Waimairi School welcomes international students seeking a supportive primary school experience in Christchurch, New Zealand. Located in Strowan, our Year 0–6 state primary school offers short-term, one-term and full-year enrolments, dedicated English language support and individual pastoral care within a culturally diverse school community.
International Primary School in Christchurch, New Zealand
At Waimairi, your child will be known, supported, and given the space to become.
A small school with a big reach — and a community that already looks like the world.
- Year 0–6 state primary school of approximately 350 students in Strowan, Christchurch
- Students from NZ European, Māori, Asian, Pacific, and MELAA communities learn alongside each other every day
- Guided by values of Whanaungatanga (belonging), Manaakitanga (care), Kotahitanga (unity), and Rangatiratanga (integrity) — coming together as Pūmanawatanga, the heartbeat of our school
- At Waimairi, difference is not just welcomed. It is celebrated, protected, and woven into everything we do.
Support for International Primary School Students
01 International Student Placement
We work with you to find the right starting point — age, learning history, and what your child needs to feel settled. We review this regularly and will always talk with you before making any changes.
02 Classroom and English Language Support
With no more than two international students in any class and a dedicated ESOL withdrawal programme that strengthens the explicit English instruction already happening in the classroom, your child is never one of many — they are known, individually, from day one, with the language support to match. They’re also joining a genuinely stable school: through Looping, teachers stay with their class for two years, and through our River System, children move through together with the same peers from their first days right through to Year 6. Your child steps into that stability immediately, whatever their length of stay — settled classmates, settled routines, no churn to navigate.
03 Pastoral Care for International Students
Our dedicated International Director is your single point of contact from enrolment through to departure — fortnightly pastoral care check-ins, close communication with parents, legal guardians, and designated caregivers, and a clear escalation pathway if anything changes. You will always know how your child is doing.
A School of Recognised Excellence
The credentials are earned, not claimed.
Credential
Year
Top 10 Finalist — Ministry of Education Excellence Awards 2026, Teaching and Instruction
2026
ERO Excelling across all domains
2025+
Numicon Advocate School
2025
Fifteen-year SOLO Taxonomy partnership with Dr Pam Hook
2009 - 2024
Learning environments designed with Dr Julia Atkin
2020 - 2026
Tuhono Kapa Haka — second in the region's most competitive competition
2025 & 2026
Why International Families Choose Waimairi School
- A warm, inclusive, culturally diverse primary school community
- Nationally recognised teaching and instruction
- No more than two international students in any class
- Dedicated International Director — fortnightly check-ins, direct family contact
- Close partnership with parents, legal guardians, and designated caregivers
- Clear welfare escalation pathways and at-risk learner support
- Full compliance with the Code of Practice 2021 and Immigration New Zealand requirements
- Transparent enrolment processes managed through the Enroller Platform
International Primary School Fees
Once a place is confirmed, here is how enrolment works.
| Enrolment type | Duration | Tuition fee |
|---|---|---|
| Full year | One school year | NZD $16,500 |
| 3 terms | 30 weeks | NZD $13,500 |
| 2 terms | 20 weeks | NZD $9,000 |
| 1 term | 10 weeks | $4,500 + $650 admin fee |
An enrolment fee of NZD $650 applies to all applications. Insurance is a condition of enrolment. A 10% sibling discount applies to the second sibling enrolled concurrently.
International Student Safety, Welfare and Enrolment Information
STUDENT SAFETY AND WELLBEING
The safety of every international student is the school’s first priority.
Structured Welfare Monitoring
Structured welfare monitoring with fortnightly check-ins for every enrolled student.
At-Risk Learner Framework
Clear escalation pathways and a dedicated at-risk learner framework
Child Protection Obligations
Immediate action in accordance with child protection obligations where required
Board Governance & Oversight
Annual Board welfare reporting and governance oversight
OUR GOVERNANCE FOUNDATION
For agents and families who want the full picture.
Refund and fees protection policies
International Student Refund Policy and Fees Protection Policy
Contract of Enrolment
Comprehensive Contract of Enrolment and Designated Caregiver Agreement
Agent Management Policy
Agent Management Policy, Procedures, and Commission Schedule
Welfare Monitoring Process
International Student Welfare Monitoring Process and At-Risk Learner Pathway
International Student Code of Conduct
International Student Code of Conduct
Code of Practice
Full alignment with the Code of Practice 2021 and SIEBA good practice guidance
All enrolment documentation is managed through the Enroller Platform.
Why Christchurch?
Christchurch is a safe, family-friendly city with the perfect balance of space, culture and opportunity. Located in Strowan, Waimairi School is close to local parks, attractions, everyday amenities and Christchurch Airport, making it an ideal place for families settling into New Zealand life.
For international students, Christchurch offers the chance to experience English, New Zealand culture and the warmth of a local primary school community.
