St Andrew’s College has been a happy and successful boarding school since its opening in 1917, and today we accommodate over 165 students. Many are the third generation of their family to board at the College. We welcome boarders from all over rural New Zealand, as well as students joining us from other countries.

Our primary aim is to create a home-away-from-home environment, because happy and secure students are much more likely to succeed in their studies and co-curricular activities.  Boarding life fosters a sense of co-operation and helps students to develop independence and maturity. Interaction with other students from different year levels also helps to enhance confidence and leadership skills.

Close supervision by our boarding staff ensures students live comfortably and securely, and our structured daily schedule helps to create a warm, friendly and disciplined living atmosphere. A key advantage of boarding is that students have on-site academic support at Prep times, and easy access to the College library and computer suite. Sporting and recreational facilities are also readily available.

We work in partnership with families, and encourage them to attend as many school events and functions as possible. Extended family and friends are welcome to join us for meals in the dining room at any time, and a lounge is provided as a meeting room for students and their families.   

Our boarding staff are united in their belief that students must be nurtured in a caring, safe and happy environment in order to develop to their full potential. I am proud to have a committed, enthusiastic and energetic team who work passionately to achieve just that, and invite you to contact me to view our boarding facilities. You also have access to our Boarders’ Handbook, which is available on the Downloads page of this site.


Dianne MacDonald
Director of Boarding