Frequently Asked Questions

You need to complete the Application form, Conditions of Acceptance, Conditions of Homestay accommodation and the International student contract. Your parents must sign the forms if you are under 18 years of age. You must only sign the student contract.

You will be met at the airport by your homestay family or the homestay manager. There will be an orientation at the school before you begin your classes.

Yes – All students must have adequate travel and medical insurance to come to a school in New Zealand. The school offers an excellent insurance cover with uni-care at NZ$580.00 per year or you can get your own insurance. Please note that those students with pre-existing allergies or medical conditions may pay an excess fee.

Yes – English or ESOL classes are offered for all international students at different levels of ability. All these classes are small in number and focus on communication, vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Yes – All students must wear a uniform from Year 9 to Year 13. A brand new uniform costs about NZ$600.00 for girls and NZ$300.00 for boys. You can also hire uniforms from us, with a year hire $300 and 1 term or less $100. 

Yes – You will receive help with your subject choice. You will also be able to change subjects within the first two weeks if you feel you would prefer a different subject.

Yes – However, it is best to enrol for the start of each term. Term 4 is not a good term to enter the school if you are a senior student. Our senior students have exams for the last 4 weeks of the year and spend much of Term 4 going over the year’s work. You can arrive during a term if it suits your travel plans. Students arriving after Term 3 cannot sit our NCEA exams for that year.

Our homestay manager tried hard to place you in the best family. However we do not always get this right. If you find you really are not suited to your family we will change you immediately. Your welfare and satisfaction at our school are of up most importance.

No – Many students do not sit exams if they only come for one year. Our national exams are provided if you want but there is no requirement.

Yes – There are many sports and music activities in the school. You can join a team or just play friendly games. You can get involved in a large production, go to school dances, join the bands or orchestra. We have school choirs and public speaking as well as environmental groups. There is a wide choice of activities listed in the back of the prospectus.