As your daughter continues into the qualification years of the Senior School, we help prepare her to confidently embrace life’s opportunities and challenges. She will be encouraged to persevere, discover her unique strengths and passions, and to reach her potential.
In Years 11–13 students step into greater responsibilities and privileges, distinguished by their senior uniform that identifies them as school leaders. In their final three years of school, students follow a structured pathway that ensures they are well prepared for higher learning and for entry into top universities in New Zealand and around the world.
“Our Year 11 Diploma and dual academic pathways in Years 12 and 13 are intentionally designed to challenge and empower. Through high expectations and deep support, we develop thoughtful, articulate, and principled young women – equipped not only for academic success but for lives of meaning, contribution, and integrity.”
John Payne, Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School
Explore our Senior School
As our students prepare for their futures beyond our school gates, we offer a wide range of experiences and opportunities to discover their unique skills and passions.
By the numbers
St Cuthbert’s students have a reputation for obtaining exceptional academic results. Our 2024 results:
Year 11 Diploma
All Year 11 students undertake the St Cuthbert’s Year 11 Diploma – our bespoke qualification developed by our talented teaching team to provide deep comprehensive learning. This intellectually rigorous programme supports our vision of developing socially responsible, compassionate global citizens; delivers in-depth conceptual understanding across all subjects, preparing students thoroughly for both NCEA and IB Diploma pathways in Years 12 and 13; and requires participation in enriching co-curricular activities and service projects.
NCEA and the International Baccalaureate Diploma
St Cuthbert’s offers two qualification pathways for Years 12 and 13. Both NCEA and IB Diploma qualifications open tertiary pathways and prepare students for leading offshore universities as well as New Zealand universities. Many students also sit NZQA Scholarship exams.
Year 12 and 13 Qualifications
Subject Choices
St Cuthbert’s offers a wide range of subjects across different learning areas, allowing students to pursue their interests and strengths while preparing for future study and career pathways. Subject selection is an important process guided by our academic staff to ensure each student creates a balanced programme that maximises their potential.
- Students receive guidance on subject selection by Careers, tutors, Heads of Year and their teachers
- Both NCEA and IB Diploma pathways offer diverse subject options in sciences, English, humanities, languages, mathematics, technology, and the arts
- Subject choices can be tailored to align with university entrance requirements and future career aspirations
- Specialist subjects and extension opportunities are available for students with particular interests or talents
NCEA Levels 2 and 3
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement is New Zealand’s national qualification and is recognised worldwide:
- Students accumulate credits through internal and external assessments
- Credits are awarded at Achieved, Merit, or Excellence levels
- Qualifications can be endorsed with Merit or Excellence at both subject and certificate levels
- University entrance requires NCEA Level 3 with three subjects of 14 credits each, plus literacy and numeracy requirements
- High achievers can attempt NZQA Scholarship examinations in Year 13, with monetary awards available for successful candidates
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
The IB Diploma is a challenging two-year curriculum leading to a qualification recognised by universities worldwide:
- Students study six subjects across different subject groups (three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level)
- The programme includes three core components:
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word research paper investigating a topic of individual interest
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): An interdisciplinary course exploring the nature of knowledge
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Participation in some form of creative or artistic pursuit, physical activity and community service
- Assists students to develop their IB learner profile: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective
- IB Diploma students also sit New Zealand Scholarship examinations
Supporting our Students to Achieve their Personal Best
Excellence in Education
Our commitment to academic excellence is supported by:
- Dedicated Teaching Staff: Our highly qualified and experienced teachers are subject specialists passionate about educating girls and committed to bringing out the best in every student
- Outstanding Facilities: Purpose-built learning environments, science laboratories, technology spaces, and creative arts facilities provide the ideal setting for academic exploration and growth
- Comprehensive Resources: Students have access to extensive digital and physical resources, the latest technology, and specialised equipment across all subject areas
- Wellbeing Focus: We are focussed on helping girls to thrive and wellbeing is a priority. Our pastoral care system and wellbeing faculty work hard to ensure girls are well supported and happy.
