Study Services

School Overview

Pinehurst School was established in 1991 in the Albany area on Auckland’s North Shore. The school was founded by a group of parents who shared a common educational vision — to create the ideal school for their children. Today, Pinehurst has grown into one of the most well-regarded private schools on the North Shore, with a current enrolment of approximately 1,145 students.

Pinehurst is a non-denominational, co-educational school offering classes from Year 1 to Year 13. The school embraces a progressive approach to education, maintains a distinctive spirit of innovation, and has set a deliberate cap on student numbers to ensure every student receives high-quality educational resources and personalised attention. The campus is richly landscaped and surrounded by trees, creating a calm and focused learning atmosphere.

Pinehurst School places strong emphasis on developing integrity, collaborative skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in its students. The school maintains exchange programmes with schools around the world, regularly hosting international exchange students, reflecting its open and global outlook.

Curriculum

Pinehurst School follows the CIE Cambridge International curriculum and was one of the first schools in New Zealand to teach the Cambridge Primary programme. Since adopting the Cambridge International Examinations curriculum in 2002, the school has built extensive teaching expertise in this area, with students earning top honours in both New Zealand and global examinations. The school does not offer NCEA.

At the primary level (Years 1-6), the focus is on building strong foundations in numeracy and literacy. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, and Science, with Spanish and Mandarin available as electives from Year 3. In Years 7-8, students prepare for the Year 9 Cambridge Checkpoint examinations, while also engaging in distinctive programmes such as PREP (Preliminary Enterprise Project) and outdoor adventure activities. Students in Years 9-13 follow the IGCSE and A Level curricula, with differentiated learning approaches to ensure each student achieves their personal academic goals.

The school maintains small class sizes, with a maximum of 22 students per class at the primary level and an average of just 15 students per class in Years 10-13. Facilities include two gymnasiums, a large sports field, basketball courts, and tennis courts. Students can participate in a wide range of sports including athletics, basketball, football, hockey, tennis, and rugby. The music department runs several choirs and ensembles, with regular on-campus concerts.

International Students

Pinehurst School provides comprehensive support services for international students, including assistance with student visas, travel arrangements, and health insurance. New students attend an orientation day to familiarise themselves with the campus and academic expectations, with ongoing pastoral care provided throughout their enrolment.

International students join the mainstream curriculum and receive additional tutoring in specific subjects as needed. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses are available for students whose first language is not English. Homestay accommodation can be arranged through the school, with all homestay families supervised by the school’s dedicated Homestay Coordinator. Please note that children aged 10 and under are required to have a parent living with them in order to enrol.

Campus Location

Pinehurst School is located in the Albany area on Auckland’s North Shore, just minutes from the motorway, offering excellent accessibility. The campus is spacious, with abundant greenery and mature trees creating an elegant and peaceful environment.

Albany is one of the North Shore’s major commercial and lifestyle centres, with comprehensive amenities nearby including a large shopping centre, library, sports venues, and parks. The community is safe and family-friendly, making it an ideal area for study and daily living.

Application Process

1. Contact Letu Education for a free assessment
2. Confirm availability of places at the school
3. Prepare application documents
4. Submit the enrolment application
5. Apply for a student visa upon receiving the offer of place
6. Arrange homestay accommodation and airport transfer services