Burnside High School
Founded 1960
Updated July 2026
IGCSE
Burnside High School is one of New Zealand's largest secondary schools, providing a vibrant and inclusive learning environment for over 2,600 students. It is recognized as a centre of academic excellence that balances a large-school scale with a personalized divisional structure to support every student's individual journey.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to fostering individual excellence within a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment. It emphasizes a broad and balanced education, encouraging students to discover their passions and reach their full potential through mutual respect, collaboration, and pride in their community.
Programmes
The curriculum offers a diverse range of subjects, with pathways including NCEA and Cambridge examinations. A standout feature is the Specialist Music Programme (SMP), a unique collaboration with Westburn Primary School and the University of Canterbury that provides high-level musical training for students aged 10 to 18. The school also provides robust programmes in creative arts, technology, and physical education.
Outcomes
Burnside High School maintains a strong record of academic, cultural, and sporting success. Students regularly achieve in national competitions and go on to pursue diverse pathways, including tertiary education and professional careers in fields such as music, science, and technology.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a comprehensive pastoral network through a unique divisional structure, where deans, counsellors, and senior leaders manage student wellbeing and day-to-day support. Dedicated support staff, including a health centre and career development services, are available to guide students throughout their education.
Frequently asked questions(4)
- What curriculum does Burnside High School offer?
- Burnside High School offers IGCSE.
- How much is tuition at Burnside High School?
- Annual tuition at Burnside High School is NZ$19K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Burnside High School co-educational?
- Burnside High School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Burnside High School located?
- Burnside High School is an international school in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| One Year Programme | — | NZ$19K |
Other fees(8)
| Registration fee· Administration Fee per Offer | NZ$1K |
|---|---|
| Boarding· Homestay Management Fee per Offer | NZ$350 |
| Boarding· Designated Caregiver Fee per Offer | NZ$200 |
| Registration feeterm· Government Levy | NZ$100 |
| Registration fee· Government NCEA Fee | NZ$383 |
| Insurance· Insurance Costs (approx.) annual | NZ$690 |
| Uniform· School Uniform (approx.) | NZ$700 |
| Boardingweekly· Homestay Fees. Special Dietary Requirements up to $50 extra per week | NZ$370 |
Admissions
Enrolment information is available through the school's main office. The school welcomes international students and provides dedicated support, including an International Student Director and accommodation coordinators to assist with homestay arrangements. Prospective families can contact the school directly for domestic or international enrolment queries.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic year. Term dates for 2026 and 2027 are published on the school website, including scheduled breaks, public holidays, and key events such as Open Evenings and examination periods.
Facilities
About the campus
The 28-acre campus features extensive facilities, including the Pukehinau teaching block with science laboratories and design spaces, and the upcoming Rakipaoa block. The school includes a large library, two gymnasiums with an indoor climbing wall, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and various sports fields, including an athletics track and artificial turf. The Aurora Centre serves as the school's primary cultural and performance hub for assemblies and events.
Co-curriculars
Burnside High School offers a wide range of co-curricular activities to foster student passions. These include a variety of clubs, groups, and sports teams, as well as opportunities in the creative arts, such as dance, music, and theatre. Students can also participate in leadership roles through the Student Council, divisional prefect positions, and various councils focused on sustainability, environment, and wellbeing.
Scott HainesPrincipal / TumuakiScott Haines has been the Principal of Burnside High School since 2023 and brings significant leadership experience, having served as a principal since 2009. He is a nationally respected educational leader who currently serves as Vice President of the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ).
Andrea MagsonAssociate Principal / KaihautuAndrea Magson is the Associate Principal at Burnside High School, working across the whole school in a leadership capacity. Originally from the UK, she previously worked as a senior lecturer in science education before moving into school management in New Zealand.
Alan RobertsonDeputy Principal of Te Huinga Wai Senior DivisionAlan Robertson is the Deputy Principal of Te Huinga Wai Senior Division and contributes to the strategic development and operation of the school. He has a background in science and is known for his calm leadership style and commitment to student wellbeing.
Darryn FindlayDeputy Principal of Te Puna Raki North DivisionDarryn Findlay is the Deputy Principal of Te Puna Raki North Division, having joined the school in 2004 as a physical education teacher. He holds a Degree in Physical Education and a Graduate Diploma in Education, and is committed to student achievement and cultural inclusion.
Suzanne BaldwinDeputy Principal of Te Puna Tonga South DivisionSuzanne Baldwin is the Deputy Principal of Te Puna Tonga South Division, specializing in teaching and learning, professional learning, and curriculum development. She holds a Master of Arts in Geography and a Master of Education with Distinction endorsed in Leadership.
Sally-Ann GoodmanDeputy Principal of Te Puna Uru West DivisionSally-Ann Goodman is the Deputy Principal of Te Puna Uru West Division, known for her student-centred approach and commitment to student wellbeing and inclusive education. She focuses on building strong relationships with students, staff, and whānau.
John WatsonTe Huinga Wai Senior Division Principal (Acting)John Watson joined the school in 2013 as the Head of Physics and is part of the senior leadership team in Term 2 2026. He previously spent five years in charge of the science faculty at St Bede’s College.
Thomas ChangBusiness Manager / Te Tumu TahuaThomas Chang joined Burnside High School in December 2025 from Lincoln University. He is a qualified Certified Public Accountant who leads budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic resource planning.