Choose to believe
Saint Kentigern College Prospectus
Principal’s Welcome
Damon Emtage College Principal
elcome to Saint Kentigern College, where tradition meets innovation, and where we are as much custodians of our past as we are architects of the future. Our College thrives on a strong sense of purpose, reflected in our resilient community and the shared aspirations that guide us.
At Saint Kentigern, education transcends the classroom. It is a diverse landscape where students are empowered to become scholars, artists, leaders, athletes, or whatever they aspire to be. Each student’s journey is valued, and their aspirations are nurtured to help create a better world. Our commitment to these values is a testament to our dedication to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
We are at a pivotal moment where the once-distant future is now part of our daily discourse, with advancements like mainstream artificial intelligence marking a significant leap in educational practices. Rather than resisting these changes, Saint Kentigern College embraces them, acknowledging the role of technology like AI in enhancing our knowledge and teaching methodologies. We focus on fostering human-centric skills such as creativity, citizenship, critical thinking, and collaboration to prepare our students not just for their future but also to be proactive members of the present.
Investment in our pedagogical practice reflects our commitment to growth and development, ensuring our teaching strategies are informed and effective.
We are excited about the new horizons in learning engagement and the holistic reporting of student achievements, ready to meet the future head-on.
Amidst the global challenges we face, from environmental crises to social upheavals, the need for courageous leadership and compassionate action has never been greater. We encourage our students to embody the value-centric wisdom of Albert Einstein: strive not for success, but to be of value.
Our identity is deeply rooted in our Whakapapa, our story that connects us to the pioneers who built the foundations of our school. It is this legacy that drives us forward with determination and responsibility to remain leaders in education. We celebrate the involvement of our engaged parent and alumni communities, our focus on student citizenship, and our innovative educational designs.
The essence of Saint Kentigern lies in its people—the dedicated staff who nurture and inspire our students every day. Their commitment extends beyond the imparting of knowledge; they kindle curiosity, foster resilience, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.
In closing, our motto ‘Fides Servanda Est’ - ‘Faith must be kept’, is a guiding principle that permeates every aspect of our community. It is a call to uphold our values of respect, integrity, service, excellence, and love. This is the essence of our spirit at Saint Kentigern College— past, present, and future.
Welcome to our family, where faith is kept, and futures are made.
Fides Servanda Est.
Each student’s journey is valued, and their aspirations are nurtured to help create a better world.
DAMON EMTAGE “ “
Academic Philosophy
EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AT OUR COLLEGE IS THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH STUDENTS BUILD SUCCESSFUL AND MEANINGFUL FUTURES.
The aim of our curriculum is summed up in our Mission Statement ‘To provide an education that inspires students to strive for excellence in all areas of life for the glory of God and the service of others.’
Our educators seek to inspire, and strive to enable every student to have the skills needed for their future.
We are committed to helping every student to succeed. We acknowledge that ‘Ehara taku toa, te toa takitahi, Engai he
toa takitini – success and strength is not the work of one, but the work of many.’
We encourage a learning partnership between our teachers and students, to define and achieve their academic and personal goals.
Academic Pathways
NCEA Level 3
SENIOR SCHOOL
NCEA Level 2
Years 11–13
Co-educational
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
CHOOSE QUALIFICATION PATHWAY
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1 (Year 11)
BOYS GIRLS
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Years 7–8
Single Gender Classes
Years 9-10
Single Gender Classes – Core Subjects
Academic Excellence
OUR COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE POSITIONS US AS ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL, INDEPENDENT COLLEGES, AND PROPELS US TO CONTINUALLY PURSUE IMPROVEMENTS AND INNOVATION.
During Years 7-10, our students are taught in separate gender classrooms. When they enter Year 11, our young men and women go on to work together in a co-educational setting, developing teamwork and collaborative skills.
At the end of Year 11, our Senior School students decide whether to continue with their NCEA course work or opt for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Programme for their final two years of study.
Our results in both qualifications have placed us, year after year, amongst the highest performing academic colleges in New Zealand. As NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma are well recognised, many of our students gain advantageous placements and scholarships at top universities in New Zealand and internationally.
