Boarders have full access to college facilities including the weights centre, gymnasium, Centre of Enhancement, Performing Arts Centre, hockey turf, cricket nets, swimming pool, fields, and teaching spaces.
Men of Boarding
Our Christchurch boarding house is a nurturing faith community dedicated to the holistic development of each young man… Living, learning, and thriving together.
St Bede’s College in Christchurch, New Zealand, has a proud tradition of providing quality Catholic education and boarding for boys. For over a century, we have welcomed students from across New Zealand, the South Island, and around the world, fostering a strong sense of community and excellence.
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 in a supportive and inclusive environment. With dedicated staff providing guidance and care, boarders are empowered to reach their full potential – both academically and personally.
Located within our Christchurch campus, boarders have direct access to exceptional facilities, including the Weights Centre, Gymnasium, Learning Centre, Performing Arts Centre, hockey turf, cricket nets, swimming pool, sports fields, and modern teaching spaces. These resources allow students to pursue their passions, whether in sports, academics, or the arts.
At St Bede’s College, boarders develop independence, resilience, and friendships that last a lifetime. Our Catholic high school provides a nurturing environment where boys are supported to thrive academically, socially, and personally—preparing them for success within the College and beyond.
Boarding is indeed a priceless gift for a lifetime.
Download our current Boarding Handbook or view online below…
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 our borders the opportunity to explore the city’s array of cultural, recreational, and social activities, ensuring our students have ample opportunities to explore and safely engage with the broader community. From picturesque parks and beaches to dynamic arts and sports scenes, St Bede’s boarding students enjoy the best of both worlds—a structured and caring school environment coupled with the diverse and exciting offerings of Christchurch.
Our boarding environment is designed to ensure the student wellbeing and peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
Students have access to our extensive range of facilities like our fitness centre, pool, and gymnasium, alongside our world class Centre of Enhancement and Centre of Wellbeing. Through the Centre of Enhancement, our boarding students receive specific, specialised and targeted support to reach their potential, including Learning Support, Gifted and Talented Education, Vocational Pathways, Careers Education and Guidance. The Centre of Wellbeing has the expertise of on-site psychologists, counsellors, nurses, and physiotherapists, all of whom are dedicated to helping our students achieve academic success, psychological health, and social and emotional wellbeing.
The boarding school is located on the college site.
Boarders have full access to college facilities including the weights centre, gymnasium, Centre of Enhancement, Performing Arts Centre, hockey turf, cricket nets, swimming pool, fields, and teaching spaces.
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.
Email: office@stbedes.school.nz
Address: 210 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 375 0647
Absences: +64 3 375 1879
