The St Andrew's College campus in 2024.

Our Campus

Taiwhanga

St Andrew’s College has a large school campus in Christchurch, with its teaching and learning centres, and cultural and sports facilities, spread across 13 hectares of beautiful park-like grounds, close to the heart of the city. Our College has been designed to allow a natural flow from our Pre-School to Preparatory School, through to the Secondary School.

Our state-of-the-art campus

Tradition and history are fundamental to the spirit of St Andrew's, but we also have our sights fixed firmly on the future. The teaching methods and technologies we employ in the classroom are leading edge. We are also preparing our learning environment for the students of tomorrow.

In recent years our campus has undergone a significant transformation, with major construction projects completed to inspire creativity and learning – the Spiro Science and Mathematics Centre, two new boarding houses, Gym 2, StACFit Fitness Centre, Centennial Chapel, Preparatory School Stewart Juniot Centre and Pre-school, Green Library and Innovation Centre, and the spectacular Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre, which opened in April 2024. This facility incorporates the Gough Family Theatre, which has a fully professional theatre setup, and seating for 266. The Fife Dance and Drama Studio and extensive backstage areas are also included within Ngā Toi.

Other facilities enjoyed by our students include the only fully professional television and digital media studio and control room complex in a New Zealand secondary school; a full Music Suite with high-tech recording equipment, and the Askin Pipe Band Centre, which supports a variety of cultural groups. Off-site our students enjoy outdoor education facilities at the College’s Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill.

Take a virtual tour

Explore St Andrew's College through a virtual tour guided by our 2022 Heads of College, unveiling the dynamic campus, cutting-edge facilities, and the inspiring academic atmosphere that defines our school.

St Andrew's College campus sign and front field

Explore our Campus

Pre-school exterior at StAC

Pre-school (Ages 2–5)

Pre-school children working with teacher
Pre-school shelving with activities on the shelving unit
Pre-school exterior at StAC
Pre-school interior at St Andrew's College
Children playing in Pre-school garden on slide
Pre-school interior shot at StAC
Pre-school interior with wooden toys
Pre-school interior classroom with chairs and tables
Pre-school interior at StAC play kitchen

Pre-school (Ages 2–5)

St Andrew's College Pre-school, established in 2018, offers a modern and vibrant learning environment where children explore individual interests with the guidance of caring teachers. Our well-equipped facility includes bespoke playgrounds, a love for nature, and a dedicated space for numeracy and literacy development. Our warm and supportive teachers foster a genuine love for learning, and close ties with the Preparatory School ensure a seamless transition for our students to the next stage of their education.

Stewart Junior Centre exterior at StAC

Preparatory School
Stewart Junior Centre (Years 1–3)

Junior School shared space interior at StAC
Children playing on Junior School playground at StAC
Children playing in Junior School sandpit at StAC
Stewart Junior Centre timeline jigsaw wall display at St Andrew's College
Playground at the Stewart Junior Centre at St Andrew's College
Teacher reading to Junior School students at StAC
Interior of Junior School classroom with students and teacher at whiteboard at StAC

Preparatory School
Stewart Junior Centre (Years 1–3)

Our Stewart Junior Centre, with a bespoke playground for Years 1–3, was opened at the start of 2018.

An exciting addition to the Junior School is a discovery room, which provides options for art, cooking and other activities. The Junior School also has a three-quarter sized court, artificial grass, and performance stage.

Preparatory School exterior at StAC

Preparatory School
Learning Centre (Years 4–8)

Preparatory School shared space outside of classrooms
Preparatory School corridor with artwork on walls
Preparatory School shared space outside of classrooms
Preparatory School shared space outside of classrooms
Preparatory School outside space
Preparatory School shared space outside of classrooms with chess pieces

Preparatory School
Learning Centre (Years 4–8)

Opened in 2012, the Preparatory School Learning Centre offers a student-centric design for Year 4–8 students, featuring 16 classrooms with sliding door access, specialist facilities for various subjects, and flexible spaces promoting student ownership of learning. The facility boasts a robust wireless network, supporting learning both indoors and outdoors, with recreational spaces such as a courtyard, multi-purpose turf, basketball court, and playground equipment.

Middle School Centre exterior

Middle School Centre (Years 9–11)

Middle School Centre entrance.
Middle School Centre interior.
Middle School Centre interior.

Middle School Centre (Years 9–11)

The Middle School Centre, situated at the base of the Arts Block, serves as a central hub for Year 9–11 students, offering academic and personal support. With an 'open door' policy, Year 9–11 Deans are easily accessible, while friendly administrative staff assist with daily needs and inquiries. The Centre also houses the Head and Assistant Head of Middle School.

Senior College entrance.