Our Results
Our 2025 senior students have achieved an exceptional year of achievement across both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and NCEA pathways, with notable individual accomplishment alongside consistently strong results.
NCEA Achievement Across All Levels
Strong outcomes were recorded across NCEA in 2025.
Among the cohort’s highest individual achievements, Nadia Turner and Yasemin Atamer each attained a perfect 100% Excellence result, an exceptional accomplishment at the highest NCEA qualification.
At Level 3, the qualification rate reached 98.7%, with 69.8% of students attaining a Merit or Excellence endorsement.
At Level 2, the qualification rate was 99%, with 33.6% of students attaining Excellence and a further 48.2% achieving Merit, with 81.8% of students receiving a Merit or Excellence endorsement.
Level 1 results also showed continued progress, with 97% of students achieving the qualification. A combined 78.4% attained Merit or Excellence endorsements, including 30.2% at Excellence level.
The UE rate for our 2025 cohort stands at 94.4%.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Success
Our 2025 IB Diploma cohort achieved another impressive set of results.
At the highest level of achievement, Daniel Xian and Edison Zhou each earned a perfect score of 45/45, a distinction attained by fewer than 1% of students worldwide. Four additional students, Alan Yining Chen, Aidan Chu, Alexandre Geron and Joey Zhang, achieved 44 points, highlighting the exceptional academic standard at the top of the cohort.
In total, 16 students scored 40 points or more, placing them within the top 8-9% of IB candidates globally. These students
were recognised at the National IB Top Scholars Awards held at the Parliament on 31 January.
39.6% of the total 2025 IB cohort achieved 36 points or more out of the maximum 45 points. The cohort achieved a mean total points score of 34.4, well above the global average of 29.3, and a mean subject score of 5.4, compared with 4.6 worldwide. The University Entrance (UE) and IB pass rate for this cohort was 96.1%, substantially exceeding the global pass rate of 73.8%.
39.6%
Record-Setting NZQA Scholarship Results
We are delighted to share the outstanding results achieved by our College students in the 2025 NZQA Scholarship examinations, which recognise exceptional academic performance at the highest level of the New Zealand secondary school qualification framework.
Our students were awarded a record 100 NZQA Scholarships, comprising 90 Scholarships and 10 Outstanding Scholarships. This represents the strongest Scholarship result in the College’s history, improving on 87 awards in 2024 and 76 awards in 2023, and reflects both the scale and consistency of academic achievement across the board.
Among the highlights of the year’s success is Year 12 (2025) student Remi Geron, who has been named a Premier Scholar, placing him among the top 13 students nationally. Remi achieved Outstanding Scholarships in Calculus, French and Physics, alongside Scholarships in Digital Technologies, Economics, English, Religious Studies and Statistics. He was also named Top Subject Scholar for French, recognising the highest performance in the country in that subject.
We also celebrate the achievement of three Outstanding Scholar Award recipients, a distinction earned by only 57 students nationwide. Our Outstanding Scholars, Timothy Bacchus, Liam Zhao and Boen Wang, demonstrated sustained excellence across
multiple Scholarship subjects. Timothy Bacchus achieved two Outstanding Scholarships and four Scholarships and was named Top Subject Scholar for Agricultural and Horticultural Science. Liam Zhao earned two Outstanding Scholarships alongside five Scholarships, and Boen Wang achieved one Outstanding Scholarship and five Scholarships.
The breadth of success across the College was particularly notable, with strong outcomes recorded in traditionally demanding Scholarship subjects such as Calculus, English and Physics, highlighting both depth and confidence across core areas of learning.
Among the World’s Best
A PERFECT IB SCORE OF 45/45 IS ATTAINED BY FEWER THAN 1% OF STUDENTS GLOBALLY.
In the November 2025 examination session, two of our senior students were among just eight in New Zealand to achieve this distinction, an accomplishment reflecting exceptional commitment, depth of learning, intellectual curiosity, together with active leadership and meaningful contribution beyond the classroom.
