not all applicants will be shortlisted; shortlisted candidates and their parent(s) or guardian(s) must attend an entrance interview with the Senior School Principal or delegate. 6. International students: Kristin generally does not accept international students under 14 unless they live in Auckland with a parent permanently present; a copy of the birth certificate and passport must be provided with the International Student application. 7. What we look for: Kristin seeks students with real potential to be intellectual and independent learners and to contribute across the co-curriculum; selection considers academics, character, interests and personality. 8. Community connections: connections to the Kristin community (such as being siblings of current students or children of alumni) are considered as part of the process, but do not guarantee a place. 9.
Dove Scholarships are Kristin's main scholarship program for Years 9–13 and include four categories: Dove Sports Scholarships, Dove Performing Arts Scholarships, Dove Foundation Scholarships (for Alumni/Foundation families), and Dove Emerging Leaders Scholarships. Each category offers up to 50% of tuition fees and is renewed each year if scholarship requirements are met. Dove Scholarships open for 2027 entry; applications close 31 March 2026; applicants complete an online form and are notified by email about shortlisting. Eligibility requires New Zealand Citizenship or Permanent Residency; scholarships are for new students entering Years 9–13. Shortlisted applicants and their parents attend an interview; a financial disclosure may be requested; decisions are final; if no applicants meet criteria, Kristin may not award any scholarships that year.
Applicants not selected for an entrance interview are placed in the Applicant Pool and may be contacted if an opportunity for an entrance interview arises at a later date.
Located in Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus address is 122 Market Road, Epsom, Auckland 1051.
Junior School Years 0–6; Senior School Years 7–10; Senior School Years 11–13.
The school is an all-girls day and boarding school.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are available to support students whose first language is not English.
New Zealand
Transport options include dedicated school bus routes organized by Auckland Transport; Outer Link bus; private and public NZ Bus routes; Remuera train station within walking distance.
Boarding at St Cuthbert's is a vibrant community where over 100 girls from Years 9–13 flourish academically, personally and socially. Students progress through three distinctive boarding houses—Melrose, Dunblane and Elgin—each tailored to the needs of different year levels as they move through the senior years. The College is located in Epsom, Auckland.
The uniform is available exclusively from Black Watch House, the on-campus uniform shop on the lower ground floor of the Robertson Building. Families can purchase via the online shop or visit the shop during opening hours.
A wide variety of food is provided in the dining hall, including a hot lunch option with a salad, smoothies and wraps. The Violet Wood Dining Hall is the heart of the boarding community, with shared meals; breakfast, lunch and dinner options are offered and smoothies are available at the smoothie bar; there are summer BBQs in the Melrose House outdoor area.
The college has three boarding houses—Melrose, Dunblane and Elgin—that accommodate different year levels as students progress through Years 9–13.
The school is governed by a Trust Board that oversees strategic planning for the College. The St Cuthbert's Foundation was launched to support the College's strategic plan.
The curriculum from Years 0-13 combines academic rigor with forward-thinking innovation, preparing young women for a rapidly changing world. Subject offerings cover sciences, English, humanities, languages, mathematics, technology, and the arts, with tailored choices aligned to university entrance requirements and future career aspirations. Guidance on subject selection is provided by Careers advisors, tutors, Deans, and teachers. Extension for High Achievers includes acceleration in Mathematics, NZQA Scholarship programmes, and mentoring. Junior School (Years 0-6) features a Structured Literacy Approach, a strong numeracy programme, smaller class sizes, and specialist teaching in Music, French, and Physical Education. Senior School (Years 7-10) offers a core programme with language tasters in Year 7 and pathways in Year 8, plus a Year 10 Kahunui outdoor learning experience. Year 11-13 provide a bespoke Year 11 Diploma and two qualification pathways: NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
2024 results: 99% of students achieved University Entrance across IB and NCEA; NCEA pass rate for Levels 2 and 3 was 100%; IB pass rate was 100% with 22% achieving 40+/45. NZQA Scholarships were awarded: 139 total, with 25 outstanding. 2023 results: 97% of Year 13 gained University Entrance; six Top NZ Subject Awards; three NZQA Outstanding Scholar Awards; two Premier Scholars. 2025 results: 99% University Entrance; 121 NZQA Scholarships awarded with 16 outstanding.
University Entrance is a key pathway, with two qualification routes in Years 12-13: NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The school provides University and Career Guidance to support local and offshore university applications, and offers a broad range of subjects to prepare students for tertiary study across multiple regions.
Extension for High Achievers includes acceleration in Mathematics, enrichment opportunities, NZQA Scholarship programmes, and mentoring.
