Two students walking outside boarding house.

Our Boarding Houses

Ō Mātou Whare Kuranoho

Our Year 9–13 boarders come from many different areas of New Zealand and beyond, to form a tight-knit and unique community. The family culture and spirit that makes boarding so special at St Andrew’s College is reflected in our bright, modern boarding houses.

Three on-campus boarding houses

We have three boarding houses on the campus, Thompson and Rutherford, (three-storey buildings which opened in 2013), and MacGibbon (which was refurbished in 2012).  Students share twin or quad rooms, divided into semi-private spaces encompassing a comfortable bed, desk, wardrobe and storage facilities, and a pin board.

Each house has communal spaces where students can relax and socialise, with day lounges on each floor of Thompson and Rutherford Houses. Television is available with limited SKY options in all boarding houses, along with free Wi-Fi and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Each house has its own team of staff, and close connections are forged between the three houses through mealtimes, social events, weekend activities and a buddy system providing support to those new to boarding.

Rutherford Boarding House | Year 11–13 Boys

Around 60 boys from Years 11–13 live in our senior boys’ Boarding House, Rutherford, which opened in 2013 and provides modern, state-of-the art boarding accommodation. Students share twin or quad rooms, divided into semi-private spaces encompassing a comfortable bed, desk, wardrobe and storage facilities, and a pin board.

The House has spaces where students can relax and socialise together, with day lounges on each floor. Television is available with limited Sky TV options, along with free Wi-Fi and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Director of Boarding talking with students.

Thompson Boarding House | Year 9–13 Girls

Around 60 girls from Years 9–13 live in our girls’ Boarding House, Thompson, which also opened in 2013 and provides modern, state-of-the art boarding accommodation. Students share twin or quad rooms, divided into semi-private spaces encompassing a comfortable bed, desk, wardrobe and storage facilities, and a pin board.

The House has spaces where students can relax and socialise together, with day lounges on each floor. Television is available with limited Sky TV options, along with free Wi-Fi and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Exterior of Thompson Boarding House.

MacGibbon Boarding House | Year 9–11 Boys

Around 48 boys from Years 9–11 live in our junior boys’ Boarding House, MacGibbon. The building was strengthened after the 2011 earthquakes and is strong, safe and sturdy. Students share practical twin or quad rooms, with a comfortable bed, desk, wardrobe, storage facilities and a pin board.

MacGibbon House has a fun, family environment, with a large open plan Common Room, and kitchenette, where boarders can relax, watch television and have a snack.

Director of Boarding welcoming family to MacGibbon Boarding House.