Our Heritage
Founded in 1915 during World War I, St Cuthbert’s has grown from humble beginnings to become one of New Zealand’s leading schools for girls and young women.
Pioneering Excellence since 1915
“To all who come within its gates our School should speak of friendliness and welcome and the joy of living. It should speak also of dignity and of the strength and the beauty which come from order and restraint.” Isobel Macdonald, Principal 1915-1920
Founding Vision
In 1914, Presbyterian Church Elder James Robertson and Church Elders approached the Auckland Presbytery with a vision to establish “a Scholastic Institute where religious teaching and moral training is of an unsectarian character equivalent to the traditions of the Presbyterian Church.”
This progressive vision recognised the need for quality education with strong values, and the Auckland Presbyterian College for Ladies opened its doors on February 1st, 1915.
Early Leadership
The College’s early success reflected the dedication of its founding leaders including Mary Ellen and Alice Bews, whose Mt Eden College was purchased to help form St Cuthbert’s. Isobel Macdonald, served as Principal at the Stokes Road site (1915-1920), with Lavinia Clouston serving as Principal from 1921-1948, overseeing the move to Market Road in 1925.
Under their guidance, the College established its enduring values, including our Motto, By Love Serve.
The Move to Market Road
After operating at the initial Stokes Road site from 1915 to 1924, the College made its historic move to our current Market Road location in Epsom in 1925, a milestone we are proudly celebrating, a century later in 2025.
“Are you going to be satisfied with a round of pleasure, or are you going to help to make the world a better place? The people who fail, are those who do not give their best in every detail, but are content with second, and even third-class efforts.”
Lavinia Clouston, 1929
Today, St Cuthbert’s has a vibrant community of 1,650 students. As we honour our rich heritage, we continue to build upon the strong foundation laid by our founders, creating new traditions and achievements that will define the next century of St Cuthbert’s excellence.
Next Steps
2027 and 2028 places are filling fast – please contact Admissions for more info. Apply now.