The school has a dedicated Wellbeing Centre where our psychologist, counsellors, Deans and Careers staff are located to guide students' mental, physical and emotional health. The team works with teachers and families to ensure the overall wellbeing of every girl. The Wellbeing programme starts from day one and continues through graduation. The Year 7 Homeroom model provides close pastoral care, and Vertical Tutor Groups from Year 8 onward offer ongoing support to help girls settle, form friendships, and develop leadership and social skills. Strong friendships and a caring, inclusive community are nurtured through the school's ethos, with service and the values programme embedded across campus.
Pohutukawa Learning Centre is led by a registered educational psychologist and works with classroom educators, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists who regularly visit the school to meet each student's unique needs on site.
If English is not your first language, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are provided to help establish stronger English language skills.
The Wellbeing Centre includes a psychologist, counsellors, Deans, nurses and mental health practitioners who guide students' mental health and wellbeing. The team collaborates with teachers and families to monitor wellbeing and respond to concerns. The Wellbeing programme runs from day one through graduation, with a focus on resilience, coping strategies and healthy relationships. Settling in is supported by teachers and older students to help girls feel belonging and connected. The Senior School pastoral structure, including Year 7 Homerooms and Vertical Tutor Groups, further supports social development and leadership and reinforces the school's values-based approach to wellbeing.
The school has an Admissions Team that guides families through the application process from inquiry to place, with an online application form available when ready. The school welcomes girls at every year level in both the Junior and Senior Schools, and offers Boarding from Year 9. International students from Year 1–13 are welcomed into a diverse community. From the initial enquiry, the admissions team supports families to navigate the application process and get to know their daughter and family.
St Cuthbert's offers General Scholarships (General Excellence, Boarding and Performing Arts) and Endeavour Scholarships. For 2027, applications are invited for entry in 2027; applications for all available scholarships are open; applicants may apply for only one scholarship; NZ citizens or NZ residents who are prospective students may apply; examinations and interviews determine outcomes; results are emailed; the principal's decision is final. The Endeavour Scholarships award up to four places each year for Māori and/or Pasifika descent joining in Year 7 and/or Year 9, and provide support through school years. The value of each Endeavour Scholarship starts at 25% of tuition fees per year, rising to 100% with demonstrated financial need; criteria include cultural participation, academic ability and leadership; candidates sit English and Mathematics exams and may be shortlisted for interview. The general scholarships include General Excellence, Boarding, and Performing Arts; a Performing Arts Scholarship has a maximum of 50% tuition; a Kathleen Goulding Old Girls' Association Scholarship has a maximum of 75% tuition; a Margaret Beale Scholarship has a maximum of 100% tuition; Macdonald Junior Academic Scholarship and Macdonald Senior Academic Scholarship are not available for 2027. Boarding Scholarships for 2027 cover Year 9 up to 100% of boarding fees and Year 11 up to 50% of boarding fees (tuition not included). Applications require completion of the checklist and submission by the closing date; 2027 timeline includes closing date 27 March 2026, scholarship exams 22 April 2026, and interviews in late May 2026. For questions contact Brenda Crean at scholarships@stcuthberts.school.nz or call 09 940 9157.
Pakuranga Campus, 130 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand. The campus sits in the Pakuranga area of Auckland and is part of Saint Kentigern College. Directions and bus information are available to assist travel to the campus.
Years 7-13 (ages 11-18)
New Zealand
Presbyterian
Bus information is available for the Pakuranga Campus.
Bruce House is the on-campus boarding facility for Saint Kentigern College students in Years 9–13 (ages 13–18). It is a small, welcoming hostel set in landscaped grounds with views of the Tamaki Estuary. Boarders benefit from supervised evening prep time and dedicated duty staff who are College teachers, with a diverse community that participates in College life, sport and cultural activities.
There are two daywear uniforms—Years 7–10 (Middle School) and Years 11–13 (Senior School)—with a formal uniform worn on Formal Friday during winter. Prefects wear kilts for formal occasions, and a separate sports uniform is worn for Physical Education. Uniform items are available from the on-site Mungo's Uniform Shop or online; sample sizes are available and second-hand uniforms can be purchased.
Saint Kentigern Trust runs the Senior School Saints Café and the Middle School Kents Café, offering a range of healthy foods and drinks with much of the food prepared onsite and menus that change regularly. Saints Café operates before school, at interval, and at lunch from 7:00am to 2:00pm, with online ordering for collection through the OLE and charges to the parent account; orders must be placed by 9:00am. The Cafés accommodate dietary requirements and provide contact details for the Café Manager.
All students belong to one of six houses: Cargill, Chalmers, Hamilton, Wishart, Stark, and Wilson. Within each house, students are organised into Tutor Groups, with Year 7–8 forming Form Classes. Heads of House oversee pastoral care within a tutor-based family structure across the College.
The Saint Kentigern Trust Board is the governing body for Saint Kentigern College and the four Saint Kentigern schools. It is an independent body with the power to appoint its members and was founded in 1949 to provide schools for boys in Auckland; the Trust Deed was amended in 1995 to educate girls as well. In 2009, the Corran and Saint Kentigern Trust Boards merged, with staffing and operations for the Girls' School campus brought under the Trust.
