For partners Parnell College ACG
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Parnell College ACG
Elementary classes (grades 1-6)
The school is especially attentive to the teaching of young students. At the age of 5-11 years, children are not only given basic, fundamental knowledge in key disciplines - they are taught the love of learning, the desire for self-improvement, for self-development, perseverance. Much attention is paid to the development of independent motivation: students are taught to set themselves various tasks and constantly achieve more.
The middle classes (IGSE)
The classical British GCSE program is adapted specifically for foreign students (for whom English is not native).
Usually the course is designed for 2 academic years. Students study a sufficiently large list of disciplines - both compulsory and optional - and at the end of grade 9 they take 8-10 exams (scores are taken into account when enrolling in the senior classes).
In addition to the subject courses, students are offered an intensive English language course (by the end of the school all foreign students will be able to have practically at the level of the native speaker). The combined adaptation course helps students from abroad to quickly get used to the new environment, to overcome the language barrier.
A-level
The traditional British program of preparation for universities is the "golden standard" for studying of high school students. All over the world, the A-level certificate with high scores (such as the grades for examinations from A * to B) is valued so highly that it gives the right to enter even the most elite and prestigious universities without additional examinations and entrance tests.
The program is designed for 2 years and involves studying a very limited number of subjects - only 4 - which the student chooses at his own discretion.
The subjects are studied in-depth, practically at the university level, which gives students the opportunity to prepare themselves as efficiently as possible for enrolling in the chosen faculty in a priority university, and to devote maximum time to the most important academic areas.
Early Learning
- Age: 3 months+.
- Duration: up to 5 years.
- Language: English.
The program draws on the New Zealand Te Whāriki framework and the Reggio Emilia approach: there is no rigid schedule — the day flows at a free rhythm so that children can spend more time on what truly captivates them. The school associates this format with the development of independence, a love of learning, and the ability to sustain attention.
The program includes a great deal of hands-on and sensory work: children engage in early literacy and numeracy activities, simple experiments, project-based tasks, music, dance, drama, and fine motor exercises. Mathematics, early concepts of the natural world, and simple experiments are introduced through play, observation, and practical activities.
Older preschoolers have access to a dedicated school-readiness program that develops language skills, numeracy, everyday independence, confidence, and the ability to work as part of a group.
Cambridge AS & A Level
- Age: 16+.
- Duration: 2 years.
- Language: English.
This program covers grades 12–13. Upper school students study in a separate campus for Years 12–13, a five-minute walk from the other school sites. The focus of education at this stage is preparation for university entry: students build their own timetables and work largely independently. Typically, an individual study plan includes four subjects per year. In grade 12, students most often take AS-level courses; in grade 13, they continue them at A2 level or add new subjects. AS is considered a standalone qualification here: a subject can be completed after the first year without continuing further.
The subject choice is very broad: 23 AS courses and 23 full A Level courses are available. One English course remains compulsory — language or literature — and then the student selects subjects to suit their future specialization: it is possible to put together a strong science, economics, humanities, or creative combination.
For some students, the transition to AS begins as early as grade 11: they take individual subjects ahead of the main cohort.
Available subjects include:
- English language and literature,
- accounting,
- art and design,
- biology,
- business,
- chemistry,
- Chinese language,
- ancient history,
- computer science,
- digital media and design,
- design and technology,
- drama,
- economics,
- geography,
- history,
- mathematics,
- music,
- physical education,
- physics,
- psychology,
- sociology,
- Spanish language.
Description of Parnell College ACG
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Students age: 5-17 years old
- Total number of students: 900 people ( of which 130 are foreign students)
- Type of studying: mixed
- Accommodation type: host family, residence, apartment
- Language of instruction: English.
Prestigious private school in New Zealand Parnell College ACG provides students - including foreign citizens - with a full educational cycle: girls and boys from 5 to 17 years can study here . All studying is conducted in English.
Simultaneously, high-quality education of students of primary and secondary classes and preparation of high school students for entry into university: mainly IGCSE courses (British GCSE standard adapted for foreign students) and A-level are taught here. In addition, students can attend information technology lessons, seminars on the development of thinking - especially they are popular with middle-class students who want to improve their intellectual abilities in a short time. Students from abroad can attend additional English lessons in New Zealand - they will in a short time help to improve skills to the level of a native speaker.
Teachers of the college advocate for an individual approach: during one lesson (75-80 minutes) they strive to give each student a maximum of personal attention, to take into account all his abilities and interests. This thoroughness is bearing fruit: the percentage of graduates who have successfully passed the Parnell College ACG final exam does not fall below 98%.