The Rentoul Senior College (Years 12–13)

Senior College interior.
Senior College interior.
Senior College interior.
Senior College interior.
Senior College cafeteria.
Outside Senior College common room blossom on trees

The Rentoul Senior College (Years 12–13)

The Senior College, designed for Year 12–13 students, cultivates independence and social responsibility in preparation for life beyond school. With privileges and freedoms, students enjoy separate facilities, including a welcoming atrium, split-level design, and a dedicated Student Centre offering a spacious common room seating up to 80 people.

The Green Library and Innovation Centre interior

The Green Library and Innovation Centre

Student sat in Green Library and Innovation Centre on laptop
Students sat at desk in Green Library and Innovation Centre on laptops
Students in Green Library and Innovation Centre with teacher working on 3D printer
Students in the Green Library and Innovation Centre working on laptops
Students in the Green Library and Innovation Centre working on laptop and 3D printer
Students sat in Green Library and Innovation Centre on laptops

The Green Library and Innovation Centre

The Green Library and Innovation Centre, opened in June 2018, serves as a focal point for student learning, emphasising inspiration, innovation, and collaboration. Featuring an 'Information' space with a mezzanine for studying, research, and book displays, along with dedicated 'Innovation' spaces, including a design area and a 'maker' space equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters. The Centre hosts coding clubs and the College boasts a robust robotics programme, while younger students engage in Lego Mindstorm, supported by the University of Canterbury.

St Andrew's College boarding house exterior

Boarding Houses (Years 9–13)

Students in boarding house bedroom playing cards
Boarding house kitchen area with table and chairs
Boarding house bedroom with bed, desk and wardrobe
Boarding house TV room with sofas
Boarding house common room
Student at desk in boarding house bedroom
Boarding house bathroom
St Andrew's College boarding house exterior
Boarding house common room with sofas
Boarding house lounge with sofa and coffee table
Boarding house single room with bed, cupboard, desk and chair

Boarding Houses (Years 9–13)

The family culture and spirit that makes boarding so special at St Andrew’s College is reflected in our bright, modern boarding houses, which are a real home away from home for our boarders.

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

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 tea and coffee making facilities.

St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel

Centennial Chapel

St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel exterior
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel interior doorway from the original Memorial Chapel
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel stain glass window from original Memorial Chapel
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel interior
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel bell tower
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel exterior wall with bricks from Memorial Chapel
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel interior with student lighting candle
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel exterior with children walking over the bridge
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel interior with students at a service
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel exterior
St Andrew's College Centennial Chapel interior at its dedication service

Centennial Chapel

The 750-seat Centennial Chapel at St Andrew’s College was opened in October 2016 and serves as a versatile space for worship, celebrations, assemblies, and musical events. Featuring striking modern architecture with pitched rooflines and expansive glass, the chapel pays homage to the decommissioned Memorial Chapel, incorporating original stonework, stained glass windows, oak doors, and other elements. Awards, including the New Zealand Architecture 2018 John Scott Award for Public Architecture, recognise its unique design and contribution to the renewal of Christchurch, marking a momentous milestone in St Andrew’s College history.

Gym 1 entrance.

Gym 1

Gym 1 court.
Gym 1 interior with families and students at an event
Gym 1 looking towards the stage
Gym 1 set up with chairs and students for an assembly

Gym 1

Gym 1 is a full-sized gymnasium, which is regularly utilised as a recreation facility. In 2016 the interior and exterior of Gym 1 were modernised, with the addition of the new High Performance Fitness Centre, and new sports offices, with further enhancements made with the new Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre which opened in 2024. Gym 1 has full AV capability and is the venue for many school assemblies and special events.

Gym 2 exterior

Gym 2

Gym 2 interior
Gym 2 court with students playing hockey
Gym 2 court looking down from viewing gallery
Gym 2 viewing gallery
Gym 2 exterior

Gym 2

Opened in 2016, Gym 2 is a purpose-built gymnasium featuring a spacious competition-standard main floor for various sports. The facility includes team bench alcoves, staff offices, changing rooms, and classrooms with projectors. The spectator gallery showcases the Centenary Sports Wall, commemorating 88 students and staff with national or international recognition in sports over the College's 100-year history, including three gold-medal winning Olympians.

StACFit interior and gym equipment

Fitness Centre – StACFit

StACFit interior with fitness equipment
StACFit interior with fitness equipment
Exterior of StACFit
2022 Leavers gift mural under the StACFit building

Fitness Centre – StACFit

In 2021, our state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, StACFit, opened, benefiting the entire College community by promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The 308-square-metre facility supports holistic health, provides preparation space for sports teams, and adheres to high health and safety standards. With a spacious layout, a 24-metre exercise strip, and extensive fitness equipment, the Fitness Centre is open to all students and staff.