Daniel Xian
Daniel is a highly driven student whose academic achievement is complemented by sustained leadership and service within the College community. He has been actively involved in the Premier Concert Band, Model United Nations, badminton, and chess, while also leading Scholarship Chemistry and Physics tutorials and coaching Mathex teams.
His academic record is distinguished at both national and international levels. Daniel represented New Zealand at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Saudi Arabia, earning a silver medal, ranking first nationally, and achieving the highest placing by a New Zealand student in three decades. He was also a recipient of the NZQA Premier Scholar Award and has received numerous accolades across science, mathematics, engineering, economics, and history competitions.
Awarded the inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship at the University of Auckland and inspired by an internship at the Centre for Brain Research, Daniel will study Biomedical Science with the intention of progressing into the competitive Medicine and Surgery programme, pursuing a career in medicine.
Edison Zhou
Edison combines academic passion with a strong commitment to sharing knowledge with others. As the College’s 2025 Academic Prefect, he led peer-support initiatives, coached debating, and played a key role in the History & Geopolitics Society. He also competed as a Premier Advanced Debater and performed as a violinist in the College’s Premier Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond the classroom, Edison pursues wide-ranging interests in the humanities and social sciences. He has earned NZQA Outstanding Scholarships, gained prizes in international essay competitions, won first place in the New Zealand History Bee and Bowl, and published research in peer-reviewed journals.
Edison intends to study History as an undergraduate. He has received an offer from the University of Oxford and the Chancellor’s Award Scholarship from the University of Sydney, and is awaiting decisions from universities in the United States before making his final decision.
2025 Tertiary Scholarships Results*
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS ON THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AND WORTHY RECOGNITION.
Tertiary Scholarships provide students with financial assistance for their chosen tertiary studies, in addition to mentoring and leadership opportunities.
University of Auckland
Alan Chen
Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship
Daniel Xian
Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship
Morgan Alley
Top Achiever Scholarship
Jamaria Chan Kau
Top Achiever Scholarship
Adam Lucas
Top Achiever Scholarship
Sean Duggan
Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarship
Meresereisa Autagavaia
Vaka Moana Scholarship
Xavier Jones
140th Anniversary Academic Scholarship
Jessica Lin
140th Anniversary Academic Scholarship
Carter Stokes
140th Anniversary Academic Scholarship
Seamus Wong
140th Anniversary Academic Scholarship
Mia Denholm
Academic Potential Scholarship
AUT
Shavaun Harvey
Find Your Greatness
University of Canterbury
Alice Cato-Symonds
Go Waitaha Canterbury Scholarship
Nora Caffery
UC Kaitoko Pacific Scholarship
Tessa Williams
Helen Macmillan Brown Bursary
Massey University
Amber Thomas
He Oha Puiaki Māori First Year Scholarship
Beatrix Chau
Undergraduate First Year ScholarshipSchool Leavers
Celia Elley
Undergraduate First Year ScholarshipSchool Leavers
Gemma Williams
Undergraduate First Year ScholarshipSchool Leavers
University of Otago
Allen-John Martin
Māori Entrance Scholarship
Sarah Chun Leaders of Tomorrow
Preston Tee Leaders of Tomorrow
Nadia Turner Leaders of Tomorrow
Breanah Kirby
Performance Scholarship
Francesca Wingate
Performance Scholarship
Lily Alcock
New Frontiers Excellence
Francesca Borland-Lye
New Frontiers Excellence
Pech Ros
New Frontiers Excellence
Sophie Whelan
New Frontiers Excellence
Charlotte Gardner
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Nicholas Harrison
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Hayley Taylor
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Lucy Waters
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
Victoria University of Wellington
Yasemin Atamer
Tangiwai Excellence Scholarship
Nina Beniston
Tangiwai Excellence Scholarship
Sophia Hoskin
Tangiwai Excellence Scholarship
Samantha Stewart Tangiwai Excellence Scholarship
University of Waikato
Elianna Su’a
Te Paewai o te Rangi: Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Achievement
Berklee College of Music in Boston
Arden Matheson
Full tuition scholarship
Iowa State University
Emma Zheng
NCAA DI Golf
Longwood University
Genevieve Dickey
NCAA DI Tennis
Weatherford College
Ashleigh Tuumaialu
NJCAA DI Basketball
* The number of scholarships awarded increases over the summer break as exam results become available, in particular for those seeking scholarships from universities in the Northern Hemisphere.
