Boarding
Kuranoho
"A strong family culture and community spirit makes boarding at St Andrew’s College a special experience. Our three bright, modern boarding houses are a “home away from home” for our boarding students."
Matt Parr Director of Boarding
A home away from home
Boarding at St Andrew's College offers your child a unique experience, underpinned by a strong family culture and community spirit. As the only independent co-educational secondary school in the South Island with boarding for students from Year 9–13, we combine century-old traditions with modern residential care.
Our dedicated staff ensure a smooth transition for students and their families, providing a warm, friendly, and safe environment in which students can flourish. The state-of-the-art Boarding Houses, prioritise the safety and well-being of boarders. We aim to create a happy “home away from home” for all our boarders.
"I believe great parents set the culture and tone of their family and foster a sense of belonging, protection, and direction. We set the same intentions in our boarding family at St Andrew’s College. Everything we do revolves around supporting the students’ number one objective for being here – to get an excellent education."
Matt ParrDirector of Boarding
Key benefits of boarding
1
Our boarding advantage
Our boarding experience goes beyond providing shelter and meals; it's a holistic experience shaping students into their best selves, which we believe gives them a unique advantage in life. Our dedicated staff and creative programmes instil routines, self-management, discipline, and socialisation in an inclusive, co-educational environment.
2
Boarding Philosophy – Te taki tino ma
Te taki tino ma guides our philosophy of ‘building better people for life.’ It translates to ‘To lead the rest and be your best’, encouraging boarders to aspire to excellence and seize all opportunities. Striving for personal potential, we emphasise qualities like respect, inclusiveness, empathy, manners, and pride in appearance, fostering a community of good people.
3
Wonderful facilities
The three Boarding Houses on our campus provide students with direct after-hours access to sports facilities, the Green Library and Innovation Centre, computer suites, music practice facilities, and art rooms. The College’s location close to Northlands Mall, Merivale Mall and central Christchurch provides opportunities for organised social outings, with the beach and mountains less than an hour away.
4
Your family is our family
We believe in treating our boarders' families as an extension of our own. We encourage families to actively participate in school events and functions, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, families are always welcome to join us for meals in the dining room, where shared experiences and conversations enrich our boarding community.
"St Andrew’s College has a caring and nurturing boarding community. It has a family feeling and is a positive place to be."
Boarder parent
Boarding Life
Boarding life at St Andrew’s fosters personal growth through communal living, cultivating self-discipline, independence, maturity, and leadership skills. Academic support, a structured social calendar, and enjoyable activities enhance the experience, leading to lasting friendships that extend beyond school.
Our Boarding Houses
Our Year 9–13 boarders come from many different areas of New Zealand and the world to form a tight-knit and unique community. We offer different living arrangements based on the ages of our boarders to meet their development needs in three different Boarding Houses – one for girls and two for boys.
Our Boarding Staff
Our strong community spirit makes boarding at St Andrew’s College a special experience. Our caring, enthusiastic staff understand that boarding is a significant life change for students and their families, and are dedicated to providing a warm, friendly, safe environment – a happy home away from home.
Boarding Fees
Discover the comprehensive breakdown of fees, encompassing boarding and academic costs for both domestic and international students. Your investment paves the way for a nurturing, academically vibrant, and socially engaging boarding experience for your child.
Parenting Together
Our boarding programme thrives on collaboration between dedicated staff and engaged parents. Unity is fostered through events and social occasions, creating a supportive community. The Parent Committee facilitates communication and involvement, ensuring a holistic boarding experience.
