St Peter's School, Cambridge
Christian, Founded 1936
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB DiplomaAccreditations
Languages
EnglishSt. Peter’s, Cambridge is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for students in Years 7 to 13. It provides a holistic, progressive education that prepares students for global opportunities and future leadership.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Founded in 1936, the school is committed to a holistic education that develops the mind, body, and spirit. It emphasises connection over content, aiming to provide a transformational learning experience that fosters respect, engagement, aspiration, and leadership. The school operates with a Special Christian Character and maintains a strong focus on pastoral care and the development of young leaders.
Programmes
The school offers a progressive curriculum from Year 7 to 13, providing dual-educational pathways through a choice of NCEA or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The academic programme is designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world learning, with flexible course structures that allow students to tailor their studies to their future goals.
Outcomes
The school reports consistent academic results and highlights the achievements of its alumni in fields such as entrepreneurship, sport, science, and the arts. It aims to prepare students to flourish in their chosen academic or career pathways, fostering leadership and a commitment to making a difference.
Student support
Learning support
The school prioritises a pastoral mindset, supported by school counsellors and nurses who provide wellbeing support. A designated person for child protection ensures that student safety remains a central focus. The school also offers academic support to help students reach their full potential.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does St Peter's School, Cambridge offer?
- St Peter's School, Cambridge offers IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at St Peter's School, Cambridge?
- Annual tuition at St Peter's School, Cambridge is NZ$24.5K–NZ$58.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does St Peter's School, Cambridge teach?
- St Peter's School, Cambridge enrolls students aged 7 to 13.
- Is St Peter's School, Cambridge a day or boarding school?
- St Peter's School, Cambridge is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does St Peter's School, Cambridge hold?
- St Peter's School, Cambridge holds accreditations including IB.
- Is St Peter's School, Cambridge co-educational?
- St Peter's School, Cambridge is a co-ed school.
- Where is St Peter's School, Cambridge located?
- St Peter's School, Cambridge is an international school in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Years 7 - 8 (Domestic) | 11–13 | NZ$24.5K |
| Years 9 - 10 (Domestic) | 13–15 | NZ$28.1K |
| Years 11 - 13 (Domestic) | 15–18 | NZ$30.4K |
| Years 8 - 13 (International) | 12–18 | NZ$58.9K |
Other fees(10)
| Application fee· Application fee paid upon application | NZ$310 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Acceptance fee paid upon accepting an offer of a place | NZ$1.2K |
| Registration fee· Campus Fee payable per child per year | NZ$1.5K |
| Registration fee· Alumni Membership fee | NZ$250 |
| Uniform· School Uniform: $1,700 - $1,900 | — |
| Boarding· Domestic Boarding fee. Also payable in 10 instalments of $2,053 or 4 instalments of $5,131. | NZ$20.5K |
| Boarding· International Boarding fee | NZ$20.5K |
| Insurance· Medical Insurance for international students | NZ$525 |
| Registration fee· Annual administration fee for international students (estimated) | NZ$650 |
| Meals· Lunch is included in the tuition fees | — |
Admissions
The school follows a four-step admissions process: application, family interview with a member of the senior leadership team, receipt of a formal offer, and acceptance. There is no entrance examination; instead, the school selects students based on their positive attitude and potential contributions to the school community. Applications are accepted for domestic and international students, with the school accommodating new admissions throughout the year subject to availability.
Calendar
The school operates on a four-term academic year. For 2026, Term 1 begins on 2 February and Term 4 ends on 9 December. The calendar includes scheduled leave weekends throughout the year.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a 40-hectare campus near the Waikato River, the school features extensive facilities including a dairy farm, an equestrian centre, a golf driving range, and a boathouse on Lake Karapiro. Sports facilities include the Robb Sports Centre, Horton Gym, hockey turfs, netball and tennis courts, squash courts, running tracks, and the Brock and Perry swimming pools. The campus also provides boarding accommodation across seven large and nine smaller houses, as well as meeting spaces like the Thornton Auditorium and various lecture theatres.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a broad range of co-curricular activities designed to foster friendships, sharpen minds, and build character. These include sports, arts, music, cultural performances, and expedition-based learning. Students participate in clubs, societies, and service groups, such as a knitting-for-service initiative, and have opportunities for trips and tours.
Jason SpeedyHead of SchoolJason returned to St. Peter’s in 2025 following an 8-year tenure as Headmaster at Southwell School. He previously served as Associate Principal at St. Peter's from 2002-2016 and has a background in professional rugby coaching. He holds a Master of Education Leadership (Distinction), a BA, and teaching qualifications.
Julie SmallCampus PrincipalJulie has been with St. Peter’s for eight years, focusing on pastoral care and curriculum development. She holds an International Coaching qualification and has attended an Advanced Learning programme at Reading University's Henley Business School. Her career includes leading several schools across New Zealand.
Brenton JoubertDeputy PrincipalA long-serving staff member, Brenton has held various roles including School Counsellor, Teacher, Sports Coach, Dean, and Boarding House Director. He is the school's Designated Person for Child Protection and received an Honours Award from the Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) in 2013.
Gerard KeightleyDeputy PrincipalGerard joined St. Peter’s in 2001 and has 20 years of teaching experience in New Zealand and the UK. He has a background in Law and previously served as Head of the Mathematics faculty. His current focus includes operational management, timetabling, and education outside the classroom.
Amy FeatonbyDeputy PrincipalAmy joined the staff in 2017 as Head of English before moving into her current role. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French and English, a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. She has taught English for 16 years and authored a national textbook.
Sean HohneckDeputy PrincipalSean has held various roles at the school, including Year 9 Dean, Boarding House Director, and Head of Faculty for Social Sciences. A former professional rugby player, he participated in the Aspiring National Leadership Programme in 2021 and the Sir John Graham Emerging Leaders Forum in 2023.
Sara LoughnaneDeputy PrincipalSara has over 20 years of experience at St. Peter’s, beginning in the Science faculty in 2001. She was involved in implementing the school's NCEA and IB Biology courses and received the Kudos Secondary Science Educator award in 2018.