Here, before us stands Saint Kentigern College. Founded in 1953, Saint Kentigern College has grown into a leading independent school. It is recognized for excellence in academics, sports, and culture.
Saint Kentigern College started with only 93 students. A group of Presbyterian ministers and laymen wanted a school for knowledge and service. They named it after Saint Kentigern of Glasgow. Saint Kentigern is also known as Mungo in Scotland. The college has expanded to over 1600 students. Its campus covers 40 hectares in Pakuranga, Auckland.
Did you know Saint Kentigern College once had single-gender classes? Until recently, Saint Kentigern College taught boys and girls separately in Years 7 to 10. The senior school Years 11 to 13 was co-educational. This parallel education aimed to offer the best of both worlds. But the school has moved away from the single gender model.
Saint Kentigern College provides different academic pathways. Students can study for the International Baccalaureate Diploma. They can also study for the NCEA. NCEA is the New Zealand qualification. Saint Kentigern College became an IB World School in 2009.
The first headmaster was Reverend Adam MacFarlan. He came from the University of Glasgow. MacFarlan led the college until 1983. He received an OBE for his service to education.
Saint Kentigern College structures students into houses. These houses compete throughout the year. Each house is named after a Scottish Presbyterian martyr. There is Wishart for George Wishart. Hamilton is for Patrick Hamilton. Chalmers represents James Chalmers. Cargill stands for Donald Cargill. Wilson is for Margaret Wilson. Stark represents Helen Stark.
Saint Kentigern College is known for its rugby. Many All Blacks have come from here. Joe Rokocoko, John Afoa, and Jerome Kaino played on the 2001 championship team. The 1st XV won the Moascar Cup in 1981 and 1999. Saint Kentigern also won three straight Auckland 1A titles from 2011 to 2013. In 2013, they won the Sanix Youth World Invitational Tournament.
In 2019, Saint Kentigern College sold its girls school campus. It was sold to the Auckland Hebrew Congregation. Saint Kentigern Girls School reopened in Remuera in 2022.
In November 2023, the college received a bomb threat. This caused an early closure.
Saint Kentigern College has grown from humble beginnings. It now offers world-class education. Saint Kentigern College prepares students for their future. Its graduates have made their mark in many fields. Christopher Luxon, the current New Zealand Prime Minister, is an alumnus.