International Students

Study at Winchester School Te Kura o Te Haonui

Welcome to our Kura

Kia ora and welcome to Winchester School Te Kura o Te Haonui. Located in the heart of Palmerston North, our school is a vibrant, inclusive community providing high-quality education for learners aged 5 to 11 (Years 1–6).

"Te Kura o Te Haonui" reflects our commitment to a rich, expansive learning environment where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. We provide a safe, supportive, and culturally responsive "Kiwi" school experience where international learners are not just students, but part of our whānau (family).

What We Offer…

Winchester School provides a world-class primary education with a focus on holistic development. We ensure our international students are happy, engaged, and settle quickly into New Zealand life.

We offer your child:

The ‘Winchester Way’: A values-based education focusing on being Curious, Creative, and Connected Communicators.
Strong Foundations: A rigorous focus on Literacy and Mathematics.
Cultural Immersion: Opportunities to experience Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori through our Kapa Haka and school-wide practices. Also Pasifika through Pasifika school-wide practices.
English Language Support (ESOL): Specialised, small-group assistance with a trained ESOL teacher to help students develop confidence in speaking, reading, and writing English.
Inquiry-Based Learning: Encouraging students to follow their interests through science, technology, and social studies.
Modern Technology: Digital fluency through the use of iPads and Chromebooks in the classroom.
The Great Outdoors: Access to our beautiful, expansive green fields, adventure playgrounds, and school pool.
Diverse Extra-Curriculars: New experiences in choir, music, sports teams, and the arts.

Our International Student Support Team

At Winchester School, pastoral care is our priority. We understand that moving to a new country is a big step for a family.

Personalised Care: Our Principal and dedicated International Coordinator meet regularly with students and their families to ensure they are well-supported.
Buddy System: Every new international student is paired with a friendly "Winchester Buddy" to help them navigate the school day and make "Kiwi" friends quickly.
Family Connection: We maintain an open-door policy for parents, ensuring you are an active part of your child’s learning journey.
24/7 Support: To ensure the safety of our learners at all times, emergency contact details for a school representative are provided to all families during the orientation process, ensuring 24/7 support for urgent matters.

Programmes We Offer

We offer flexible enrolment options to suit your family’s needs:

Long-Term Enrolment: For students wishing to complete their primary education in New Zealand, focusing on full curriculum immersion.
Short-Term Experience: (Subject to availability) For students wanting a 4–10 week "Kiwi School" experience to improve their English and experience our culture.

All international students must reside with a parent or legal guardian for the duration of their enrolment at Winchester School.

2026/2027 Fees (International)

Administration Fee: $500.00 (non-refundable)
Tuition Fee: $14,000.00 per year ($3,500 per term, $350 per week)
Total Annual Fee: $14,500.00
Note: Fees include ESOL support, stationery, and most classroom-based activities. Additional costs may apply for school camps, music lessons, uniforms, and extracurricular sports.
Refund Policy: If a student withdraws their application before the course starts, all fees are refunded less the $500.00 administration fee. For withdrawals after the course has commenced, refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Trustees, taking into account costs already incurred by the school (such as staffing and resources).

Living Arrangements: In accordance with the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, all international students at Winchester School must live with a parent or legal guardian for the duration of their enrolment.

Why Palmerston North?

Palmerston North (known to locals as "Palmy") is a "Student City"—safe, easy to navigate, and full of parks and museums. It is the perfect place for a family to experience the authentic New Zealand lifestyle. [Link to your "About Palmerston North" page]

Complaints and Grievance Procedures

We want all students to be happy and safe. If you have a concern:

Step 1: Speak with the classroom teacher.
Step 2: If unresolved, meet with the Principal (Nic Mason).
Step 3: If still unsatisfied, the Board of Trustees will consider the matter.

External Recourse: If the internal process fails, you may contact the Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS) through Study Complaints (www.studycomplaints.org.nz) or NZQA.

Discipline and Attendance

Attendance: Students must attend school every day. Unexplained absences will be followed up promptly with parents.
Conduct: International students have the same rights and responsibilities as domestic students. We use a restorative approach to behavior management based on our school values.

Termination: Severe misconduct or persistent non-attendance may result in termination of the enrolment contract and notification to Immigration NZ.

How to Apply

Enquire: Contact our office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check for space availability.
Application: Complete our International Student Application Form.
Interview: We will arrange an online or in-person meeting to discuss your child’s needs.
Offer: If successful, we will issue a formal "Offer of Place" for visa purposes.

Privacy Statement: All personal information collected during the application and enrolment process is handled in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

Contact Us Winchester School Te Kura o Te Haonui

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: 06 3579414