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St Margaret's College

New Zealand, Christchurch

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$18,850 - 31,490
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 842
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1910
Bus Service No
Availability Not shared by this school
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin, French
Strengths Sport, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

St Margaret's College is an all‑girls, day and boarding school in New Zealand offering a dual academic pathway of NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The college serves girls from age 2 to 18, with a foundation Year 11 that prepares for NCEA Levels 2–3 and the IBDP, and a broad programme supported by the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement. As an IB World School, it delivers the Diploma Programme core—Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service—alongside subject groups across languages, individuals and societies, mathematics, arts and sciences. Facilities include the Centre for Innovation with coding, robotics, 3D printing and laser cutting; a Library & Study Centre; and purpose‑built arts and performance spaces. The campus underwent an 80% rebuild after the Canterbury earthquakes, and features extensive sports facilities, a heated pool, on‑site health, chaplaincy, and a strong boarding community. Results and traditions underpin a whānau‑centred education.

stmargarets.school.nz

Vibes and Culture
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The Essentials

St Margaret's College has 842 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
12 Winchester Street, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand. Postal address: PO Box 25094, Christchurch 8140.

Stages
Junior School; Middle School; Senior School.

Type
All-girls day and boarding school.

Additional learning support
Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement provides support for Year 1-13 students identified as learning differently. It offers small-group tuition in literacy and numeracy, study skills and research-based programmes, in-class support, and English language learner support. It also runs a Gifted and Talented programme.

Country affiliation
New Zealand

Religious affiliation
Anglican
Diving Deeper
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Fees

Annual tuition at St Margaret's College ranges from NZD 18,850 to NZD 31,490 for 2026/27.

Application and acceptance fees
- Application fee: NZD 200 (non‑refundable).
- Acceptance fee: NZD 2,000 (payable when a place is offered; non‑refundable; payment together with a signed direct debit form secures the place).

Tuition fees (annual / per term / monthly instalment)
- Years 1–3: NZD 18,850 per year; per term NZD 4,712.50; if paid by the school's ten monthly instalments (January–October) the instalment amount is NZD 1,885.00.
- Years 4–6: NZD 24,010 per year; per term NZD 6,002.50; ten monthly instalments NZD 2,401.00.
- Years 7–8: NZD 28,000 per year; per term NZD 7,000.00; ten monthly instalments NZD 2,800.00.
- Years 9–13: NZD 31,490 per year; per term NZD 7,872.50; ten monthly instalments NZD 3,149.00.
- International Baccalaureate (where applicable): NZD 1,500 per year; per term NZD 375.00; ten monthly instalments NZD 150.00.

Boarding fees (annual / per term / monthly instalment) and what's included
- Full boarding fee: NZD 19,830 per year (incl. GST). Per term NZD 4,957.50; ten monthly instalments NZD 1,983.00.
- Boarding inclusions: accommodation, meals (including breakfast, a subsidised lunch, afternoon tea and dinner), supervised prep, and a weekend and evening activity programme (including events run with Christ's College). There is no concession for weekday‑only boarders.

Other compulsory charges and common additional costs
- Building Fund Contribution: NZD 1,320 per year (incl. GST).
- Parents' & Friends' Association subscription: NZD 72.45 per year.
- ESOL tutoring: an additional fee is charged where ESOL tutoring is required for non‑international students (amount set separately).
- Sundry charges (cafeteria, stationery, school trips, etc.) are invoiced separately and charged to parents' accounts. Cafeteria and shop purchases: Maggie's Shop accepts eftpos or cash; items may also be charged to parents' accounts. Uniforms and sports kit are supplied through Maggie's Shop.
- Yearbook and other small compulsory levies may be charged as set by the Trust Board.

Discounts and sibling concessions
- Pre‑payment discount: 1.5% discount on tuition and boarding when the total annual fees are prepaid by 20 February.
- Sibling concession: 5% discount on tuition fees and 5% on boarding fees for the second daughter; 10% for the third and subsequent daughters attending concurrently.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Charging frequency: tuition and boarding are charged in ten equal monthly instalments (January to October). Accounts for sundry expenses are invoiced monthly on a separate account.
- Due timing and collection: college fees and accounts are due and payable in advance either by annual payment or by direct debit within one month of receipt of the account. It is mandatory for students' tuition and boarding payments to be collected by direct debit (a signed direct debit form is required). Payment by alternative methods is permitted but will incur a NZD 100 fee for each instalment period.
- Pre‑payment option: annual pre‑payment is accepted and attracts the pre‑payment discount when made by the stated deadline.

Late payment and dishonour fees
- Late payment fees and interest: the Trust Board may charge interest on overdue accounts (set at 5% above the College bankers' overdraft rate) and will charge a late payment fee of NZD 250 per account, per month until paid. Direct debit dishonour attracts a NZD 200 non‑payment dishonour fee. Where accounts remain unpaid the Trust Board may require a minimum of one term's fees in advance and may take recovery action.

