Our School Primary School
The Cathedral Grammar School is unique amongst Christchurch primary schools. Our primary school structure is designed to ensure each child receives the most appropriate and effective education possible. Unlike and other NZ Primary Schools, The Cathedral Grammar School consists of three distinct primary school departments: the Junior School, the Girls' Prep School and the Boys' Prep School.
Junior School caters for Years 1-3 in co-educational classes.
Our prep schools cater for Years 4-8 as two separate, but in every way parallel, single-sex schools. Research has shown that children respond more positively when the teaching methods actively engage their gender. This is because boys and girls develop cognitively and socially at different rates and in different ways. Both prep schools are located on the one campus, providing opportunities for rich interaction.
ages 3 - 4 Pre-School Co-educational groups (1:9)
Years 1 - 3 Junior School Co-educational classes, Year 1 (1:16) and Years 2 - 3 (1:20)
Years 4 – 6 Prep Schools Single-sex classes (1:24)
Years 7 - 8 Intermediate Single-sex classes (1:20)
Small classes (more detail) from Year 1 ensure that from entry into primary school, each child's progress is closely monitored. The extensive use of specialist primary school teachers assist the preparation for and transition to secondary school.
A more responsive learning environment
NZ Primary Schools are globally well regarded. The Cathedral Grammar School aims to exceed expectations by placing limits on maximum class sizes, and providing more highly resourced classrooms provide a responsive learning environment. Here, each child’s unique set of strengths have room to develop and areas requiring additional support are quickly identified and addressed.
We aim to inspire a love of learning. Our highly skilled teachers are dedicated to getting to know each child, opening doors for them to explore their own potential, and challenging, encouraging and helping them to give their very best to all they do. Specialist teachers and facilities for art, music, sport, religious education and computer studies complement class teachers.
The Cathedral Grammar School is a happy and thriving community where each child is highly valued. The school-wide focus on virtues forms the basis for our school values programmes, and is reflected in the respectful, caring way that children, staff and parents interact.
Discover more about our Private School from Pre-School to Intermediate School, or Contact Us for a personalised tour.