Spotlight on Our Educators
Jeremy Sievers PhD Head of Christian Education
Leading the largest Christian Education team of any College in New Zealand, Jeremy considers it a real privilege to teach at Saint Kentigern. The Christian Education department has a long history dating back to the foundation of the College and currently, 14 teachers contribute to delivering a curriculum that has been carefully developed for students from Years 7 – 13.
He earned a BSc from The University of Auckland and a job as a Biology and Science teacher and after 12 years he was hungry for another academic challenge. He was rewarded with an MEd (Counselling) which led to leadership roles in counselling and pastoral care at several large New Zealand secondary schools. Academia beckoned again another 12 years later when he embarked upon his 3-year quest for his PhD.
With his significant experience and credentials, he joined Saint Kentigern as Head of Department in 2018 where he sees the role of his team as engaging young people in the conversation about what Christianity means for the way we live our lives in today’s society. He says, “Being respectful of the diverse backgrounds of all our students, we want to explore and engage them in understanding the story of Christianity, its place in the heritage of Saint Kentigern and its call to us in the 21st century.” The team aims to engage the students through discussion and use of contemporary media and most importantly endeavour to develop strong relationships with our students and walk with them on their Christian Education journey.
Anneke Rene PhD Head of Department – Classics
The inspiration for Anneka’s academic journey to a PhD in Classics came from the most unlikely of sources; watching Xena Warrior Princess on TV! As a 12-year-old she was mesmerised by Xena’s fantasy world of Ancient Greece, that brought classic myths and legends to life and in which women ruled!
Her fascination with the ancient world translated into a BA double major in History and Ancient History, followed by an Honours year, Masters completed in one year, then finally by a diploma in teaching a year later; after which she took her passion into the classroom. After 4 years of teaching, the yearning for more research returned and she embarked upon her thesis “Ancient Riders of War”. This was completed in 4 years rather than six, whilst Anneka was working full time, pregnant and raising her first child.
Since starting at Saint Kentigern her infectious passion for the Classical world has resulted in a remarkable upswing in interest and enrolment in the subject. Her influence over the last 4 years has driven numbers of students in Year 10 Ancient Civilisations from just 12 students in 2018 to over 100 in 2022, with similar growth in the Senior School.
When you ask Anneka why that is she says, “Every lesson transports students to an ancient world complete with swords, shields and gladiators. We keep things exciting and relevant for everyone.” The subject has captured the imagination of boys and girls alike, with exactly half of each in the programme across Year 10 and Years 11-13.
Claudette Weir PhD Chemistry Teacher
Claudette’s brilliant academic science career has been driven by her singular desire to ‘make a difference’ and to turn her learning and experience into advantages for other people.
Her passion for learning and science has been her constant companion in her academic life. After catching the science bug at high school she went on to the University of Auckland and earned her BSc in Chemistry and added Honours to that a year later. Then with a scholarship from the Marsden Fund completed her PhD in the Science of peptide and carbohydrate chemistry. Her Post-Doctoral Fellowship work was at the University of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada where she worked developing novel anti-biotics specifically for burns patients. She then came back to New Zealand to work at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, an initiative funded by a private partnership. With the yearn for making a difference continuing, she took the opportunity to learn how to teach and in 2006 began her teaching career.
She is often asked how she is making a difference for the students at Saint Kentigern and Claudette says, “I am passionate about developing active learners, to encourage students from the earliest years to take ownership of their own learning and to think for themselves. If we teach them to think critically, their own natural curiosity then takes over, and the sky is the limit for them.”
Jamie Sneddon PhD Mathematics Teacher
Jamie’s approach to teaching mathematics at Saint Kentigern is grounded on a simple goal: that students never feel that maths is boring. Jamie’s dedication to that cause over the years when he headed the faculty had seen almost all students electing to take maths in Year 12 when it becomes an optional subject, with 97% retention.
