Work at SMC

At the heart of St Margaret’s College is a deep commitment to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our staff, students, and wider community.

Career Opportunities

Staff enjoy positive relationships with students and their families, as part of a community that is supported and inspired to make a positive difference in the world, guided by our values of integrity, excellence, resilience, equality and dedication to a higher purpose. 

We offer opportunities for staff to work within an environment that is collegial, innovative, and committed to the continual advancement of quality teaching, learning, and professional development.

Our team works at the cutting edge of the education sector. St Margaret’s College was one of the first schools in New Zealand to invest in and introduce Structured Literacy for our Junior School learners, and to create a tailored curriculum for our Year 11 students as the best preparation for our dual pathway of International Baccalaureate and NCEA.

Building on a strong sense of community, we were the first school in New Zealand to introduce a phone-free school day, and to implement Friendology, a programme focused on healthy friendships. We were also the first girls’ school in New Zealand to introduce The Rite Journey, a social and emotional development programme for our Year 10 girls, for which we have been awarded Lead School status in Australasia. 

Staff are offered frequent opportunities to participate in Professional and Learning Development, both on and off campus, and work alongside colleagues with a wealth of experience in developing programmes that meet the specific needs of girls from Year 0-13 and beyond. Our Preschool team are all qualified teachers with a deep understanding of the learning and social requirements of boys and girls as they prepare to transition to school. In boarding, staff are dedicated to providing the nurturing and supportive environment which helps students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Our campus is one of the most modern in Christchurch, and specifically designed to promote a culture of connection and belonging throughout. 

Vacancies are available periodically and are listed on this page. If you would like to work alongside colleagues who are equally committed to empowering girls to learn, live and lead, we would love to hear from you.

  • Junior School Teacher Permanent, full time

    We are looking for a passionate teacher to join our small but perfectly formed Junior School team. This is a rare and exciting permanent full-time opportunity.

    At the heart of St Margaret’s Junior School are strong, warm relationships with our students, their families and with one another as colleagues. We believe these connections are the foundations for both happy classrooms and the best learning outcomes.

    Applications close on Monday 16 November 2026 at midnight.

    Position Description Overview

  • Psychology and Social Studies Teacher Full-time, 12 months Fixed Term (parental leave)

    Are you ready to spark curiosity, challenge thinking, and inspire the next generation of learners? We are seeking an innovative teacher to join our Humanities and Social Sciences faculty, teaching Senior Years Psychology and Years 8–10 Social Studies.

    This is more than just a teaching role – it’s an opportunity to shape young minds, foster a love of learning, and bring your passion for both Psychology and Social Studies into a vibrant, collaborative environment.

    Applications close on Monday 23 November 2026, at midnight.

    Position Description Overview

  • Caretaker Permanent, full-time | 40 hours per week One weekend in four on-call roster

    We are seeking an experienced and reliable Caretaker to join our team at St Margaret’s College in Christchurch Central, Canterbury. This is a full-time position that plays a vital role in maintaining our campus facilities and ensuring our school environment remains safe, clean, and well-maintained. The Caretaker will be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of our buildings and grounds, contributing directly to the creation of an outstanding learning and working environment for our students, staff, and visitors.

    Key responsibilities

    • Open and prepare the campus each morning
    • Complete routine inspections, general maintenance and property checks
    • Keep buildings, pathways, grounds and vehicles well presented
    • Assist with pool, grounds and sports-field maintenance
    • Set up and pack down equipment for events and productions
    • Support contractors, projects and building works
    • Respond to maintenance issues and seasonal hazards
    • Participate in a one-weekend-in-four on-call rosterApplications close: 4pm on 1st December 2026
    Position Description

  • Boarding Supervisor Permanent, part-time | Christchurch January 2027 start

    Help create a boarding environment where every student feels known, supported and at home.

    We are looking for a warm, capable and dependable Boarding Supervisor to join the boarding community at St Margaret’s College.

    This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys working with young people and understands the importance of balancing genuine care with clear and consistent expectations. You will build positive relationships with our boarders, provide pastoral care and supervision, and help ensure the boarding house is a safe, welcoming and well-run place to live.

    You will be someone who:

    • relates well to young people and maintains clear professional boundaries
    • is approachable, emotionally mature and calm under pressure
    • uses sound judgement and responds appropriately when support is needed
    • communicates openly and works well as part of a team
    • is reliable, organised and confident taking initiative
    • is committed to student wellbeing, safeguarding and inclusive practice

    Experience in boarding, education, youth work, residential care or a similar environment is required. You will need a full New Zealand driver licence and a current First Aid Certificate or be willing to obtain one. Confidence using digital systems is important, and experience with REACH or KAMAR would be an advantage.

    The role includes rostered evening, weekend and overnight shifts, along with some public holiday work while our boarding houses are operating.

    If you would enjoy being part of a close-knit team and making a positive difference in the everyday lives of our boarders, we would love to hear from you.

    Applications close at 4pm on Tuesday 1 December 2026.
    Email: Recruitment@stmargarets.school.nz

    Position Description

We offer a truly balanced educational experience in a warm, family-like setting.

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