Students in ballet studio

Ballet and Dance Studio

Students in ballet studio
St Andrew's College ballet students and teacher at ballet and dance studio in Ngā Toi
St Andrew's College ballet students and teacher at ballet and dance studio in Ngā Toi
Ballet and dance studio in Ngā Toi
Ballet and dance studio in Ngā Toi

Ballet and Dance Studio

Opened early in 2024 as part of Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre, our state-of-the-art Lesley Johnston Ballet and Dance Studio provide world-class facilities for dancers of all ages and abilities. Architecturally designed, both spaces are expansive and contain the full suite of professional amenities: ballet flooring with sprung floors, double-height barres, studio mirrors, quality audio, air conditioning, projection capability, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Used primarily by our own on-site Ballet Academy (with programmes running from Pre-school to Year 13), it also accommodates other popular programmes such as the co-Curricular Dance Programme and Highland dancing. Located within our Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre, our Lesley Johnston Ballet and Dance Studio provides an ideal teaching environment for dance enthusiasts.

Front field at St Andrew's College

Sports Grounds

Rugby pitch at St Andrew's College
Tennis courts at St Andrew's College
Hockey turf at St Andrew's College
Cricket pitch at St Andrew's College

Sports Grounds

St Andrew’s College boasts a rich sporting tradition, complemented by impressive facilities, including three rugby/cricket fields, a football field, two artificial hockey turfs, and six cricket training nets. The top field, Number 3, underwent a comprehensive upgrade in 2016, featuring improved drainage, re-levelling, and a new sand-based carpet. The Ager Cricket Pavilion, constructed in 1996, supports the main field with a 30-person capacity, equipped with a kitchenette and toilets.

Music suite interior at StAC

Music Suite

StAC music suite room with instruments
StAC music recording suite desk
StAC music suite room with instruments
StAC music suite room with instruments
StAC music recording desk with student
StAC music suite room with students playing instruments
StAC music recording suite with students singing and playing guitar
StAC music recording desk with students playing instruments in music room

Music Suite

Music plays a central role at St Andrew's College, offering students access to over 25 diverse music groups, including choral, instrumental, jazz, and rock ensembles. The facility, designed in collaboration with Marshall Day Acoustics, houses a recording room and mixing room featuring custom made acoustic panels, making it one of the finest music facilities in New Zealand, complementing the impressive array of instruments and musical equipment available to students.

Some Music Suite facilities are available for hire to small music groups and choirs.

TV studio interior with camera at StAC

TV Studio

St Andrew's College students at control desk in TV Media Studio
TV studio interview sofa area
TV studio stage performing area with lights and ballet dancers
TV studio camera with student operator
TV studio room with cameras and students
TV studio desk with student operator
TV studio camera with student operator
TV studio desk with student operators

TV Studio

St Andrew’s College houses the only fully professional television and digital media studio in a New Zealand secondary school, offering exciting production and performance opportunities. The four-camera studio, replicating industry standards, includes on-site mentoring from professionals, allowing students to run 'outside broadcasts' at major events and create content for online platforms.

The College's well-equipped field production unit is utilised for class projects and other College events, including the annual Film Festival. Around 300 students from Years 9–13 benefit from this facility each year, nurturing their passion for performance and production, with many alumni achieving success in the industry both in New Zealand and abroad.

Askin Pipe Band Centre exterior

Askin Pipe Band Centre

Pipe Band Askin Centre wall display
Pipe Band Askin Centre teaching room with Richard Hawke and students on pipes
Pipe Band Askin Centre Honours Boards
Pipe Band Askin Centre interior display

Askin Pipe Band Centre

In 2016, St Andrew’s College celebrated its rich cultural and sporting traditions with the opening of the Askin Pipe Band Centre. This purpose-built facility serves as the home to the highly successful Pipe Band, which has grown to 125 students. The original Askin Band Room, opened in 1969, was damaged beyond repair in the 2011 earthquakes. The new Askin Pipe Band Centre, officially opened in March 2016, commemorates the legacy of the Askin family and Richard Askin, the Pipe Major in 1964. The plaque from the original Band Room holds a place of honor on the walls of the Askin Pipe Band Centre.

Health Centre exterior at StAC

Health Centre

Health Centre exterior at StAC

Health Centre

Our onsite Health Centre prioritises the comprehensive health and well-being of our students, focusing on minimising barriers to learning and individual development. Staffed by a Registered Nurse during school hours, the Centre offers confidential support for students dealing with illness, emotional challenges, or injuries.