Special attention is given to such subjects as:
- English
- Mathematics
- Natural sciences
- Key humanities
- Physical education and sport
- Stage, fine workmanship.
The college is part of a prestigious, respected educational organization Academic Colleges Group (ACG) is one of the first organizations in New Zealand to receive international accreditation and recognition.
Educational process
Junior students follow the Cambridge Primary program; in grades 5–6, a public speaking course is added to the core subjects. From grade 7, the school transitions to subject-based learning, where each subject is taught by its own teacher. In grade 11, students choose 5–6 IGCSE subjects. Upper school is built around a two-year A-Level cycle: in grade 12, students typically take AS-level subjects, and in grade 13 they continue at A2 level or add a new course. Usually there are four subjects per year in the timetable.
For science and creative subjects, the school has physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, a photography studio, art rooms, music rooms, and a theatre — all of which are used in regular lessons and project work.
Each student has a mentor, supported by deans and subject teachers. For those who need additional help, the school provides support in reading, writing, and English. For children whose first language is not English, ESOL is available, and senior students work closely with academic career counsellors.
Faculties and colleges
The school consists of four main levels: Early Learning School, Primary School, Middle School and College. All of them operate in Parnell, on separate campuses located close to each other. The New Zealand Government Register classifies Parnell as a full-cycle private school; as of July 1, 2025, the school had 1,908 students from Year 1 to Year 13.
- Early Learning School — children from 3 months to 5 years old. The campus is located on Park Road.
- Primary School — Years 1–6. The campus is located on George Street. This level has 326 students.
- Middle School — Years 7–11. The main campus is located on Titoki Street. There are 1,114 students here.
- College — Years 12–13. The senior level operates on a separate campus on Davis Crescent. There are 468 students here. This is the final stage of school education leading to AS Level and A Level.
Things to know about
- Its history dates back to 1998: that was when ACG Junior College opened, which later grew into today's ACG Parnell. In 2019, the school gained a separate campus for senior students.
- Parnell is one of Auckland's oldest suburbs. It began to take shape in 1841 and still retains an interesting historical character: Victorian, Edwardian, and Neo-Gothic church buildings stand side by side. The first subdivision was carried out by Robert Tod, and the district's ecclesiastical architecture was notably influenced by Bishop George Selwyn and architect Frederick Thatcher.
- Parnell hosts the Festival of Roses — a city celebration featuring music, a fair, activities for children, and garden exhibitions.
- Next to the school is Auckland Domain — Auckland's oldest park. It is situated around an ancient volcanic crater and is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, the Wintergardens, sports fields, and dozens of tourist and walking trails.
- The winter gardens near the school opened back in 1921 — they are one of the most well-known attractions in this part of the city.
- The school already has well-established traditions: year after year it hosts a musical production, a quiz evening, a trivia competition, and a welcome picnic for new students at the start of the school year.
Accommodation, meals, prices
College students can reside in host New Zealand families: they are offered comfortable and safe conditions (half board and all the amenities of the house), as well as daily communication with native speakers and familiarity with national traditions, features, history and mentality. The school very carefully approaches the selection of host families - many New Zealand citizens have been cooperating with the college for many years.
Also, students can rent an apartment (meals are not included - self-service) or be accommodated in a common comfortable residence (half board meals - usually breakfasts + dinners).
Subjects, specialties
Activities Parnell College ACG
Every day students have the opportunity to show their personal talents and abilities in one of the many circles, sections and clubs - it can be an academic, creative or sports center:
- Music School
- School choir
- Jazz Orchestra
- Debate
- Theatrical productions, acting
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Hip-hop and other choreography
- Bicycle race
- Plaque
- Football
- Hockey
- Netball
- Table tennis (ping pong)
- Big tennis
- Water Polo
- Track and Field
- Sailing
- Skating
- Mountain biking (mountain biking).
Students in the teams and in the individual competition regularly compete with other schools in the country and the region, showing excellent results, taking first and prizes.
There are many leisure opportunities in Auckland itself - excursions and city tours are held regularly for pupils. For example, you can climb the tower of Sky Tower and enjoy the panorama of the city, go to the Auckland Museum, the National Maritime Museum or go to the Waitomo caves - and then sunbathe on the spacious golden beaches with soft sand.
Advantages
- Very strong Cambridge results: in 2024, students received 7 Top in the World awards and 15 Top in New Zealand awards; A-Level was completed with a 100% pass rate, AS Level — with a 94% result, IGCSE — 95%.
- 97% of 2024 graduates qualified for university admission, 46% enrolled in leading international universities.
