Educational opportunities abound in Cambridge
Cambridge has a reputation for excellent schools and early childhood centres, something which draws new families to the town.
Whether it's early childhood, primary, intermediate, or high school education, Cambridge is a great place for young people to learn, follow their dreams and fulfill their potential.
Laying the foundation for success early on
Cambridge offers a range of early childhood education (ECE) services including kindergartens, early childhood centres, playcentres, kohanga reo and home-based education to help shape young minds.
With diverse educational programmes, children can explore their curiosity, imagination, and passion for learning through play. The early childhood education centres in Cambridge have passionate educators and excellent facilities, providing a strong foundation for your child's education.
On the outskirts of Cambridge is also The Forest ECE and Te Miro Forest School providing early childhood education in the forest for children from three to six years old, and one-day programmes for children from age five to 13 years.
Starting school, first steps
Finding the right primary school for your child is easy in Cambridge, as every school here is exceptional. Our primary schools prioritise learning by creating a nurturing and engaging environment for students, where they develop vital skills such as numeracy and literacy, critical thinking, collaboration and a sense of community.
Using the curriculum as their guide, Cambridge primary school teachers support students from new entrants through to Year 8 in their academic, social, cultural, and emotional growth. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and talents through extracurricular activities and enrichment programmes, with plenty of cultural and sporting opportunities here in Cambridge.
Cambridge East School, Cambridge Primary School and St Peter’s Catholic School are located in the heart of Cambridge, while Leamington Primary is nestled in a convenient location alongside the greenbelt in Leamington. Goodwood School and Hautapu School are situated on the northern side of Cambridge, about 10 minutes from the main town centre.
Rural schools include Kaipaki School, Roto-O-Rangi School, Karāpiro School, Te Miro School, Horahora School, and Pukerimu School. In these schools, students can experience the perks of small class sizes, personalised attention, and a close connection to nature. They prioritise the rural lifestyle while maintaining a high level of education, promoting a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.
Most local primary schools are zoned, so contact the school directly for enrolment criteria and information.
Through the middle years
If you're looking for a middle school in Cambridge, you have lots of great options. Each one provides innovative teaching methods, project-based learning, and diverse extracurricular activities to cultivate a love for learning. The teachers at all schools are skilled and caring, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and a growth mindset in their students.
Cambridge Middle School offers a unique educational structure only found in a few New Zealand schools. It caters to students in Years 7 to 10, and provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for their future endeavours.
St Peter's Cambridge, St Peter's Catholic School, Horahora School, Te Miro School, and Kaipaki School all offer Year 7 and 8 classes that smoothly transition children into secondary school.
Regardless of which intermediate school you choose, you can be confident that your child will receive a high-quality education and a solid foundation for their future in Cambridge.
St Peter's Cambridge
For those looking for a unique educational experience, St Peter's Cambridge offers an internationally recognised education. It is the largest co-educational boarding school in New Zealand, and the only school in the central North Island that provides the International Baccalaureate as an alternative to NCEA.
With a focus on academic rigour, character development, and holistic growth, St Peter's Cambridge provides an excellent learning environment for students from around the world. The school's internationally renowned academic programme is complemented by exceptional sports and arts facilities, allowing students to pursue their individual passions and talents.
Whether excelling in academics, honing athletic skills, or exploring artistic endeavours, St Peter's Cambridge provides the necessary resources and support to help its students reach their full potential.
Cambridge High School
At Cambridge High School, you'll find a diverse community of approximately 1,800 students with access to various academic, cultural, and sporting opportunities. Modern facilities are complemented by a forward-thinking education programme that blends traditional values with a high standard for student achievement.
The curriculum is designed to provide a holistic approach to education, offering a wide range of subjects that encourage students to explore their interests during their junior school years (Year 9 and 10). As students progress to their senior school years (Year 11 to 13), they can specialise in courses that will prepare them for success beyond their high school years.
Tertiary opportunities are just 20 minutes away
Living in Cambridge puts you within reach of many excellent tertiary education opportunities. The University of Waikato, just off the Ruakura Interchange on the Waikato Expressway, offers a wide range of subjects at undergraduate, master’s and post-graduate level. Also in Hamilton, Wintec Te Pūkenga provides some great opportunities to learn and grow a new skill or career. Students can benefit from access to top quality facilities, experienced lecturers and tutors, and world-leading research opportunities to prepare them for successful careers.
Nurturing our next generation of champions
In Cambridge, education goes beyond the classroom. The town's strong sense of community, commitment to excellence, and nurturing environment lay the foundation for a bright future.
