Frequently Asked Questions

The Academy is a deliberately small, academically focussed intermediate and secondary school for Years 7–13, located at 70–74 Hilling Street, Titirangi.

Our curriculum emphasises mathematics, science, and technology, alongside strong foundations in English, history and philosophy. Students are expected to think deeply, communicate clearly and engage seriously with their learning.

The Academy is designed for students who are curious about how the world works, enjoy intellectual challenge and are willing to work hard.

Many students will have strong interests in mathematics, science, programming, engineering or technology. However, prior achievement is less important than curiosity, perseverance, good character and a genuine commitment to learning.

No. The Academy is not only for students who are already working well above their year level. Curiosity, perseverance and a genuine willingness to learn are just as important as prior academic achievement.

Students should, however, be comfortable in an academically rigorous environment and willing to engage seriously with challenging work. Our admissions process helps families and the school determine whether this environment is likely to be a good fit.

Students do not need to arrive with a fixed interest in a particular STEM field. They will encounter a broad range of ideas and may discover interests they have not previously explored.

Science, Mathematics and Technology form a substantial part of our core curriculum. The Academy is therefore best suited to students who are open to these subjects and willing to engage with them seriously. English, history, philosophy, the arts and outdoor experiences provide important breadth alongside this focus.

The Academy will remain intentionally small. At full capacity, the school will have no more than 140 students, with approximately 20 students at each year level from Years 7–13.

This allows teachers to know every student well, provide individual feedback and maintain high expectations and a strong academic culture while offering a broad and ambitious curriculum.

The Academy will open in 2028 with students in Years 7 and 9. New Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts will enter the school each year as existing students progress to the next level.

Additional year levels will therefore be added gradually until the school reaches its full capacity of approximately 140 students across Years 7–13. This measured growth will allow the culture of the school to develop carefully.

The Academy places particular emphasis on mathematics, scientific thinking, programming and clear communication. Students learn computer science from an early stage and apply computational thinking across multiple subjects.

Alongside this, students study literature, history and philosophy so that they understand the scientific and cultural traditions that have shaped the modern world.

Structured academic lessons are complemented by substantial projects, investigations and experiences through which students apply their knowledge and create work of value.

Monday to Thursday are devoted primarily to structured lessons in Science, Mathematics, English, Technology, History and Philosophy. Students receive explicit teaching, practise important knowledge and skills, complete practical work and participate in regular academic dialogues.

Fridays are dedicated to Extended Experiences. Longer blocks of time allow students to undertake experiments, engineering and programming projects, fieldwork, debates, performances, outdoor education and other activities that are difficult to accommodate within a traditional timetable.

Small classes allow teachers to know each student’s strengths, misconceptions and readiness for new material. Progress is monitored through written work, tests, practical activities, projects and regular academic dialogues.

Students who need further explanation or practice receive targeted support before gaps become entrenched. Those who demonstrate secure understanding can move into more advanced material without being unnecessarily constrained by their age or year level.

We recognise that some students may require particular adjustments or support. Families are encouraged to discuss any diagnosed or suspected learning needs openly during the admissions process so that we can understand the student and make informed decisions together.

Our small classes allow for close monitoring and individual guidance. However, as a small academically focussed school, The Academy may not be suitable for some students with special learning needs. Admissions decisions therefore consider whether we can provide the environment and level of support a student needs to thrive.

No prior programming experience is required.

The curriculum allows beginners to learn from the foundations, while students who already have experience can move into more advanced work. Curiosity and a willingness to learn are more important than previous exposure.

Computers are important tools for programming, computer science, data analysis, research and digital creation. However, technology is used deliberately rather than constantly.

Students also spend significant time reading, writing by hand, solving problems on paper, conducting experiments and participating in discussion. Computers are not the default mode of learning in Science, Mathematics or English unless they serve a clear educational purpose.

Yes. Students are expected to take their academic work seriously, and regular homework forms part of the programme.

Homework reinforces knowledge and skills learned in class and may include mathematics practice, programming exercises, reading, writing, revision and preparation for academic dialogues. Homework is recorded in each student’s homework diary.

Projects may be assigned by subject teachers, developed in collaboration with students or undertaken by a wider cohort. Student interests are considered, but projects are also selected to extend knowledge, address areas for development and expose students to unfamiliar challenges.

Students are expected to document their process, respond to feedback and bring their work to a meaningful conclusion. Projects may culminate in a written report, demonstration, exhibition, performance or presentation to teachers, families and peers.

Senior students will follow the Cambridge International pathway, progressing towards AS Level and A Level qualifications. These internationally recognised qualifications provide a strong foundation for university study in New Zealand and overseas.

Students will also be encouraged to attempt NZQA Scholarship examinations and participate in appropriate national academic competitions.

In a school of no more than 140 students, every student will be known by the teaching and leadership team. Staff will monitor academic progress, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing, and communicate directly with families when concerns arise.

Clear routines, high expectations and respectful relationships will provide the foundation of our pastoral approach. Students will also explore health, wellbeing, citizenship and relationships through age-appropriate modules and our Friday Extended Experiences.

Every student at The Academy has the right to learn in a safe, respectful and academically purposeful environment. We will maintain clear expectations for behaviour, effort and the treatment of others. Bullying, intimidation and behaviour that disrupts the learning of others will be treated as serious matters and addressed swiftly.

Concerns will be investigated carefully, with students given an opportunity to be heard and families involved where appropriate. Responses will reflect the seriousness and frequency of the behaviour, with a focus on safety, accountability, restoration where possible and the protection of the learning environment.