In bringing his vision to life Jamie exudes passion for numbers and massive empathy for people. The success of the programme was to make developing relationships with every student a top priority, then add fun and ensure his students ‘do the work’.
This insight has developed through taking a non-traditional path to the top of the Maths department. He has spent time in pastoral care roles, taking Tutor groups and being an Assistant Dean having the chance to support students with all facets of their lives, not just the academic side. He says, “Seeing the whole person makes you a much better teacher.”
Jamie completed three degrees at University of Auckland, in his words ‘back-to-back’. He attained his PhD in Pure Maths by pushing the boundaries of established mathematical thinking. He loves to unravel mathematical puzzles and that curiosity is as strong for him today as it ever has been.
Sports
EVERY
YEAR OUR YOUNG SPORTS WOMEN AND MEN ENJOY CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS IN REGIONAL AND NATIONAL COMPETITIONS.
While many of our sports teams compete at the highest possible level, we encourage students of all abilities to be involved, with opportunities for all. With some of the best school sporting facilities in New Zealand, Saint Kentigern College offers over 25 different sports codes from Years 7 to 13, with approximately 260 sports teams representing the College throughout the year.
Our expansive grounds offer immaculately groomed fields, a multi-purpose artificial turf playing surface, tennis courts, including one under cover, an indoor cricket facility and swimming pool.
Our location on the banks of the Tamaki Estuary means an extensive rowing programme is offered right on our doorstep.
Saint Kentigern is represented in many of the Premier Competitions offered for Auckland Secondary Schools. Students who are selected for Premier Teams train throughout the year with specialist coaches and take part in a Strength and Conditioning programme.
The Strength and Conditioning programme is also available to every student in Year 10 and Year 11 as a component of Core PE.
Performing Arts
AT SAINT KENTIGERN, PERFORMING ARTS IS INTEGRAL TO THE PURSUIT OF A WELL-ROUNDED, BALANCED EDUCATION FOR OUR YOUNG ADULTS.
We provide a wide range of opportunities in the Arts for students to discover their potential, explore their interests and strive for excellence in their activity of choice. The Performing Arts programme encompasses drama, music and dance.
The Music Centre provides superb facilities for individual and group practice, as well as a performance auditorium for our extensive choral and instrumental programmes. Specialist music teachers offer individual tuition in voice and most instruments, including the bagpipes! There are many opportunities during the year to play for an audience.
Stage productions are a major feature of the annual performing arts calendar. The Senior School stages drama, musical and dance productions, and the Middle School produces a musical, and a combined dance and wearable arts show.
Our stage performance venue, Elliot Hall, has professional sound and lighting equipment along with purpose-built drama studios.
Our students have two specialist dance studios in which to work, rehearse and perform. For those not so keen on the limelight but wish to be involved, there are roles to play in lighting, sound, backstage, set construction, costuming, makeup and front of house.
Celebrating Success in 2025
Blake McKinnon – Dux Ludorum
Blake McKinnon’s achievements span sailing, hockey and orienteering at the highest levels. A member of the Premier Yachting Team, he contributed to thirdplace finishes at both the New Zealand Teams Racing Championships and the New Zealand Keelboat Regattas. He was the Auckland and New Zealand Starling Under-19 Champion and the New Zealand Open Teams Racing Champion.
Blake was also a member of the Boys’ 1st XI Hockey Team that won the Auckland Championships, defeating Westlake in the final. In orienteering, he was the Senior Boys Auckland Sprint Champion, Individual Champion and Rogaine Champion.
Representing New Zealand at the Australian Secondary Schools Championships, Blake became the Australian Sprint Distance and Long Distance Champion. He was also the Men’s Under-18 Oceania Sprint and Long Distance Champion. Blake was a finalist in the Allrounder and Orienteering categories at the College Sport Awards.
Neve McKenzie – Girls’ Runner-Up to the Dux Ludorum
Neve McKenzie has demonstrated exceptional success in cycling and endurance sport at regional, national and international levels. As a member of the Premier Girls Cycling Team, she was an Auckland, North Island and New Zealand Champion. Individually, she held titles as Auckland Cycling Points Race Champion, North Island Road Race and Criterium Champion, and New Zealand Champion in the Points Race, Individual Time Trial and Hill Climb.
