This means students are fully immersed in college life, with easy access to spaces that support wellbeing, learning and a balanced boarding experience. From wellness and pastoral care to academic support, sport, performance and recreation, everything students need is close at hand. This on-site setting fosters connection, safety, independence, and a strong sense of belonging, while ensuring boarders are supported in every aspect of College life.
Living at
St Bede's
Men of Boarding
A supportive boarding community shaped by faith, focused on wellbeing and growth.
St Bede’s College in Christchurch, New Zealand, has a proud tradition of providing quality Catholic education and boarding, grounded in care, connection and strong values. For over a century, we have welcomed students from across New Zealand, the South Island and around the world, fostering a community where boys are known, supported and encouraged to grow.
As the only Catholic boys’ boarding high school in the South Island, the St Bede’s College Boarding House offers a unique opportunity for students to experience a world-class education within a supportive and inclusive environment. With dedicated staff providing consistent guidance, care and pastoral support, boarders are encouraged to reach their full potential, both academically and personally.
Located within our Christchurch campus, the Boarding House sits at the heart of College life. Boarders have direct access to exceptional facilities that support wellbeing, learning and co-curricular involvement, allowing students to pursue their interests with confidence while remaining in a safe and structured environment.
At St Bede’s College, boarding is about more than education. Boys develop independence, resilience and lifelong friendships, supported by a strong pastoral framework that nurtures their academic, social, spiritual and personal growth. Our boarding environment prepares students not only for success at school, but for life beyond the college.
Boarding truly is a priceless gift for a lifetime.
You can view our Boarding Policies here.
Boarding Handbook
Support and Wellbeing
Students are supported by a strong pastoral and wellbeing network that sits at the heart of boarding life.
Our Centre of Enhancement provides targeted, personalised support to help students reach their potential, including learning support, gifted and talented education, vocational pathways, and careers education and guidance.
Wellbeing is further supported through our on-site Centre of Wellbeing, with access to psychologists, counsellors, nurses and physiotherapists who work alongside staff to support students’ academic progress, psychological health, and social and emotional wellbeing.
Adding another layer of care, our most experienced leaders, the Rector, Deputy Rector and Assistant Rector, live close by on site. Their daily presence ensures students are well known, well supported and cared for, providing reassurance for both students and families.
Student Experience
At St Bede’s, our boarding students enjoy a vibrant and supportive community designed to enhance their overall experience both on campus and around Christchurch. We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and secure environment where boys can thrive academically and socially.
Our induction and weekend activity programmes give boarders regular opportunities to experience Christchurch beyond the school gates. Through carefully planned and supervised activities, students explore the city’s cultural, recreational and social highlights, from parks and beaches to arts and sporting events. This balance allows boarders to enjoy the security of a structured, caring school environment while making the most of everything the city has to offer.
Facilities
Boarders have full access to the college’s purpose built facilities, with the boarding school located directly on site at the heart of the campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boarding at St Bede’s offers students unrivalled access to a rich and diverse co-curricular programme that encourages them to discover their passions, develop their talents, and grow as leaders.
With over 30 sports on offer, students can take part in team and individual sports, including rugby, football, basketball, cricket, hockey, rowing, athletics, and swimming. From beginners to elite athletes, every student has the chance to train, compete, and grow, supported by top-tier coaching and performance pathways for those looking to take their sport to the next level.
Our co-curricular programme also includes opportunities in performing arts, music, Kapa Haka, debating, and service initiatives. Whether it’s theatre productions, choirs, orchestras, cultural performances, or leadership roles, every student is encouraged to explore their interests, gain confidence, and make lifelong friendships.
Living on-site means boarders never miss a rehearsal, training session, or event, and they also enjoy a student experience programme that
makes them the envy of day boys. Weekends and evenings are fi lled with social events, city excursions, and outdoor adventures, allowing
students to explore the best of Christchurch – from concerts and exhibitions to sporting events and cultural festivals.
Yes – and more. Boarders experience everything that St Bede’s has to offer and benefit from 24/7 access to school facilities, tuition, and support that day students don’t.
Boarders enjoy all the academic, sporting, and cocurricular opportunities available to Day students while also having:
• On-site access to learning resources and study spaces.
• Extra tuition and academic support beyond regular school hours.
• Full use of sports, fitness, and performing arts facilities after school and in the evenings.
Living on campus means boarders have a true advantage – they are immersed in the St Bede’s environment, with all the support, opportunities, and resources they need right at their fingertips.
At St Bede’s, we are experts in boys’ education and committed to developing Men of Character – young men who are strong in mind and gentle in heart. No stone is left unturned in ensuring boarders receive the best possible care, guidance, and opportunities to thrive.
Boarders benefit from on-site access to psychologists, counsellors, nurses, educators, coaches, and chaplains, along with a dedicated team of housemasters and mentors. Our most experienced leaders – the Rector, Deputy Rector, and Assistant Rector – live close by onsite, creating a family environment where strong relationships and a deep sense of belonging are built.
Academic success is supported through the Centre of Enhancement, which provides tutoring, tailored learning pathways, and personalised support to help every student reach his potential. Wellbeing is prioritised through the Centre of Wellbeing, where boarders have access to expert care, mental health resources, and personal development support.
Spiritual growth is nurtured through the Centre of Faith and Leadership, offering opportunities for reflection, service, and leadership.
Boarding at St Bede’s is affordable relative to comparable schools, offering unparalleled value for money while providing a world-class education and boarding experience. Our fees cover accommodation, meals, education, pastoral care, some co-curricular opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that every student has the support and resources to thrive.
More than just a place to stay, boarding provides access to everything a young man needs to reach his full potential—a structured, supportive environment, strong role models, lifelong friendships, and opportunities that may not be available locally.
As part of a college with over a century of history and tradition, boarders become part of a legacy that shapes young men of character, faith, and leadership. Choosing boarding at St Bede’s is an investment in your son’s future, ensuring he has every opportunity to grow, achieve, and be his best.
No, your son does not need to be a baptised Catholic to board at St Bede’s. We walk alongside each young man on his faith journey, supporting him to grow in character, purpose, and service to others. While we are proudly a Catholic school, we welcome students from all backgrounds who are open to embracing our values and traditions.
As an integrated school, St Bede’s operates under an enrolment scheme that gives priority to students who meet one of the five preference criteria. However, limited places are available for non preference students, and we encourage families to contact us to discuss eligibility and the application process.
For those interested, we offer a Sacramental Programme, allowing students to explore and deepen their faith through baptism and other sacraments.