We will work constructively with students and families when difficulties arise. However, persistent disruption, serious misconduct or behaviour that threatens the safety or learning of others may result in suspension or termination of enrolment in accordance with the school’s policies and Enrolment Contract. The needs of an individual student will not be allowed to repeatedly compromise the education or wellbeing of the wider school community.

The Academy will not offer standalone, timetabled Art or Music subjects. However, artistic expression will remain an important part of the student experience, particularly through English, Technology and Friday Extended Experiences.

Students may take part in activities such as:

• composing music or soundtracks for games
• creating digital art and animation
• producing and editing short films
• performing dramatic works, poetry and monologues
• designing visual assets for technical projects

Families seeking ongoing instrumental or specialist visual arts tuition will be connected with local teachers and providers outside school hours. We are very fortunate to be located in a suburb where these opportunities are plentiful.

Physical education, outdoor education and activities that promote health and fitness will form part of our Friday Extended Experiences. These may include athletics, orienteering, tramping, camps and other outdoor challenges.

Rather than operating a large interschool sports programme, The Academy will encourage participation through local clubs and specialist providers. We will actively promote these opportunities and help families connect with football, cricket, tennis, athletics, squash and other activities available in the West Auckland community.

Students will have opportunities to participate in:

• programming competitions and hackathons
• mathematics and science competitions
• project exhibitions and presentations
• fieldwork, trips and industry site visits
• school camps and outdoor education
• community partnerships and mentoring
• workshops and presentations from visiting experts

Friday Extended Experiences also allow students to pursue substantial creative and technical projects that are difficult to accommodate within a traditional timetable.

No. Students may bring a phone for travel and communication before or after school, but mobile phones will not be available for personal use during school hours.

Necessary communication between students and families during the day will take place through the school office.

The Academy is academically focussed and maintains high expectations for student engagement, behaviour and effort. Admission is not determined solely by a student’s current academic results.

We consider application information, participation in a Trial Learning Experience and conversations with the student and their family. The purpose is to determine whether the student is well suited to the school’s expectations, learning environment and community culture.

The admissions process has four main stages:

1. Submit a pre-enrolment application.
2. Attend a Trial Learning Experience if invited.
3. Attend a family interview if invited to progress.
4. Receive and accept a formal offer of enrolment.

Full information is available on our Admissions page.

Many private schools charge an application or enrolment fee. We believe families engaging with our admissions process should receive something meaningful in return.

The $460 fee covers two small-group, specialist-led project sessions, including staff time, preparation, equipment and materials. Each student undertakes complete learning activities and leaves with finished work to take away.

The experience is more substantial than an entrance test or interview. It allows us to observe how a student responds to instruction, challenge, feedback and collaboration, while giving the student a genuine opportunity to experience our approach to learning. The fee covers participation in the experience and does not guarantee progression to an interview or an offer of enrolment.

No. Participation in the Trial Learning Experience does not automatically lead to an interview or an offer of enrolment.

The Academy has a deliberately careful admissions process. We consider whether each applicant is well suited to our academic expectations, learning environment and community culture. This helps us maintain a positive and purposeful environment for every student.

There are 20 places available in Year 7 and 20 places in Year 9 for 2028.

Places are limited, and applicants are invited to the next stage of the admissions process in batches, with consideration given to their position on the applicant waiting list. Families are therefore encouraged to apply early.

The final application deadline is 15 January of the intended starting year. However, applications may close earlier if all available places have been filled.

There is no cost or obligation associated with submitting a pre-enrolment application.

Our first open days are planned from early 2027. Dates and booking information will be announced through our website, newsletter and social media channels.

You are also welcome to email us at [email protected] to arrange a visit to the site while under contruction. We would be delighted to give your family a tour.

Families do not need to wait for an open day before applying. There is no cost or obligation associated with submitting a pre-enrolment application.

No. Consideration will be given to siblings of enrolled students, but every applicant must complete the admissions process and demonstrate that they are well suited to the school.

No. Only New Zealand citizens and permanent residents may currently be offered a place at The Academy.

Families may choose between two payment options:

• Annual payment in advance: $28,250
• Term-by-term payment: $7,450 per term

The annual payment represents a saving of $1,550 compared with four term-by-term payments. All fees are in New Zealand dollars and include GST.

Further information is available on our Fees page.

The school day begins at 8:30 am. Students may arrive from 8:00 am.

Students in Years 7–10 finish at 3:20 pm.

Students in Years 11–13 finish at 3:30 pm.

These times are deliberately staggered relative to nearby schools to reduce overlap during peak traffic periods.

The Academy encourages walking, cycling and public transport wherever practicable.

Walking routes connect the school through Crum Park and Titirangi Road, and the school can be accessed directly from Crum Park. Nearby bus stops are located on Titirangi Road, Golf Road, Godley Road and Stottholm Road.

Secure bicycle storage will be provided on site.

Parents and caregivers must follow the school’s travel requirements during peak arrival and departure periods:

• The Hilling Street cul-de-sac west of Dolbear Street must not be used for routine pick-up or drop-off.
• Exceptions may be made for accessibility needs and occasional pick-ups or drop-offs outside peak periods.
• The school entrance and turning circle are not available for general parent use during peak periods.
• Staff will supervise arrival and departure periods and help students follow the school’s travel procedures.

Detailed travel information will be provided to enrolled families before students begin at the school.

The school has designated staff parking on site, including accessible and visitor parking. General parent parking is not available on the school grounds during peak arrival and departure periods.

Resource consent has been granted and construction of our purpose-built school at 70–74 Hilling Street is well under way. The main building includes large classrooms and specialist laboratory spaces designed specifically for The Academy’s programme.

Regular photographs, videos and construction updates are published on our News page and social media channels. The school will welcome its first Year 7 and Year 9 students in 2028.