Neve was also the College Senior Girls Cross Country Champion and the Auckland and New Zealand Triathlon Champion, highlighting her strength across multiple endurance disciplines. She competed internationally in 2025 as part of the Black Magic Women’s Cycling Team in Europe and was a finalist in both Cycling and Triathlon for the College Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards.
Alex Bishop – Bruce Palmer Memorial Award, Boys’ Runner-Up to the Dux Ludorum
Alex Bishop enjoyed a standout year across cycling, endurance sport and multi-discipline competition. A member of the Premier Boys Cycling Team, he contributed to victories in the Auckland Team Time Trial Series and the Northland Team Time Trial, with the team placing second at the New Zealand Championships. Individually, Alex was the North Island Under-20 Road Race Champion and placed second in the hill climb at the Northern Tour.
His achievements extended beyond cycling. Alex placed second in Senior Boys Cross Country, second in the Auckland Duathlon, and third in both the Auckland Triathlon and Aquathon. He was also a member of the Senior Mixed Relay Running Team that won the New Zealand title.
Alex recently represented New Zealand at the World Triathlon Championships in Australia, finishing in the top 20 in the world in his age group. He is a finalist in the Allrounder, Cycling, and Triathlon categories at the College Sport Awards.
From Left to Right: Alex Bishop, Blake McKinnon and Neve McKenzie
Nathan Dick – Senior School Performer of the Year
Nathan Dick was the 2025 Senior School Performer of the Year, recognised for outstanding contribution and leadership across Music, Drama and Dance.
In music performance, Nathan was a vocal soloist for the Chapel Band and Band Leader and Lead Vocalist for the Chalmers House Band. He performed as Lead Singer of the Groovy Gorillas at the Smokefree Regional Competitions, where the group was selected for the Manukau Regional Final.
Nathan also performed as vocalist and percussionist in Yoshi’s Jazz Combo, earning a Gold Award at the Tauranga Jazz Festival and a Platinum Award at the Auckland Jazz and Blues Festival. As a vocalist with the Saint Kentigern Big Band, he contributed to Gold Awards at the Tauranga National Jazz Festival, KBB Music Festival and Auckland Jazz and Blues Festival.
In drama, Nathan co-directed and performed in Othello for the Shakespeare Festival, where the production received Best Ensemble Work, Best Vocal Work and 1st Place in the Auckland Central Region. At the National Final in Wellington, the ensemble was recognised with Outstanding Student Directed Ensemble Work, Outstanding Music and Song Integration, Best Stage Presence and Imagination, and Commitment to the Text awards.
Nathan also took on the lead role of Sky in the Senior School Musical Mamma Mia and performed as part of the Boys Dance Group in the Dance Showcase.
As Deputy Head Boy, Nathan has balanced artistic excellence with leadership and service, contributing significantly to the College’s performing arts.
Oliver Bennett – Middle School Performer of the Year
Oliver Bennett was recognised as the 2025 Middle School Performer of the Year for his breadth of involvement and achievement across Drama, Dance and Music. His work spans multiple premier performing arts groups, reflecting both versatility and commitment.
In dance, Oliver achieved Distinction Awards in both Jazz and Tap. He was a member of the Year 10 Theatresports Team, a finalist in SKC’s Got Talent, and contributed as a Middle School Chapel Singer and member of the Menasing Choir.
Musically, Oliver performed as a percussionist in the Concert Band, earning Gold and Best Original Work Awards at the KBB Music Festival. As Symphony Orchestra Section Leader, he demonstrated musical leadership, with the orchestra achieving a Gold Award at KBB. He also performed as a Double Bassist in the Chamber Orchestra, which won Gold and Best Baroque Awards at KBB.
Oliver was a singer in the Premier Choir Kentoris, performing at Cultural Celebration and the Big Sing Competition, where the choir earned a Tui Award. On stage, he took on the lead role of the Mad Hatter in the Middle School production of Alice in Wonderland, delivering a memorable and dynamic performance.
