Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School has been providing quality private education since 1878. In 2018 Marsden celebrated 140 years of Excellence in Education. Originally established by Mrs Mary Ann Swainson as a day and boarding school for girls from Wellington and the surrounding country areas, it was known as the Fitzherbert Terrace School. In 1920, the school was purchased by the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. It moved to Karori and was given its present name commemorating the first Anglican missionary to New Zealand.

As an Anglican School, Marsden is committed to imparting the Christian values which are part of its special character. Marsden Karori has its own Chapel. Pupils of diverse religious beliefs are welcomed, tolerance of difference is encouraged and diversity celebrated.

Students of all ages travel from all parts of the Greater Wellington region to attend Marsden and we also have a number of girls from overseas who stay with local families. Admission is non-selective, and while our academic results lead the country year after year, this is not the only way we measure achievement. Our vibrant school culture promotes widespread participation at every year level in a range of activities. Happiness, health and a positive attitude are key for every student's well-being. Professional and highly qualified staff are committed to maintaining the philosophy and standards of the school. Classes frequently have fewer than 20 students, enabling teachers to nurture and monitor the progress of every student.

‘Ad Summa’, the Marsden motto, means ‘Aim for the Highest’ and that is precisely why parents, pupils - and our staff - choose Marsden schools. Together, we create a high performance environment. Marsden is a community, a positive, supportive, family where excellence is expected and encouraged. Everyone is here to do their best...to be their best.

‘Aim for the Highest’ begins with academic achievement and co-curricular performance, but extends well beyond it. Marsden is much more than a step up to university and a career. We believe the ultimate goal of education is to lay the foundation for a life of meaning, accomplishment and genuine happiness.

Our philosophy - the ‘Marsden Spirit’ we call it - stands on four pillars: Excellence, Resilience, Creativity and Giving. These are the qualities we seek to develop through everything we do: these are what give Marsden alumni the ‘grit and grace’ that sets them apart from others and sets them up for everything life brings.

Marsden schools are part of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington and open to children of all faiths and cultures. In a secular society, we are guided by Christian values and a belief in spirituality - that there is more to life than just existing.

Our belief in providing girls with a broad variety of experiences means that Marsden offers an extensive co-curricular programme.

Playing and enjoying music at Marsden opens the door to a life-long appreciation of the performing arts. We have choirs, orchestras, rock bands, flute ensembles and handbell ringing, as well as the academic Music curriculum which includes our fun and innovative Year 7 Band Programme. Specialist teachers are available during the school day for students to have private tuition in the instrument of their choice.

Everyone can sing and there are many opportunities for our girls to create lovely vocal harmonies - for fun or in competition. From Barbershop (Glee) and auditioned choirs to all-comers choirs and rock bands, there's something for all musical tastes. Listen to our silver award winning choir, Altissime, performing at The Big Sing national finals in 2015. Our Composer-in-Residence programme gives music students the very real opportunity to experience a composer at work. During their residency, the composer takes workshops with the girls and composes a unique piece of music for Marsden.

Throughout the year there are a number of events where our musicians showcase their talents. The Swainson Memorial Competition is a musical highlight where girls compete for the prestigious Nell Clere Music Scholarship and the time-honoured Betty Swainson Award.

We encourage our girls to join the School Production. Performing as a team in front of an audience builds confidence and great camaraderie. Our latest production was an outstanding success involving scores of students in front of house or backstage - they loved it. For those not seeking the limelight we sometimes offer lighting workshops alongside the school production. Through playing sport students learn about sportsmanship, teamwork, resilience, courage and commitment. We expect gracious winners and good losers.

We offer a diverse range of over 20 sports such as rowing, shooting, hockey and orienteering. Marsden girls regularly represent the school in local, national and international competition. We bring in experts to coach and mentor our sportswomen. The school has a dedicated team of sports staff, top-class facilities and resources to enable girls to reach their potential.