- Education from early years through IGCSE, AS and A Level: a child completes the entire journey without changing schools.
- Four campuses in Parnell, all within walking distance of each other; nearby — Auckland Domain park and Auckland city centre.
- A separate senior campus for Years 12–13 with pre-university preparation.
- More than 90 extracurricular activity options.
Facilities and equipment at Parnell College ACG
The school campus is equipped with everything that pupils need for full, effective and productive learning: all students have free access to a large library, the Research Center, the latest computer and multimedia laboratories, and all auditoriums are equipped with modern interactive technology and air-conditioning. There are separate studios for practicing art and creativity, dancing, music, theater and drama studios, numerous sports fields and venues - indoor as well as outdoors - are prepared.
The college area (more than 10,000 square meters) is located at the intersection of Parnell and Newmarket, not far from the center of Auckland. In walking distance you can find many shady scenic parks (for example, the huge Auckland Domain), an excellent tennis club and a swimming pool, an interesting Museum of Military Glory. It will not be difficult to find a cozy place to dine or meet friends: very close to the school there is a huge number of catering outlets, where the cost of a full lunch will not exceed 5-6 dollars - Urban Cafe, Kokako Cafe, Cafe Aqua, Sierra Cafe. Nearby there are also large shopping centers, where in free hours you can make all the necessary purchases: PriceMe, Westfield Shopping Mall, The Two Double Seven Mall.
Admission dates and extra charges
The following components are paid additionally:
- Registration fee
- Accommodation and meals (depends on the option chosen)
- Selection of accommodation option
- School uniform
- Teaching aids and materials
- Mandatory medical insurance
- Examination boards
- Visa fees and services, translation and certification, courier delivery of documents
- Consular fee (paid In the Embassy)
- Flight tickets in both directions
- Transfer in both directions, meeting and seeing off at the airport.
Extras:
- Registration fee (for a programme/course) 1000 NZD
Enrolment process
- The school accepts applications throughout the year, however for most year groups entry is possible not only in January.
- After reviewing the application, the school invites the child and their parents to an interview (approximately 30 minutes).
- The school then makes a decision — an answer is given within seven days after the interview.
- If a place is offered, the family confirms enrollment in writing and pays the place confirmation fee, and the school sends a confirmation.
- International students then obtain a visa, arrange insurance, and sort out accommodation. Before departure, the family provides flight details so that an airport meet and transfer can be arranged.
Perspectives
ACG Parnell graduates typically go on to study at universities. In 2024, 97% of graduating students were eligible for admission, and 46% chose leading overseas universities, primarily Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League institutions. They most commonly enroll in medicine, engineering, computer science, law, and natural sciences.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
All applicants of the college (age from 5 to 17 years) must provide a cover letter, if possible, an educational diploma or a certificate with a table of grades for the subjects passed (if the enrollment is planned in the middle or senior classes). English language requirements are set according to the IELTS (or equivalent) exam standards:
- 7-10 class = from 4.5
- 11-13 classes = 5.0 and above.
Scholarships Parnell College ACG
The school offers 4 scholarships: Academic Scholarship, ACG Founders’ Scholarship, Sibling Scholarship, and Nsouli Scholars Programme.
- New senior students are eligible for the Academic Scholarship — a tuition discount, the amount of which is determined on an individual basis. The selection process considers academic performance, study discipline, leadership qualities, and achievements in sports, music, and theater. To be considered for this support, applicants must submit a standard application, attach a detailed student CV, school reports, and complete an interview. The school reviews this scholarship annually: if a student no longer meets the criteria, payments will be discontinued.
- Senior students at ACG schools in New Zealand are eligible for the ACG Founders’ Scholarship: it is intended for those who are finishing school and planning to enter university the following year. Strong academic results and personal qualities are taken into account: leadership, perseverance, integrity, energy, and readiness for a demanding workload. The amount of this support reaches $75,000 AUD over three years.
- The Sibling Scholarship is offered to large families: if four children from the same family are enrolled at ACG Parnell simultaneously, the youngest (fifth) child receives a full tuition waiver. If five or more children from the same family are enrolled simultaneously, the family may receive a 25% discount on the total cost of tuition. This benefit applies as long as at least four children from the same family remain enrolled at the school simultaneously.
- The Nsouli Scholars Programme from the Inspired network: a full scholarship to study at one of the group’s schools. The program is designed for students aged 13–18 with strong academic performance and notable achievements in sports, creative, or performing arts. At any given time, 50 students worldwide are enrolled in this program.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Parnell College ACG
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
