Admissions

Application Pathway for 2028 Start

Admission pathway diagram. 1. Apply, 2. Trial Learning Experience, 3. Interview, 4. Acceptance

Stage 1 - Apply

Your first step to applying to The Academy is filling out the pre-enrolment application form. We will need details about your child and it will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. There is no cost to complete the pre-enrolment application.

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Upon submission of the pre-enrolment application your child will be placed on the applicant waiting list. We prioritise waiting list position when proceeding to stage 2, the Trial Learning Experience phase. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to the intended year of entry so we encourage you to apply as early as possible to maximise the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Stage 2 - Trial Learning Experience - Beginning July 2026

A student enrolled at The Academy in the middle of writing and smiling at the camera

To assess if your child is a good fit for the school, we start with a Trial Learning Experience. This involves an afterschool activity where the students will work on a short project with us. No prior experience or preparation is necessary for this and it is designed to be a fun experience where all students will come away with a completed piece of work.

The experience is designed for both us and the students to get to know each other. It also gives us a better gauge, beyond a standard interview with the family, of whether the student will thrive in our environment. Importantly, we want the student to develop their own perspective on whether our school is the right fit for them.

Students will be invited in batches to the Trial Learning Experience according to their position on the waiting list.

There is a 460.00 fee for the Trial Learning Experience which covers time and materials.

To ensure our assessment reflects your child’s current interests and developmental stage, this experience typically takes place within the 18 months prior to their proposed starting year.

Students who have already completed one of our after school / holiday programmes will not need to do this step.

Stage 3 - Interview

Following the Trial Learning Experience, students who are well suited to The Academy will be invited to a family interview with the Principal.

When reviewing applicants, The Academy takes into consideration the following:

Students and families with the closest alignment to The Academy’s guiding principles;
Students who demonstrate a love of learning, curiosity, excellent character, significant interest or proficiency in an area of mathematics, science or technology;
Students with affiliation to The Academy through staff, current and past siblings;

Above all else, your child will need to demonstrate a strong commitment to learning in order to be offered a place at The Academy.

Prior to the interview you will be asked to submit additional family/student information including the following supplementary documentation:

A copy of the applicant’s latest school report.
The Academy’s Health / Medical Record form, with information regarding any special education needs such as cognitive learning disorders or challenges along with copies of any professional assessments.
Evidence of the applicant’s New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence by providing a NZ Birth Certificate or their passport together with any visas issued by Immigration New Zealand.

Stage 4 - Acceptance

Successful applicants will be offered a place by email within 6 weeks of their interview along with an Enrolment Contract.

Enrolment will be confirmed upon return of a completed Enrolment Contract and payment of an Enrolment Deposit as outlined in the School Fees section of this website.

Successfully enrolled families will be invited to attend welcoming events in the year prior to starting to familiarise themselves with the school systems and to meet other families.

Testing and Onboarding

We will hold testing for all enrolled students prior to their starting year to assess their current proficiency. Students may be assigned additional study material in preparation for their journey with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applying?

The deadline for applications is the 15th of January of the starting year, however as places are limited, families are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Once all spaces are filled applications will be closed.

Applications received later in the admissions cycle will continue to be considered, subject to availability.

Can I visit The Academy before applying?

Yes, we will be holding open days at the school site throughout 2026 and 2027 which will be announced in our newsletters. You can also request to meet a member of the leadership team at the site at a mutually convenient time.

Please email enquiries@theacademy.ac.nz to arrange a visit.

How many places are offered?

For 2028, there are 20 places at Year 7, and 20 places at Year 9 available. Families are encouraged to make applications well in advance of the entry point for their child as we are experiencing high levels of interest. Children can be added to The Academy’s applicant waiting list at any point from birth for future year levels.

Is an interview guaranteed after the Trial Learning Experience?

No. Participation in the Trial Learning Experience does not automatically lead to an interview.

The Academy is a small school with a deliberately rigorous admissions process. We take great care to ensure that each student is a strong fit for our academic expectations, learning environment, and community culture. As a result, not all applicants will progress beyond the Trial Learning Experience. This approach allows us to maintain high standards and a positive, supportive student culture, which we believe is essential to the success and wellbeing of every learner at The Academy.

How long do I have to accept an offer after it has been made?

Offers must be accepted within 6 weeks of the offer being made, or the place may be given to another applicant.

Are siblings guaranteed a place?

This is not necessarily guaranteed, however, special regard will be given to siblings of currently enrolled students. Siblings will still need to go through the full application process.

Does The Academy accept international students?

No. Only NZ citizens or permanent residents may be offered a place at The Academy.

Our team is available to advise on all enrolment enquiries. Please email enquiries@theacademy.ac.nz.