International Students

"The students we have hosted have embraced us as their host family and the kiwi way of life. For us, that's been a win-win to know more. Spending two years - IB time in Takapuna Grammar School, I have gained not only knowledge but also happiness and the ability to think. In this school, where many students are from different countries, I now understand about cultural diversity, and have learnt to be tolerant, to share and to accept. Through participating in school trips and camps, I have acquired academic knowledge as well as practical and collaborative skills. I will cherish all of my experience in TGS."

「在Takapuna Grammar School 学习的两年时间里，我不仅获得了知识，更拥有了轻松愉悦的学习生活和独立思考的能力。在这样一个有着来自不同文化的学生的学校里，我深切的体会到了文化的多样性，也学会了包容和分享。丰富多样的课外活动和实践学习，我不仅学到了知识，更获得了实践能力和合作能力。 在TGS学习的时间是值得珍藏一生的回忆。」 - Stephanie Kunming, China

While they are in New Zealand most of our international students will be living in a local homestay. They could also be with their parents or with someone who has been designated as their caregiver, usually a close relative (a DCG). Students may NOT live alone, or in accommodation shared with friends, even if they are over 18. Living in a homestay is highly recommended as it gives students support and the opportunity to experience the New Zealand lifestyle.

Homestays are organised through the International Department who visit and interview prospective host families. Most homestays are just a short bus trip or a walk from school. The local community is a very safe and clean area, with access to beaches, parks, malls and also just a short ferry ride across the Waitemata Harbour to the Auckland CBD.

There is a great effort made to match international students to the most appropriate family and often strong bonds are made and students stay in touch with their host families for the rest of their lives. The students become more independent, adaptable and confident in their conversational English and ability to live and study in a different culture.

Students are provided with:

- Their own bedroom and a place to study.
- All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Generally basic wireless access. The amount of usage is often negotiated with the family. All students at Takapuna Grammar School also have wireless access at the school for which there is likely to be a small charge.
- A 24 hour emergency contact number with a staff member of the school.

Click here for our Homestay House Expectations document.

Takapuna Grammar School believes in and provides an all-round education for all students. Our students learn and develop skills and qualities to contribute and make New Zealand and the world a better place. Takapuna Grammar School is proud of its history and widely recognised reputation for academic excellence and student achievement. Being the only Grammar school on the North Shore, it has a special place in the academic community of Auckland and New Zealand. Many have achieved well in their education at Takapuna Grammar School and progressed onto significant careers and achievements, providing a legacy of world class achievement and performance across a broad range of endeavours. There is an emphasis on strong academic goals and career pathways. These are the focus of current programmes and future plans of Takapuna Grammar School. We provide a high quality global education and have dual pathways for two world-class and internationally recognised qualifications; New Zealand’s NCEA and the International Baccalaureate. We currently have students performing at the highest levels of assessment in New Zealand and beyond. NCEA and NZQA Scholarship results as well as scores in the International Baccalaureate demonstrate that Takapuna Grammar School is a high performing academic school. Awards in international competitions further enhance Takapuna Grammar School’s reputation as an internationally competitive institution.

Many of our new 140 students are involved in many of Co-curricular activities (over 100 in total). Our students are involved in many of the Leadership opportunities available to them. This includes Peer support teams, International Leadership and Prefects as well as co-curricular leadership activities. The leadership opportunities provides a fantastic experience and skill sets for our International students to develop and continue to grow as young leaders.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a qualification pathway that enables students to gain University Entrance (UE). IB students attend over 5,000 IB World Schools in 153 countries. In 2013, Takapuna Grammar School became the first public school in New Zealand accredited to offer the Diploma Programme.