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International student life at St Margaret's College

St Margaret’s College is an independent girls’ school in central Christchurch for girls from Year 0 to Year 13.

For international families, onsite boarding means students can live right on campus, surrounded by our College community, and with easy access to the College’s facilities and co-curricular opportunities.

St Margaret’s students achieve the highest academic results in Christchurch and amongst the highest internationally, year after year. We offer the choice of the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the New Zealand national curriculum, National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). The College offers a pathway to leading international universities, and a strong alumnae network in support of students pursuing tertiary education and career opportunities in New Zealand and internationally.

Life at St Margaret’s extends well beyond the classroom. Students get involved in a broad range of co-curricular activities, guided by specialist teachers and coaches. The College is the New Zealand Herald’s Top Sporting School for Girls 2025. In the arts, students receive national and regional recognition in dance, drama and music.

Wellbeing sits at the heart of our community. Staff are committed to making sure every student feels supported and safe, in their boarding house or homestay, and in their day to day learning. Our international students are cared for by our International Student Manager, as well as their tutor, dean, deputy head of school, and boarding team. A Health Centre is located on campus, staffed by a school nurse and a team of three counsellors.

Based in the heart of Christchurch, St Margaret’s is close to central Christchurch and the international airport. The College is close to parkland, with the Canterbury coastline and Southern Alps both within easy reach for students who want to explore on weekends.

Learn more about St Margaret’s College

The benefits of a girls' school View our academic results Co-curricular programme Discover boarding life

Contact our International Student Manager, Jo Fogarty

Contact Jo

Find out more about our International Student programme

Academic programme at St Margaret's College

Co-curricular programme

Boarding at St Margaret's College

Our facilities

Our campus

Located in the heart of Christchurch, 15 minutes from the international airport.

Teaching and learning facilities

World-class teaching and learning facilities on the most modern campus in Christchurch.

Our Chapel

Our Chapel sits at the heart of our College community, adding to a sense of belonging.

Science facilities

One of 11 fully equipped, specialist science laboratories.

Teaching and learning facilities

Our classrooms provide an inspirational space in which to learn.

Library and study centre

Qualified librarians support the delivery of the curriculum and student learning.

Gymnasium and fitness centre

Our leading-edge and multi-functional gym provides a large training facility, with access to two adjoining fitness centres.

Hockey turf

A half size hockey turf features full drainage astroturf and floodlights, supporting year-round coaching and practice sessions.

Swimming pool

A heated swimming pool is open during the summer terms, in Term 1 and Term 4.

Dance studios

Purpose-built dance studios are part of a suite of performing arts facilities, and are also home to our Theatre Dance Academy.

Ngaio Marsh Theatre

Our Ngaio Marsh Theatre and drama studio is complemented by classrooms for one-to-one speech and drama tuition.

Music rooms

Our music rooms house a wide range of musical instruments, a recording studio, and music studios for one-to-one and group tuition.

Kilburn House

Our three boarding houses are arranged by year group, tailored to the specific needs of our girls' development stage.

Senior School accommodation (Year 11-12)

Kilburn House encourages our girls to develop their independence and life skills.

Middle School accommodation (Year 7-10)

Julius House provides a structured and nurturing environment to support girls through the Middle School years.

"St Margaret’s College is a truly exceptional school, with dedicated teachers, a warm atmosphere, and a wide variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities. What touched us most, however, was the kindness and openness of the St Margaret’s community."

Prof. Dr. Bernad Batinic

Discover our campus and hear from our international students.

View our videos

Contact our International Student Manager, Jo Fogarty

Contact Jo