Spotlight on Alumni
Bruce Elliott, Technology Entrepreneur
Bruce Elliott has achieved remarkable success in both his professional and humanitarian endeavours. He founded a software company in 1982, which he led until its acquisition in 1999, and later established another software company in 2002.
Beyond his business achievements, Bruce’s humanitarian work has had a profound impact, particularly his establishment of the Children’s Rescue Center in Kiev, providing food, shelter, and rehabilitation to street children.
His commitment to global service extends to involvement in a refugee camp in Tijuana, Mexico, and an orphanage in Malawi. Bruce and his wife Anne now mentor young leaders and continue to mobilise efforts for humanitarian causes. Bruce Elliott’s career and lifelong dedication to helping others truly reflect the values of Saint Kentigern.
Carli Davis, Sustainability Farming Advisor
Carli Davis has built her career at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and business. Since leaving Saint Kentigern as a Deputy Head Girl and IB Diploma graduate in 2011, she has followed a purpose-driven path focused on shaping more sustainable systems.
Carli led sustainability initiatives at iconic Australian brand R.M. Williams, where she guided the company’s inaugural sustainability strategy and supported its achievement of B Corp certification.
She is also the co-founder and Managing Director of SEAOAK Consulting, a boutique sustainable agriculture consultancy established alongside a former big-four colleague. Based in regional Australia, SEAOAK works with farmers, agribusinesses, and food brands to transition toward regenerative, low-carbon, and climate-resilient operations. Carli leads a small, passionate team delivering projects across the Australian agricultural landscape.
Tayla Earle, Centre for Northern Mystics
From a young age, Tayla Earle loved being active, meeting new people, and playing all kinds of sports. She discovered netball at 10 and quickly fell in love with the game. At 15, she was given the opportunity to attend Saint Kentigern College, where she began to seriously consider a future in netball.
The support, environment, and challenges at the college were instrumental in her growth and helped her pursue her dream of playing professionally in the ANZ Premiership and on the international stage.
Alongside her netball career, Tayla completed a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation degree, majoring in Sport and Exercise Science at AUT, where she developed a deeper understanding of athletic performance. She now runs her own online personal training business, helping others reach their health and fitness goals.
Whether on court or working with clients, Tayla strives every day to be the best she can be for her team, for others, and for herself.
Sebastian Solberg, International Award Winning Film
Maker
For Sebastian, the best thing about filmmaking is the opportunity to visit different parts of the world and connect with talented and inspiring people. He has filmed Eagle Hunters in Mongolia, parkour athletes with Canon in Istanbul, and most recently, wildlife in the Serengeti. His favourite stories to capture are those that create empathy and inspire a deeper connection with nature.
Sebastian first picked up a camera at the age of nine and never really put it down. Saint Kentigern played an important role in supporting his development as a filmmaker, giving him the opportunity to explore and try new ideas. He was able to use the school as a film location, and staff lent him high-quality camera gear to create documentaries before he owned his own equipment.
He credits the friendships he formed at school as having helped him get to where he is today.
Being of Service
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR ALL OF OUR STUDENTS, WITH STAFF AND ALUMNI ALSO COMMITTED TO ACTIVITIES WHICH BENEFIT COMMUNITIES IN NEW ZEALAND AND ABROAD.
Each year, Saint Kentigern raises over $100,000 in support of the World Vision 40-Hour Challenge. This makes Saint Kentigern one of the leading contributors to the cause. On top of this, many more thousands of dollars have been raised through other initiatives for causes such as disaster relief in many countries. Donation drives are frequently held to collect essential
items such as food, shoes and stationeries for causes closer to home. Service is about so much more than donating funds and goods. Service allows students to discover ‘their best selves’ and develop life long qualities of kindness, consideration and compassion.
FAQ
APPLICATIONS
When should I send in an application? Is there a closing date?
The main intake years at the College are Years 7 for both boys and girls, followed by Year 9, with limited availability at other year levels.
The College roll is at capacity at the start of each academic year. However, there is occasionally movement in the roll over the summer break, which may result in a few places becoming available.
