Welcome from Executive Principal Joe Eccleton
This website is a window into the world of Christ’s College, New Zealand’s best-known and leading school for boys.
Christ's College is an independent boarding and day school, established as part of the original Anglican foundation of Christchurch.
Core Christian virtues guide all that we do and how we act. Honesty, respect, justice and compassion create a caring and supportive environment at College, where boys feel comfortable to be themselves as they strive to reach their potential. Our mission is Each boy at his best.
We have a clear vision at Christ’s College ... To educate boys to be virtuous men who make a positive contribution to society.
Our campus is unique. It is a combination of heritage buildings alongside state-of-the-art modern learning spaces, with facilities at the cutting edge of technological excellence.
However, College’s greatest asset is its talented teaching and support staff, who work to enable boundless opportunities to emerge for the boys. These highly qualified and committed people are supported by forward-thinking governance and a dedicated team of professional administrators. Together, they ensure the school provides every opportunity for our boys to achieve at their best.
Boys with a wide range of abilities are welcome at College. There is consistent emphasis on ambition and achievement at all levels, which ensures our student outcomes are among the very best in New Zealand. We nurture the ambitions of some of the brightest scholars in the land while taking equal pleasure in the outstanding progress made by those who benefit from our learning support programmes. The boys respect each other’s commitment, whether within or outside the classroom. Our natural diversity is a key to our success.
Pastoral support is, in the first instance, provided through our House system. There are 10 Houses at College – three for boarders and seven for dayboys – and each boy is a member of a House. The Houses provide a place for study and relaxation, and are the focus of all internal sporting and cultural activities. Vertical organisation within the Houses provides opportunities for leadership and mentoring, and for friendships to develop across year groups.
Boarding has a significant role within the school. The boarding Houses reflect our strong traditions and provide a sense of belonging and connectedness for all boys. The heart of the school beats around the clock. When classes are over and prep is done, boys can choose from a wide range of co-curricular activities that form part of our unique Boarding Programme. Students also enjoy out-of-hours access to libraries, computer suites, sports facilities and workshops.
Our commitment is to provide opportunities that allow boys to develop the skills and dispositions for success in a complex and ever-changing world.
If you would like to visit Christ’s College, or speak with me or our Admissions Registrar, please feel free to contact us to arrange a personal tour. Email email hidden; JavaScript is required or telephone 03 364 6836.
Welcome from Head Prefect Ihaka Cate
Christ’s College provides a welcoming and amazing environment that allows students to flourish and become capable, fine young men. Being part of such a prestigious school that values tradition and culture develops a strong character and sense of belonging. Christ’s College is a second home to the boys of our school.
From the beginning of your journey right through to your final year, Christ’s College presents boys with a remarkable variety of opportunities, enabling them to fulfil their potential as maturing young adults. Whether it be in the classroom, on the playing field or stage, or life inside the school, College is committed to nurturing every student's potential, with a belief that each individual has a place to shine.
As a school that cherishes our history and traditions, we reflect our commitment to excellence in all areas of life through our motto ‘Bene Tradita, Bene Servanda’, which translates to ‘good traditions, well maintained’. As an Anglican school, we place great importance on integrating values of service, humility, and compassion. One of the most special aspects of life at Christ’s College is the opportunity to take part in services at our Chapel. Whether sitting in quiet reflection or singing with the school choir, the sense of unity and shared purpose that fills the Chapel is something truly unique to our College.
College thrives on the wellbeing of its students. Our school is the place outside of home that we spend most of our time, so it is fitting that the school environment is a place of comfort, calmness, and belonging. The House system at Christ’s College unifies the student body and plants that seed of belonging between students of all years. By creating a space for boys to hang out, chill, and be with their mates, it creates an awesome environment that solidifies the connection between students and the House being a ‘home away from home’.
College explores creativity and manifests the appreciation of beauty and expression through the arts. Whether it is performing in a musical, playing in an orchestra, or expressing yourself through visual arts, the school provides endless opportunities for students to showcase their talents. From student-led House drama performances to rock bands to performances in and out of school, College offers students the freedom to express themselves and fosters a thriving creative community.
Academically, College is dedicated to providing a programme that challenges each student to think critically and creatively. The curriculum is designed to not only meet the needs of today’s world, but also to prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow. With expert teachers who are passionate about their subjects and the learning of our tauira (students),
boys are given all the resources they need to excel in the classroom. As a way of making the transition from junior to senior school much easier, College introduced the Christ’s College Diploma. Although the Diploma is relatively new, it provides a clearer path towards success as they transition into the world of NCEA.
Christ’s College prides itself on upholding our reputation in sport and competitiveness. Following a strong and successful history in sports, College is always encouraging inclusion and encouragement. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting out, there is a sport for everyone. College offers a wide range of sporting opportunities, where students are supported by expert coaching and amazing facilities. Beyond competition, sport at College teaches essential life lessons, such as discipline, leadership, and resilience – characteristics that a boy needs in everyday life. Christ’s College is a place where every boy can challenge himself, grow in confidence, and develop skills that will stay with him for life.
Overall, College opens the door of opportunity to so many aspects of school life, the sporting life, and life in general. By offering boys the chance to serve their community through Eco-Action and service programmes and to travel the world to experience different ways of life through student exchanges, the extensive opportunities go far beyond the norm.
Christ’s College solidifies the mana, wairua, and kaha of our kura. It is a second home to the boys that strengthens an everlasting brotherhood, as well as preparing them for the unexpected challenges of our vast and unfamiliar world.