Work at StAC

Our Vision: To be at the leading edge of high-performance educational practice, in a community which values caring for others, tradition, and creativity, in order to provide young people with the roots and wings to flourish in an ever-changing world.

Our Founding Values: We secure our future by inspiring trust and confidence through living out our values and demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement.

• Truth | Pono – integrity in everything we say and do;

• Excellence | Kairangi – reaching beyond what people expect of us;

• Faith | Whakapono – in self, others, and our future;

• Creativity | Auahatanga – daring to imagine, turning ideas into reality;

• Inclusivity | Kanorau – valuing diversity, embracing different perspectives.

Balancing tradition and innovation is a key focus of the St Andrew’s College Board of Governors. In striking this blend St Andrew’s has built a brand of education which adapts quickly to the demands of the present, while holding true to the values of our founders. This gives our students a combination of freedom and boundaries, which we believe, results in young people who flourish in life beyond school.

While attending St Andrew’s is a different experience for today’s students from decades past, what hasn’t changed is the College’s underlying commitment to prepare students for life. Our roots of shared traditions, values, culture, spirituality, knowledge and a sense of belonging, help guide our students towards a rich future of innovation, future thinking, curiosity, and following their dreams.

Providing the right environment for this to happen requires balance. Our school community comprises many individuals each contributing their perspectives and talents. Alongside our ongoing investment in programmes, infrastructure and facilities, the Board has a strong focus on continuous improvement of student outcomes, providing an inclusive, supportive environment, and caring for the well-being of everyone. Creating a sense of belonging for all in our community is a hallmark of St Andrew’s College.

We are committed to providing a first-class learning environment which values innovation and creativity alongside tradition and knowledge. Many of our passionate, skilled and responsive teachers are well recognised in their areas of expertise and create innovative and inspirational learning experiences for our students. The academic achievements of our students are impressive, with attainment across NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3 consistently in the high 90s percentile range.

In 2022, St Andrew’s had record-breaking achievement in New Zealand Scholarship examinations with 33 students achieving 76 New Zealand Scholarships between them (12 at Outstanding level). That year, one of our students won a Premier Award and was named in the top 11 students in New Zealand, while another was a Top Subject Scholar, gaining the top mark in New Zealand for Digital Technology. Three St Andrew’s students have won Premier Awards in the last 13 years. This was followed up by another strong performance in 2023, with 64 scholarships achieved across a wide range of subjects with six of these at Outstanding level. Two of our students received an Outstanding Scholar Award from NZQA, given to the top 60 scholarship students in New Zealand.

St Andrew’s is well known for its strong Learning Support Programme which is led by a team experienced in helping all students achieve to their academic potential. We are at the forefront of learner metrics, where we predict and assess value add for each individual student across all of their subjects throughout their time at St Andrew’s. This is monitored regularly and actions are taken to identify issues or opportunities to assist students in achieving their personal best.

St Andrew’s has a proud history in sport, music and the performing arts. Well over 95 per cent of students at the College are involved in our extensive weekly co-curricular programme, with over 50 different sports and cultural activities on offer.

St Andrew’s is well regarded in sporting pursuits, producing both individual and team champions at South Island and national level, and excellence across many codes. The College’s Athlete Sports Performance programme encourages the growth and success of our highest performing athletes. However, this is not the only way success is measured at St Andrew’s. A Balance is Better approach across the entire sports programme recognises the efforts of students participating in sport at all levels, creating an environment where every student can thrive and find success in their own way.

The diverse cultural opportunities on offer at St Andrew’s include music groups from orchestra, and chamber groups, to jazz bands, choirs and rock bands. These groups have access to the Music Suite with its fine acoustics and state-of-the-art recording equipment. Dance, drama, chess, robotics, filmmaking, Pipe Band, theatre productions, writing for publication, festivals, and competitions are just some of the other cultural activities on offer. The opening of our spectacular new Ngā Toi Performing Arts Centre in Term 1, 2024 has further enhanced our students’ cultural pursuits.

Since 2017, St Andrew’s has committed to a whole school strategic goal to embrace evidence-based research related to well-being and positive psychology. We have a Head of Well-being and a number of Health and Well-being programmes in place for our students. A well-being focus is integrated into our curricular, co-curricular and pastoral programmes. Our school culture supports student well-being by valuing the importance of positive relationships and celebrating diversity.

On joining the St Andrew’s College community, students gain the support and friendship of an entire network of people who take an active interest in their welfare. This large, caring team includes teachers, tutors, Deans, boarding staff if applicable, a guiding and counselling team, College management, Peer Support and student leaders. Together, our objective is for students to feel comfortable, safe and cared for; are supported to succeed academically; are encouraged to grow in confidence and resilience; and establish a strong foundation for fulfilling lives beyond school.

Staff professional development focuses on integrating research related to building positive relationships, promoting emotional intelligence and resilience, enhancing self-efficacy and fostering motivation, engagement, and purpose.

St Andrew’s is grateful to the many different groups and individuals in our community, outside the day-to-day running of the College, who contribute significantly to the ‘StAC family’.

The College remains a significant part of the lives of many of our students and their families, long after their schooling years have concluded. We are proud of the strong connections we maintain with our Old Collegians (alumni) through the thriving Old Collegians Association, which keeps Old Collegians up to date with the latest news and runs a number of special events each year to keep our alumni connected.

The College Foundation, which prudently manages our investments; PTA (Parent Teachers Association founded in 1933), which provides parents with a forum for discussion, and an avenue for participation in College activities; and the Ladies Circle, which for 65 years has promoted fellowship and support for the College and each other; all continue to make an outstanding contribution to St Andrew’s.