About Us

Rector's Welcome

Welcome to St Bede’s College, a place where your son can grow into a well-rounded young man, guided by our rich Catholic and Marist tradition. As the Rector, I am proud to lead a community that deeply values each student’s faith, learning, and wellbeing.

At St Bede’s, we understand the unique journey of educating boys, especially through their formative years. Our approach is designed to engage and inspire young men in a setting that encourages resilience, integrity, and empathy. Character education is at the heart of our curriculum, reinforcing the values that shape responsible and compassionate individuals.

Faith is a cornerstone of life at St Bede’s; it isn’t just a belief; it’s a way of life that has shaped men of character since 1911. Faith enriches our community spirit, guides our ethical teachings, and provides a moral framework that helps shape our students into conscientious young men. Our faith-based education encourages students to think deeply about their values and actions, fostering a sense of responsibility and compassion.

With a rich history spanning generations, our college is a testament to the enduring values of community, compassion, and service. We honour our past while embracing the future, instilling in our young men a sense of pride in their heritage and a commitment to shaping a better world.

For more than a century, our commitment to excellence has seen us evolve into a modern institution that holds firm to proud traditions while embracing innovative learning pathways. Our students benefit from exceptional real-world learning opportunities and a supportive environment that enables them to thrive academically, spiritually, and socially.

Thank you for considering St Bede’s College, a community that prepares your son to excel academically, grow spiritually, and thrive personally, embodying the values and traditions that have been a hallmark of our college for generations.

We look forward to welcoming you into the St Bede’s family, a true gift for life.

Ngā mihi nui

Jon McDowall

Rector

Experts in Boys' Education

As an all-boys school, St Bede’s College offers many educational advantages. We have been mastering the art of boys’ education for more than 100 years, so we know that boys do better in boys’ schools. We understand and celebrate boys, fostering an environment where students can mature at their own pace.

We prioritise developing strong men of faith and character, believing that these qualities are fundamental to academic success and personal fulfillment. We know boys learn in different ways, so we have created a dynamic and engaging learning space specifically designed for boys.

Our People

For more than a century, St Bede’s College has thrived under the guidance of skilled educators and community-spirited individuals. Today, our senior leadership team continues this legacy, comprising world-class educators who are leaders in their respective fields. They skilfully blend our time-honoured traditions with a forward-thinking approach to education, ensuring that we remain relevant and responsive to the needs of young men in the 21st century.

Student leadership and voice are at the heart of our community, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. Our staff and student leaders work as one to ensure the values of care, compassion, and community are afforded to all. 

Our History

The college is named in honour of St Bede, an Englishman widely regarded as the greatest scholar of his time. His virtues of faith and learning form an essential part of the Bedean spirit. St Bede’s is the oldest Catholic boys’ college in the South Island and the only Catholic boys’ college catering for both boarders and day boys. Our rich history and tradition provides an excellent foundation to embrace the challenges of the modern era and prepare our boys to be Catholic leaders wherever life takes them.