The Ideal Preparation
What does it mean?
With a history of over 130 years, Cathedral Grammar is the oldest established
independent full primary school in New Zealand.
We take huge pride in the varied, successful and happy lives of the boys and girls who have experienced Grammar over that time.
With a solid foundation in this history, and individual and collective achievement, it is to the future we look.
Cathedral Grammar is known as the “ ideal preparation” for good reason. It’s because everything we do is with an eye on the future.
While we cannot claim to know exactly what sort of world the children of today will inhabit in 25, 50 or 75 years, one thing is certain. It will be a world that requires the best possible physical, intellectual, creative, spiritual and social development of our young people, today.
Accordingly, Cathedral Grammar is fulfilling and richly rewarding in the present, and prepares children for the opportunities and challenges of the future, in equal part.
For more than 130 years, Cathedral Grammar has adapted to a changing world, while anchored firmly in the traditions of the Cathedral, of creativity, of sporting endeavour, of passion for learning and of fun.
We look forward to the opportunity to sow the seeds of a life-long love of learning in your child, a basis for happiness, success and contentment in a rapidly changing world.
In the meantime, we trust you find The Ideal Preparation useful as you consider your child’s education and future.
And while it summarises the many parts of Cathedral Grammar, there is, of course, nothing quite like being there. You are welcome to visit at any time – we like nothing more than for prospective parents to meet other pupils and those who teach and inspire them.
Wanted: Astro-Scientists
We're seeking the next generation of discoverers.
Young people for whom even the biggest sky is no limit. People who want to pursue new possibilities, discover new domains and find new frontiers.
Make life one long adventure
At three, the budding adventurers have their first taste of the possibilities of the world.
At five, with basic navigation skills mastered, Junior School awaits, promising discovery in every sense – and using every sense.
A real character
Character. It's sometimes hard to define, yet so easy to know when you see it.
In a Cathedral Grammar girl or boy it’s as recognisable as their distinctive uniform.
100 not out!
A century is a major achievement in anyone’s book.
When it’s a century of scholarships, it’s even more cause for celebration.
Girl power!
Annelise Oorschot and Elizabeth Cain are preparing for sparkling futures.
As they move beyond at Canterbury University’s College of Engineering and into the wide world, they are taking with them something they treasure more than any scholarship or qualification.
130 years new
Heritage and history are undoubtedly important. Just as important, though, is how we approach the future.
To put Cathedral Grammar’s heritage in context, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary before other well-known private preparatory schools in Christchurch had opened their doors.
Good sports
One primary school habitually provides more Canterbury hockey representatives than any other.
The roots of this sporting tradition go back to the start of Cathedral Grammar and are expressed in many sporting achievements – and achievers.
The state of the art
To get a sense of the hive of creative and cultural energy and endeavour that is Cathedral Grammar, consider this:
Every week there are more than 300 individual instrumental music, speech and drama lessons in addition to the usual class lessons.
Halleluiah!
Since its inception Cathedral Grammar and the Christchurch Cathedral have been inseparable.
While a school established to provide choristers for a cathedral is not unique, there is only one other choir school in the southern hemisphere, so we think it is pretty special.