St Kevin's College

St Kevin's College is a co-educational Catholic school grounded in the traditions of Edmund Rice and the Dominicans. The community is guided by four core values known as 'FIRE': Family, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence, which aim to nurture students as confident, connected, and lifelong learners inspired by Gospel values.

The college offers a comprehensive curriculum for junior and senior students, with academic pathways that include NCEA and the option of Cambridge subjects. The academic programme is supported by various departments, including English, Mathematics, Religious Studies, Social Science, Physical Education, Technology, Science, and Art. Vocational pathways and Gateway programmes are also available to support student career development.

The college reports that its NCEA results are among the highest in the country. Dedicated staff support students at all ability levels to achieve the grades necessary for entry into universities.

The college provides learning support through its Ako Hub, which is staffed by two Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and a team of learning assistants. This team works to provide academic guidance and assistance to students throughout their school career to promote confidence and independence.

The college accepts applications for both domestic and international students. The enrolment process requires families to confirm their status as either a preference student—based on Catholic faith criteria—or a non-preference student, with non-preference places limited to 5% of the total roll. Applications for the following academic year typically close in June of the preceding year, with late applications placed on a waiting list.

The school operates on a four-term academic year. In 2026, Term 1 runs from 26th January to 3rd April, Term 2 from 20th April to 3rd July, Term 3 from 20th July to 25th September, and Term 4 from 12th October to 4th December.

Set on a 53-acre campus in Ōamaru, the college features a mix of historic and modern facilities, including the 'Castle' residence, a chapel, a hall, and a dining room. The campus includes a library, an administration block, a technical block, a gymnasium, and dedicated art and music suites. Boarding facilities are provided on-site, with laundry services and a kitchen manager overseeing student needs.

The college offers a range of sports and cultural activities, with specific programmes including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Students are encouraged to participate in various codes, with costs for these activities passed on from the relevant sporting and cultural bodies.