- These exceptional foundations enable us to place each girl at the centre of her educational journey, providing the support, challenge, and opportunities she needs to thrive academically and personally.
Supporting All Learners
At St Cuthbert’s, we recognise that each student has unique strengths, interests, and learning styles:
- Extension for High Achievers: Academically gifted students are challenged through acceleration in Maths, enrichment opportunities, NZQA Scholarship programmes, and mentoring
- Academic Competitions: Students participate in a variety of prestigious competitions such as Mathex, subject Olympiads, Language competitions, and debating tournaments, allowing them to showcase their skills beyond the classroom
- Support for Diverse Learners: Students with learning needs receive tailored support, specialised teaching approaches, and individualised learning plans when appropriate.
Beyond the Classroom
We believe that a truly exceptional education extends far beyond academic achievement. In addition to our impressive range of co-curricular opportunities, our senior students take on significant leadership roles within the College community, mentoring younger students and driving key initiatives.
Through our extensive co-curricular programme, students can:
- Lead societies and clubs aligned with their interests
- Participate and captain in competitive sports at regional and national levels
- Engage with challenging outdoor education and leadership expeditions both in New Zealand and overseas
- Contribute to meaningful community service and social enterprise projects
University and Career Guidance
Our Careers Department will explore with your daughter towards what she wants to study and provide knowledgeable advice to help choose the best tertiary path, be it local or offshore. Our dedicated team provides expert, individualised support throughout the university application process, both for New Zealand universities and international institutions. From personal statement workshops to interview preparation and guidance on gap year opportunities, we ensure each student is empowered to make informed decisions about their future. Our extensive network of alumni and industry connections offers invaluable insights into diverse career pathways.
Years 7-13 Horizontal Tutor Groups
The horizontal pastoral structure aligns with best practice in girls’ education. Students are placed in tutor groups with peers from their year group, recognising that students benefit most from pastoral care specifically tailored to their developmental stage and year-level challenges.
Find out More
Years 8-13 Tutor Groups
Students have both core classes and separate tutor groups, with tutor groups intentionally mixed each year to expand friendship networks and provide appropriate developmental pastoral care programmes.
Heads of Year
Each year level has a dedicated Head of Year who travels with their cohort throughout their time at school, building deep, long-term relationships with students and families while providing individual pastoral and academic oversight.
Year Level Coordinators
provide year-level strategic oversight and remain at their specific year level. The Year Level Coordinatorsy focus on the pastoral curriculum, operational delivery of events, education outside the classroom, and parent-teacher interviews.
Latest Senior School News
Evergreen Ties- December 2025
In this edition we welcome our new Principal Charlotte Avery, launch our new SERVICE Values and highlight our Junior School Differences.
Treasured Donations Enrich Our Archives
Our Archives have been fortunate to receive several donations in recent months, each offering a unique window into St Cuthbert’s rich history. August: A Glimpse into 1940s School Life Christine…
St Cuthbert’s College Celebrates Outstanding Achievements at Annual Prize Giving Ceremony
We gathered at our annual Prize Giving ceremonies to honour our students, celebrating a year of remarkable academic excellence, sporting triumph, and community service that marks a proud year. A…
St Cuthbert’s Announces 2025 Dux (NCEA), Dux (IB) and Proxime Accessit
The pinnacle of the Year 11-13 Senior Prize Giving is the announcement of the prestigious title of Dux, which goes to the most outstanding academic student for 2025, who is…
2026 Head Girl Lead Team
Congratulations to our new student leaders for 2026! Zara Toes was today named 2026 Head Girl of St Cuthbert’s, a well-deserved honour for a remarkable girl. Our 2026 Deputy Head…
St Cuthbert’s Opens Future Pathways Centre
St Cuthbert’s College celebrated a significant milestone today with the official opening of the Future Pathways Centre – a dedicated space that will serve as the heart of career exploration,…