We recommend that applications be received 18 months in advance of the entry year. Please note that we receive more applications than places available, so we encourage families to plan ahead.
Do we need to apply years in advance?
An online application may be submitted up to three years ahead of planned entry.
Are there places available mid-way through the year?
We prefer not to enrol students’ mid-year as the transition to an established class can be challenging and disruptive for current students and teaching staff.
Most of the curriculum is covered during Terms 1 and 2, meaning the new student may miss out on significant learning.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Are scholarships available and how do I apply?
Saint Kentigern College Scholarships are awarded to students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the College.
Applications are invited from students who: demonstrate excellence in Academics, Performing Arts, Sports, and/or a combination of these, i.e. all-round talent. uphold the Saint Kentigern values and have a positive attitude.
• have a clear vision of how they see themselves in the future and the contribution they would like to make to the College and wider community.
Scholarships are available for tuition or boarding.
Scholarships are awarded from the beginning of Years 9, 10, or 11 and are for the duration of the student’s schooling. All scholarships are subject to annual review; continuation is dependent on the student’s academic performance, attitude, and contribution to the overall life of the College.
All scholarship candidates applying for a scholarship may be invited to undergo academic testing, attend an audition, and/or participate in a sports trial.
More information about available Scholarships can be found on our website.
ACADEMIC PATHWAYS
How many students is in each class?
Our class sizes are usually 24 or fewer, with a maximum of 26. Depending on their choice of subject, some class sizes may be much smaller.
Students in Years 9-13 are assigned to small Tutor Groups of approximately 15 to 18 students for their daily pastoral care.
Do you offer Cambridge Exams?
No, we offer either the New Zealand Qualification NCEA or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma pathways.
During Year 11, all students complete their NCEA Level 1 qualification. Year 12 students can choose to continue the NCEA pathway at Level 2 or begin the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma programme.
What does the IB programme offer?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised qualification for entry into higher education, providing an excellent fit with the Saint Kentigern College ethos. The programme emphasises high academic standards in the mandatory areas of language and literature, mathematics, humanities or commerce, and the sciences and the arts. Academic excellence is coupled with an emphasis on personal development in areas such as research, analytical and critical thinking skills, philosophy, and social awareness. It is aimed at all students with a strong work ethic.
What second language learning do you offer at the College?
We currently offer Te Reo Māori, French, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish.
BOARDING
What age do you take Boarders from?
The College accepts boarders from Year 9 to 13 for both girls and boys. Some Year 8 students may be offered a place if they have a sibling already boarding or if they demonstrate the maturity to stay away from home.
Are weekly boarding options available?
Yes, we offer both weekly and full-term boarding for girls and boys in our onsite boarding facility, Bruce House.
Are there different fees for weekly and full-time boarding?
Boarding fees are fixed annually allowing all students the flexibility to stay on some weekends if they wish to, and weekly boarders often opt to stay Friday nights at Bruce House to be prepared for Saturday sports.
Can I visit the boarding house to inspect the facilities?
Yes, we welcome interested future boarders and their families to tour both the College and the boarding facilities. We understand that attending one of our regular Campus Tours may be challenging for those who live out of town, so we are happy to arrange a personal tour of the boarding house at your convenience.
Values education has long been synonymous with Saint Kentigern, a code of care and respect that all our students and staff are encouraged to adopt in every facet of their daily lives, both during the school day and at home. These core values provide a starting point for our students to explore many other essential values such as compassion, courage, determination, loyalty, justice and tolerance that are discussed and practised during the year.
Across all our schools, the well established Christian Education programmes, Chapel Services and assemblies provide key opportunities for students (Preschool to Year 13) to ‘unpack’ each school value and explore how they relate to their daily lives. This helps students answer the big questions of who we are and who we would like to be.
interested in a Saint Kentigern College education for their children and would love to answer your questions and help you discover what makes Saint Kentigern special.
Please contact our Admissions Team at:
Phone: 09 577 0703
Email: skc_admissions@saintkentigern.com
Website: saintkentigern.com/college