The Senior School offers a broad range of subjects across Arts, Commerce, Humanities, Languages, Applied Mathematics, Sciences and Technology. In Year 11, every student undertakes the NCEA Level 1 qualification. In Years 12 and 13, students may choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority's NCEA. The IB Diploma is a two-year program with six subjects (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), one language as a second language, and core requirements of Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service. The NZQA/NCEA path comprises Levels 1–3 with internal and external assessments; most subjects offer 16–20 credits per subject, and Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 enable progression toward certificates. A Course Handbook provides comprehensive information about the core curriculum and elective subjects.
In 2023, Level 1 NCEA achieved a pass rate of 98.8% (415/420), with 40.96% Excellence Endorsement and 44.82% Merit Endorsement; 86% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 2 NCEA achieved 99.29% (279/281) with 31.54% Excellence Endorsement and 47.67% Merit Endorsement; 79% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. Level 3 NCEA achieved 97.84% (272/278); 21.94% Excellence Endorsement and 48.2% Merit Endorsement; 70% achieved Excellence or Merit Endorsement. The University Entrance rate for the year stands at 91%.
Graduates have progressed to universities worldwide, including Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, New York University, University of Melbourne, and University of Sydney.
The Navigate programme enhances student well-being and character development. Tutor groups and the six Houses provide ongoing pastoral care, with two adult Heads of House. Every teacher acts as a tutor, maintaining strong relationships with their tutor group and parents. Chapel services are held weekly in house groups, and family house services are conducted once a term. Student Futures experts help students navigate life beyond Saint Kentigern.
The Enhanced Learning Centre (ELC) liaises with classroom teachers to enhance learning for individual students. All students referred to the Enhanced Learning Centre are assessed to determine their learning needs and the assessment results are used to determine appropriate support in collaboration with parents and teachers. Gifted and Talented students are provided with opportunities to showcase their achievements and are celebrated, school-wide, during Gifted Awareness Week.
The Guidance Department includes the Head of Guidance, counselling psychologists and clinical psychologists, who are available to students during school hours. The Pastoral Care team comprises Deputy Principals, Heads of House, Head of International Students, Guidance Counsellors, the Chaplaincy team, Nurse, Head of Student Futures (Careers), Maori and Pasifika Director, and Director of Boarding. The Health Centre is staffed Monday to Friday from 8:00am–4:00pm. Weekly Chapel services are a central feature of school life, and Student Futures provides career guidance and information about future pathways with regular tertiary institution visits.
Saint Kentigern follows the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2021 for international students. Emergency contacts for international students are provided by the Director of International Students. Bruce House is the boarding facility for students (years 9 and above), with the Director of Boarding acting in loco parentis. A College Code of Conduct for Students outlines expected behaviour and disciplinary procedures. The Health and Safety policy sets safeguarding and safety protocols, and incidents or hazards must be reported.
1. Application: To apply to Saint Kentigern College, complete the Online Application Form. Applications can be submitted up to three years before the intended entry year. A non-refundable application fee of $300 is charged per application. Attach a copy of the child's NZ Birth Certificate or NZ Passport or current passport, along with their latest school reports; if there have been any educational or medical assessments, provide the reports as well. 2. Request for documentation: Around 12 months ahead of entry year, the Admissions team will be in touch to request additional supporting documentation, such as school reports. 3. Interview: After the application and documents are received, prospective students and their caregiver may be invited to attend an enrolment interview in an informal, friendly setting. Interviews are held the year prior to entry. Not every student will be offered an interview and may be placed in a wait pool. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided. 4. Offer of Place: Following a successful interview, a written offer for the child's place will be issued. The offer is usually sent within a week of the interview. To secure the place, an Enrolment Agreement must be signed by both Parents or Caregivers and returned along with the non-refundable Acceptance Fee, Association Fee and Contribution Levy. 5. Acceptance: To complete enrolment, sign the Enrolment Agreement and return it with the required fees. Fees and levies are non-refundable.
Saint Kentigern College offers Scholarships to students entering Years 9-11. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarship categories: Academic, All-Round, Alumni, Boarding Bursary, Performing Arts, and Sport. Scholarships may cover up to 50% of tuition for most categories; Alumni up to 25%; Boarding Bursary up to 50% of boarding fees; Sport up to 50% (up to 90% in exceptional cases). Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the student's schooling. Applications open for 2028 Scholarships on 2 November 2026; 2027 Scholarships are closed. Timeline: 1) Apply online (no fee) with required documents; 2) Exams and auditions as required; 3) Interviews for shortlisted candidates; 4) Offer of scholarship; 5) Acceptance by returning Enrolment Agreement.
Due to high demand, some applicants may be placed in a wait pool while spaces become available. Regular updates regarding available places in each year level will be provided.