With a six-bed sickbay, clinic, and office, the well-resourced Centre provides first aid supplies and emergency kits for specific illnesses. Counselling and physiotherapy services are available onsite, while boarding students receive 24/7 care from dedicated staff. The Registered Nurse collaborates with healthcare professionals and, if necessary, arranges further medical attention in consultation with parents/caregivers.

Thistles College Shop exterior at StAC

College Shop – Thistles

St Andrew's College shop Thistles interior with clothes on racks
St Andrew's College shop Thistles interior with clothes on racks
St Andrew's College shop Thistles interior with clothes on racks
St Andrew's College shop Thistles interior with stationery and personal items

College Shop – Thistles

The College Shop – Thistles, located by the Normans Road carpark, supplies all College and sports uniforms (except shoes), stationery, and various general items and services, including dry cleaning, alterations, postal services, and StAC branded merchandise. Open on weekdays during term time with specific hours, the shop also offers uniform fitting bookings for new students. Payments can be made using EFTPOS or credit card.

During term time, the College Shop operates on weekdays from 7.45am–9.45am and 12.00pm–4.30pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and from 7.45am–9.45am and 12.00pm–3.30pm on Wednesday. During term breaks, the College Shop opens on Monday of the first week of holidays from 11.30am–3.30pm, and Friday of the last week of holidays from 11.30am–3.30pm. Christmas break (December/January) hours are confirmed later in the year.

Second-hand Uniform Shop at StAC

Second-hand Uniform Shop

Second-hand Uniform Shop at StAC

Second-hand Uniform Shop

Located beside the College Shop, next to the Normans Road carpark, the Second-hand Uniform Shop is run by the PTA and operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.00pm to 4.30pm during term time. Items of second-hand uniform available include blazers, jerseys, cardigans, vests, trousers and shorts, blouses, pinafores and skirts and tracksuits.

Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill

Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill

Castle Hill bunk room with students sitting on beds
Castle Hill kitchen with students preparing vegetables
Castle Hill outdoor team activity with students holding rope
Castle Hill lodge in the snow at dusk
Student in the gear room at Castle Hill
Castle Hill instructor with climbing gear

Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill

Exploring the outdoors is an intrinsic part of life in New Zealand, and at St Andrew’s College, students enjoy a top-quality Outdoor Education programme in award winning facilities at Castle Hill, in the spectacular Canterbury High Country. The Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge, rebuilt in 2008, accommodates 42 people and serves as a state-of-the-art centre for outdoor and leadership programmes. Activities, overseen by qualified instructors, include problem-solving games, abseiling, skiing, snow-caving, tramping, camping, kayaking and environmental projects including wilding pines, stoat trapping and a wasp control programme. Students in Years 7–10 benefit from annual excursions, while Senior College leaders undergo specialised training at Castle Hill. Recognised for its high quality, the Outdoor programme also extends its facilities to other schools in the Christchurch area.

Nga Toi Gough Family Theatre facade

Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre

Interior close up of Gough Family Theatre seats and AV room
St Andrew's College ballet students and teacher at the Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio - Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
St Andrew's College ballet students and teacher at the Fife Dance and Drama Studio - Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
St Andrew's College students and teacher at the Blair Gough Drama Studio - Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
St Andrew's College students outside the Gough Family Theatre
Donor board at the Gough Family Theatre
St Andrew's College getting ready for performance in the PTA Green Room - Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
Donor acknowledgement Song Wall
St Andrew's College students and teacher rehearsing at the Gough Family Theatre - Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre
St Andrew's College Students in Ngā Toi AV room
St Andrew's College Students in Ngā Toi AV room

Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre

Ngā Toi – Performing Arts Centre, opened in 2024, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster creativity, learning, and artistic expression. It features dedicated spaces for specific artistic disciplines:

Gough Family Theatre: a premier performance space with sophisticated acoustic design, advanced lighting capabilities, and seating for 266. This space is poised to host a wide range of productions and events, it is a hub for artistic exploration and community engagement, and it offers fantastic teaching and learning opportunities.

Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio: Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, the Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio supports the College’s exceptional Ballet Academy and co-curricular Dance students. Here, talent can flourish and students can showcase their skills.

Fife Dance and Drama Studio: Adjacent to the Lesley Johnston Ballet Studio, the Fife Dance and Drama Studio provides an intimate and immersive performance space. It hosts dance classes and other creative activities.

Blair Gough Drama Studio: Designed for Drama classes at all year levels, the Blair Gough Drama Studio accommodates up to 50 people. Its intimate setting encourages powerful performances.

Technology and Backstage Operations: Media students at St Andrew’s College benefit from the Theatre's advanced technology. The new overhead gantry system allows creative use of theatrical lighting, giving students hands-on experience in lighting design and setup.

Facilities hire

Interested in hiring one of our state-of-the-art facilities?

Gym 1 decorated for an evening event.