Marian College

Welcome to Marian College

We are delighted that you are interested in learning more about our school.

At Marian College we embrace a rich tapestry of cultural identities including Māori, Pasifika, Asian, Indian and New Zealand European.

We strive to create an inclusive environment where all these cultures are celebrated. We are a faith-based school with our history stemming from two outstanding women, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Venerable Catherine McAuley. They formed two religious orders committed to faith and education. Marian College began in 1982 and we follow in their footsteps.

We are blessed to be in our new school in Lydia Street, Northcote. We opened here in 2024 and our students are thoroughly enjoying the excellent facilities. The design of our school is unique and based on sustainable practices.

We have outstanding facilities for teaching and learning, cultural activities and sports, and we are able to share these with the wider community.Marian students are kind and give their time in service to others in the community.

Our academic results are excellent and we provide quality teaching alongside learner support. Marian students enjoy school and are involved in the many opportunities provided.

Mary-Lou Davidson
Tumuaki | Principal

Hitomi Oka (2019-2020)

After receiving the Most Valuable Player award during her International Rugby Program (IRP) placement at St Bede's College in August 2019, Hitomi completed a year and a term of studies at Marian College.

Hitomi fully immersed herself in Marian College life, maintaining a balance of academics, athletics, and social events. She credits her study-abroad experience for reminding her of the importance of family, and expresses gratitude to her incredible teachers, host family, friends, and the IRP community.

Hitomi recently graduated in Nursing from Waikato University in Hamilton.

マリアンカレッジは少人数の女子校で生徒達がお互い面倒を見合うような学校です。先生方も生徒それぞれの目標を達成できるように全力でサポートしてくださいます。多様性を大切にする学校で、留学生をとても温かく迎え入れてくれます。そんな学校で私の英語力はもちろん、国際人としての人間力も磨くことができました。マリアンカレッジの卒業生であることを誇りに思います。

Misaki Tone (2023)

Misaki Tone was an international exchange student from Toho High School in Nagoya, Japan.

Her passion for film motivated her to enhance her English-speaking skills, which would help her gain a better understanding of the language. During her stay, Misaki took full advantage of the opportunity by immersing herself in the English language. She developed her conversational skills by engaging with her classmates and teachers, participating in school events, and becoming a key member of the senior basketball team.

Exploring new customs and traditions was a highlight of Misaki's experience, and she looks forward to maintaining contact with her fellow students.

World-Class Facilities

Marian College's new home in Northcote is a testament to architectual ingenuity and sustainable building practices.

The multi award-winning facility is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, with the entire school built inside an existing warehouse.It includes a full-size gymnasium, four indoor sports courts, a black box for Performing Arts, and green spaces for students to utilise recreationally and in their classwork.

Classrooms are fully insulated and soundproof.As a small, family-oriented school, our students' learning needs are well catered for.

Opportunities for Success

Marian students have opportunities to achieve their goals in a wide range of areas: academic, cultural, sporting, and personal growth.

These are important for a well balanced education for 21st century learners.

As a Catholic school, we place faith and spiritual growth at the heart of Marian College. With this strong foundation, students can succeed in all areas of life and prepare for their exciting future.

Marian College supports students in their journey through secondary school to further study, training, and employment.

Immerse yourself in New Zealand Culture

At Marian College we are thrilled to be able to offer our students the opportunity to immerse themselves in all aspects of culture.

Whether you want to pursue sports such as rugby. football, netball and rowing; or are interested in the performing arts such as theatre sports, drama, Choir, Kapa Haka or Pasifika- there are many choices.

Our students also take part in education outside the classroom, with many subjects offering the opportunity to learn in and around Christchurch and the wider Canterbury area. These include activities such as overnight camps, ski trips, and sporting experiences.