WELCOME ~ NAU MAI HAERE MAI
Kia ora, nau mai, haere mai ki te whānau whare noho o te Kāreti o Waihora.
Welcome to the Ellesmere College whānau. It is our hope that by you attending the college, you will enjoy our culture, language, food and customs, everyone's time will be enriched, friendships forged and lifelong memories created.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Antony French - Principal
Welcome to Ellesmere College – Te Kāreti o Waihora.
We’re proud to offer a range of specialised education packages tailored for international students – a unique point of difference that sets us apart.
As a fourth-generation New Zealander and a local resident, I’m excited to share our special corner of the world with you. I look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Laura McConchie - Director of International Students
Why study with us?
1. Supportive and Inclusive Environment
We are known for our close-knit, friendly school culture. Smaller class sizes mean more individual attention and stronger student–teacher relationships, which is helpful for international students adjusting to a new education system.
📚 2. Strong Academic and Vocational Programs
We offer a well-rounded curriculum with:
NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) pathways
Academic subjects like sciences, English, and mathematics
Vocational options such as agriculture, trades, and hospitality
Lincoln University pathways
Students can tailor their education to suit university aspirations or practical career goals.
🌍 3. Dedicated International Student Support
The school has a team specifically for international student support, including:
English language (ESOL) tuition
Homestay arrangements with vetted local families
Cultural integration programs and trips
This ensures a smoother transition and a rich Kiwi cultural experience.
🌱 4. Rural Setting with Strong Agricultural Links
Given our location in Leeston, a major farming area, we integrate agricultural education and outdoor learning into the curriculum. It's a great fit for students interested in environmental science, sustainability, or agri-business.
🏫 5. Modernisation and Development
Ellesmere College is undergoing a significant investment, including building upgrades and future-focused facilities. This signals a strong commitment from us to provide 21st-century learning environments.
🛫 6. Close to Christchurch
Leeston is only about 45 minutes from Christchurch International Airport, making it easy for international families to travel. Students also benefit from access to city-based activities while enjoying the safety and calm of rural life.
Founded in 1981, Ellesmere College-Te Kāreti o Waihora is a co-educational school grounded in family values with a community focus, offering over 500 students from Year 7 to Year 13 an exceptional education. We are located 40 minutes from Christchurch and just a short drive away from the Southern Alps, rivers, and coastline. Ellesmere College -Te Kāreti o Waihora is a place where every student is valued, supported, and enabled to excel. Passionate teachers, a nurturing environment, and a student-focused approach inspire every student to be the best they can be.
Our values - o tatou uara
Our RISE values live and breathe throughout the curriculum and learning environment. Evolved through community discussion and consideration, they are at the core of everything we do as a school.
We prepare our students for the wider world by incorporating these values into every area of school life, including our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) programme. This helps to create a positive environment and strong support system, removing barriers to engagement and improving children’s overall well-being.
Our specialised programmes are designed to provide international students with academic excellence and cultural integration.
Available for full-year or term-based enrolments, the packages cater to individuals and groups, offering flexibility to suit various educational needs.
For detailed information on these programmes, prospective students and their families are encouraged to contact the Director of International Students, Laura McConchie, at mcconchiel@ellesmere.school.nz