

John McGlashan College
Christian
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
John McGlashan College is a high-performing, values-driven secondary school for boys in Years 7–13, located in Dunedin, New Zealand. It combines a century of educational tradition with modern facilities and a commitment to academic excellence and character development.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Founded in 1918, the college is a values-driven institution rooted in the reformed Presbyterian tradition. It emphasizes a "sound and liberal education" based on the attributes of honesty, simplicity, respect, and concern for others. The school aims to develop well-educated young men of character who use their influence for the good of others and contribute to their communities.
Programmes
The college offers a comprehensive academic programme for students in Years 7–13, incorporating the New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The curriculum focuses on personalized learning, global competency, technical skills, media fluency, and creativity, with ICT integrated across all learning areas. Small student-to-teacher ratios are maintained to support individual academic growth.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides dedicated learning support services, led by a Head of Learning Support and supported by a team of teacher aides. The staff are committed to supporting students both in and out of the classroom to ensure each student achieves their personal academic potential.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does John McGlashan College offer?
- John McGlashan College offers IB Diploma.
- What ages does John McGlashan College teach?
- John McGlashan College enrolls students aged 11 to 18.
- Is John McGlashan College a day or boarding school?
- John McGlashan College is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does John McGlashan College hold?
- John McGlashan College holds accreditations including IB.
- Is John McGlashan College co-educational?
- John McGlashan College is a boys school.
- Where is John McGlashan College located?
- John McGlashan College is an international school in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The college accepts day boys and boarders from Year 7 to Year 13. The boarding programme, which accommodates 125 students, is an integral part of the school, with junior boarders housed in Ross House and senior boarders in the newer Balmacewan House. Prospective families are required to participate in a "Tour and Talk" with the Principal and Director of Boarding as a compulsory part of the enrolment process.
Calendar
The school operates on a term-based system, with the office open Monday to Friday during term time. The academic year includes various events, including open days for prospective families and scheduled school terms.
Facilities
About the campus
The main campus in Māori Hill, Dunedin, features modern learning environments, the Edgar Learning Centre, a library, and the Davies Sports Centre. The school also maintains a second campus, Te Kūwaha Mātauraka, located on the shores of Lake Te Anau. This facility includes two lodges, a commercial kitchen, and access to 3.5 hectares of native bush and a private jetty for water-based activities.
Co-curriculars
The college offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports and the arts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh programme and utilize the Davies Sports Centre and various playing fields. Additionally, the school operates a second campus, Te Kūwaha Mātauraka, in the Fiordland National Park, which provides opportunities for outdoor education, including tramping, sea kayaking, and traditional Polynesian waka paddling.

.jpg)

.jpg)
-2.jpg)
Aaron ColumbusPrincipalDr. Aaron Columbus serves as the Principal of John McGlashan College. He describes the school as a values-driven heritage institution that is forward-looking, innovative, and focused on continuous improvement.
- Nigel HunterDeputy Principal | Teaching, Learning and Innovation
- Liz KoniDeputy Principal | Culture and Relationships
- Ainslie AndersonAssistant Principal | Achievement and Attainment
- Drew CampbellDirector of Boarding | Community, Engagement and Advancement
- Tom CaseyAssistant Principal | Culture and Relationships
- Brendan PorterAssistant Principal | Teaching, Learning and Innovation
- Kirstyn SandallGeneral Manager | Community, Engagement and Advancement
IB Diploma