Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
Christian
Updated July 2026
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is a leading independent school in Wellington, New Zealand, providing Preschool to Year 13 education. It is known for its all-girls secondary environment, high academic standards, and a holistic approach to student wellbeing and personal development.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is committed to laying the foundation for lives of meaning, accomplishment, and genuine happiness. It fosters independent thinking, resilience, and community involvement within an all-girls environment (with a co-educational Preschool). As an Anglican school, it integrates Christian values, kindness, and service into its special character, while maintaining high academic expectations and a focus on individual student support.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous learning pathway from a co-educational Preschool (ages 3–5) through to Primary (Years 1–6), Middle School (Years 7–10), and Senior School (Years 11–13). The curriculum is future-focused and rigorous, with senior students working towards NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship qualifications. Specialist programmes include the Arrowsmith Program® for cognitive training and a dedicated Te Kākano programme in the Middle School.
Outcomes
Marsden students consistently achieve high results in NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship examinations. Many graduates go on to receive competitive tertiary scholarships for leading institutions in New Zealand and internationally. The school emphasizes the development of 'grit and grace,' aiming to prepare students for lives of meaning, accomplishment, and happiness.
Student support
Learning support
The school offers the Arrowsmith Program®, which utilizes neuroplasticity-based techniques to strengthen cognitive pathways and support students with learning differences such as dyslexia and auditory processing difficulties. This programme is delivered by specialist teachers trained in Canada and Brisbane. Additionally, the school provides a holistic wellbeing programme, with support from Deans, a Guidance Counsellor, and a Chaplain.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- How much is tuition at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School?
- Annual tuition at Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is NZ$39K–NZ$51K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Samuel Marsden Collegiate School co-educational?
- Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is a girls school.
- Where is Samuel Marsden Collegiate School located?
- Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is an international school in Wellington, New Zealand.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1-6 | 5–11 | NZ$39K |
| Years 7-13 | 11–18 | NZ$51K |
Other fees(7)
| Application fee· There is no application fee at this point. | NZ$0 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· One-off Enrolment Fee (once your application has been accepted and upon enrolment) | NZ$700 |
| Uniform· Uniform | NZ$1.7K |
| Boardingweek· Homestay Fees (per week). Includes NZ Homestay's management fee of $30. | NZ$480 |
| Boarding· One-off Homestay Matching Fee | NZ$300 |
| Materials· Incidentals used to pay for camps, private music lessons, class excursions, ID card and extra workbooks etc. Unused portion is rolled over or refunded. | NZ$3K |
| Insurance· Comprehensive insurance (medical/travel etc.) is required to be purchased directly from a reputable insurance company. | — |
Admissions
Applications are accepted year-round, with a recommended deadline of the end of June for entry in the following calendar year to assist with planning. The process involves an online application, an interview with the Principal or Head of Primary, and the completion of enrolment documentation. Personal tours and 'day in class' experiences are available for prospective families.
Calendar
The school operates on a term-based system. While a school calendar is provided, it is subject to change, and families are advised to verify event details with the teacher in charge. Term dates and specific event schedules are accessible via the school portal.
Facilities
About the campus
The four-hectare Karori campus features park-like grounds, six tennis/netball courts, large playing fields, and an all-weather multi-sport turf. Central to the campus is Te Manawa o te Kura, which houses learning studios and an iCentre, alongside specialist science, technology, and art laboratories. The school also includes the historic Baber Chapel, a tiered auditorium, a cultural centre, and a cafeteria providing healthy meal options.
Co-curriculars
Marsden offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports, music, and performing arts. Students participate in local and national competitions, supported by dedicated staff and facilities such as a gymnasium, fitness suite, and auditorium. The school holds annual Sports and Performing Arts awards to celebrate student commitment, leadership, and growth.
Paula WellsPrincipalPaula Wells joined as Samuel Marsden Collegiate School’s 13th Principal in January 2022. She is a proven educational leader and strategic thinker with a background in the financial sector and extensive experience in secondary school leadership, including serving as Principal of Sacred Heart Girls’ College.