Queen Margaret College
QMCChristian
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB DiplomaAccreditations
Languages
EnglishQueen Margaret College is a leading independent girls' school in Wellington, New Zealand, providing a holistic education for students from preschool through to Year 13. It is an IB World School that offers dual academic pathways to prepare students for success in the modern world.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Within an inclusive Christian environment, the school aims to light the flame of learning and provide a holistic education. It seeks to empower girls to become confident, principled women who make a difference in the modern world. The school emphasizes a progressive approach, fostering creativity, emotional and social intelligence, and advanced digital skills.
Programmes
The school provides a comprehensive curriculum from preschool through to Year 13. Academic offerings include the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). The Junior School (Years 1-6) focuses on foundational learning, while the senior years (11-13) offer specialized programmes like the 'ELEVATE' Year 11 programme to prepare students for NCEA Level 2 and the IB Diploma.
Outcomes
The school offers dual academic pathways: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA). Students consistently achieve high results, with the Class of 2025 recording a 98% pass rate in the IBDP and a 97% average pass rate across NCEA levels. Graduates are prepared for future pathways through dedicated careers counselling.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides holistic wellbeing support, including access to psychologists and a school chaplain. Learning enrichment is available to support students, and English language tuition is included for international students, with additional ESOL support available if required.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Queen Margaret College offer?
- Queen Margaret College offers IB Diploma, IB MYP and IB PYP.
- How much is tuition at Queen Margaret College?
- Annual tuition at Queen Margaret College is NZ$46.2K–NZ$55.5K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Queen Margaret College a day or boarding school?
- Queen Margaret College is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does Queen Margaret College hold?
- Queen Margaret College holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Queen Margaret College co-educational?
- Queen Margaret College is a girls school.
- Where is Queen Margaret College located?
- Queen Margaret College is an international school in Wellington, New Zealand.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1 to 6 | 5–10 | NZ$46.2K |
| Years 7 to 13 | 11–17 | NZ$55.5K |
Other fees(10)
| Registration fee· Registration fee | NZ$300 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Acceptance fee | NZ$1.5K |
| Deposit· Sundry activities deposit (used to pay for camps, private music lessons etc.) | NZ$2.5K |
| Enrolment fee· Mentor fee | NZ$2.5K |
| Boarding· Option 1: Queen Margaret House boarding - 7-day (Term time only) | NZ$22.6K |
| Boarding· Holiday homestay fee (Term breaks only) (if applicable for boarding students) | NZ$3.2K |
| Boarding· Option 2: Full Homestay ($450 per week for 45 weeks) | NZ$20.3K |
| Boarding· Homestay admin fee | NZ$1K |
| Insurance· Queen Margaret College arranged Medical and General Travel Insurance cover (12 months) | NZ$633 |
| EAL· Additional ESOL tuition (estimated per year) | NZ$3K |
Admissions
The school offers domestic and international enrolment pathways. The process for domestic students involves an online application, a non-refundable fee, and an interview with the Principal. International applicants follow a similar process, including an interview with the Director of International Students and potential English language testing.
Calendar
The school year typically begins in late January. Orientation days are held for new students in various year levels, while returning students generally commence the following day. The school operates on a term-based system with specific start dates for different year groups.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in Wellington's Thorndon suburb, the campus features a mix of heritage and modern buildings. Key facilities include the Hobson gym, a boarding house (Queen Margaret House), and a new library opened in 2024. Future developments under the 2025-2035 Campus Master Plan include a Creative Industries Centre, upgraded science labs in the Craven building, and a dedicated wellbeing hub.
Co-curriculars
The school provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, performing arts, and leadership and community service opportunities. The 'Queen's Edge' programme is specifically designed for students in Years 7-9 to develop skills, talents, and passions. Students also participate in Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) camps and international experiences.
Jayne-Ann YoungPrincipalJayne-Ann Young commenced as Principal at Queen Margaret College in August 2017. She returned to New Zealand for the role after spending six years as a consultant and master trainer for Professor John Hattie and the Visible Learning team at Cognition Education.
Holly PayneDeputy Principal, Learning & TeachingHolly has led the Diploma Programme (IBDP) at Queen Margaret College since 2015 and is an experienced NZQA and IB examiner. She is a dynamic leader who believes in empowering young people to be the best they can be.
Fiona CrawfordDeputy Principal, WellbeingFiona comes with diverse experience from a range of schools, having had a focus on pastoral care and future-focused learning in her leadership roles. Her passion for manaakitanga and the wellbeing of students is at the forefront of her teaching and leadership.
Ainsley RawlingsDeputy Principal OperationsAfter nearly a decade in the Royal New Zealand Navy, Ainsley retrained as an educator and has considerable experience in boarding schools and the delivery of adventurous activities. She believes that education should be a complete package of academic study, pastoral care, and engagement outside the classroom.
Jan TreebyHead of Junior SchoolJan has 26 years in education, combining leadership experience in Wellington schools with behavioural and learning-focused roles at the Ministry for Education. Her hands-on approach ensures she gets to know the youngest students at the college.
- Robert WhitefieldDirector Finance
Robert is a chartered accountant with a career spanning public practice, corporate, construction, government, and education. He brings a strategic mindset and deep understanding of financial governance to his role.
Christina MossaidisDirector Engagement & CommunicationsChristina brings experience from the tertiary education sector, senior commercial roles, and creative agencies like Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy & Mather. She values work that improves the wellbeing and prosperity of New Zealanders, especially young people.
Stephanie QuinHead of Digital Strategy and TransformationStephanie has a background in technology consulting and has led teams on complex digital projects across multiple industries. She is a passionate advocate for women in tech and a member of TechWomen NZ.
Gillian PeacockPeople and Capability ManagerGillian is an experienced HR practitioner, senior leader, coach, and facilitator who has held general management human resources roles in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. She holds a degree in psychology and sociology, along with various certifications in counselling and leadership development.