Withdrawal, refund and notice rules
- Written notice: one whole term's written advance notice to the Executive Principal is required to withdraw a student or to change status (boarder ↔ daygirl). Where insufficient notice is given, one term's tuition and/or boarding fees will be charged in lieu of notice, in addition to fees due for the remainder of the term. Acceptance and application fees are non‑refundable.
- Boarding refund/proration: boarding fees are payable for the full year and will only be prorated for early withdrawals prior to 1 September; after 1 September the full year's boarding fees remain payable unless the family relocates to within the greater Christchurch area. No fees or other costs will be refundable where the student does not start or does not complete a full term.

Fee payment options (practical details)
- Primary method: Direct debit from a nominated bank account (mandatory for tuition/boarding and required with acceptance). Annual payment by bank transfer/direct debit is accepted for pre‑payment.
- Alternative methods: permitted but attract a NZD 100 fee per instalment period; the school may accept shop/cafeteria payments by eftpos or cash for on‑site purchases. Sundry items are invoiced monthly and are paid by direct debit.

Notes on special levies or charges
- Diploma / senior levies: an IB or senior school levy applies where relevant (International Baccalaureate fee NZD 1,500 per year is charged; additional diploma or assessment levies for Years 12 & 13 may also apply). ESOL and other subject‑specific charges are billed as required. Exact amounts for specific subject levies, optional trips, or specialist courses are invoiced separately.
Academics

St Margaret's College teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
St Margaret's College offers a dual academic pathway of NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Year 11 follows the bespoke Foundation Diploma to prepare for NCEA Level 2-3 and the IBDP, with three compulsory courses (English, maths and at least one science) plus three additional specialist subjects, and a focus on holistic growth supported by the House tutor system. The school is an IB World School and delivers the Diploma Programme core—Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service—alongside subject groups that cover language, individuals and societies, mathematics, arts and sciences. NCEA Levels 2 and 3 are offered in Year 12-13, with six subjects in Year 12 and five in Year 13; NZQA Scholarships are available and NCEA is underpinned by the NZ Curriculum and Key Competencies. Gifted and talented education and learning support are provided through the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement, with tailored programs continuing from Junior and Middle School.

Exam Results
National Certificate of Educational Achievement results for 2025 show Level 2 overall achievement at 99% and Level 3 at 100%, reflecting the dual pathway of NCEA and IB. In IB, the 2025 average score was 33, 14% above the international average of 29, and two students achieved NZ IB Scholar status. The Class of 2025 destinations include universities in New Zealand and overseas, with notable shares to University of Otago (32%), University of Canterbury (23%), Lincoln University (8%), Victoria University of Wellington (8%), University of Auckland (7%), and overseas universities (13%), plus other pathways such as Otago Polytechnic and gap year. Fields of study include Sciences (Health and other), Commerce, Law, Engineering, Arts, Education and related disciplines.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at New Zealand universities and overseas. Common destinations include University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Auckland, and overseas universities. Fields of study span sciences, commerce, law, engineering, arts, education, nursing and related disciplines.

Gifted and Talented
Gifted and talented education and learning support is provided through the Leck Centre for Learning Enhancement, offering tailored learning programs continuing from Junior and Middle School.
Wellbeing
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Parent Experience
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Facilities
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Extra-Curricular Activities
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Languages
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Reputation
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Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply online. Complete the online enrolment form and pay a non-refundable NZ$200 enrolment fee to apply for a place at St Margaret's College. You will need your daughter's New Zealand birth certificate, current passport, proof of residency or citizenship certificate, and a recent photo; depending on how far in advance you are applying, you may also require your daughter's end-of-year school report and any educational assessments. If you are not a New Zealand citizen or resident, visit the International Enrolments section for guidance. Enrolment is not a guarantee of a place. 2. Principal interview. Following receipt of your application and supporting documentation, your daughter will be invited to meet with the Executive Principal or Head of School. Interviews will be scheduled based on priorities set by the Trust Board. 3. Offer of place. Following the interview, the Executive Principal will inform families of an offer of place or a place on the waitlist. If a place is accepted, a non-refundable NZ$2,000 acceptance fee is payable to confirm the commitment to the offered place.

Scholarships
St Margaret's College offers a range of scholarships for Middle School, Year 9, Senior School, and Boarding. Middle School scholarships are available to new students entering Years 7 and 9 in 2027 and current students, and provide up to a 50% remission of tuition for four years (Years 7–10), with an additional Middle School Boarding Scholarship providing up to 50% remission of boarding fees for four years. Year 9 scholarships are limited in number and provide up to a 50% remission of tuition for five years from Year 9, with categories including Academic, Sports, Performing Arts, and General Excellence. The Old Girls' Association Scholarship offers up to 25% remission of tuition for five years from Year 9 and is available to direct descendants of St Margaret's Old Girls. A Boarding scholarship provides up to 50% remission of boarding fees for five years from Year 9. An International Scholarship is available to international students; applicants must complete an enrolment application, and the International Student Manager can be contacted to register interest. Senior School scholarships for 2027 will open in July 2026. To apply for any scholarship, applicants must first complete an enrolment application. There are additional details on eligibility and application timing within the Scholarships section.

Waitlist
An offer of place may be issued, or a place on the waitlist may be assigned.
School Events
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