Principal's Welcome

martyn and students picnic bench

It is a privilege and an honour to be Principal at Rathkeale College. Rathkeale is a unique school set in one of the most beautiful school campuses you could ever hope to learn in.

Our students set high and challenging goals and are supported in every way to achieve them.  Their achievements are a constant source of pride and motivation for our staff.

For a small school, we compete and achieve consistently well on the regional and national stage in Academia, Sport and the Performing Arts.  This is largely due to the 100% commitment of all boys to all aspects of school life.

There are many exciting developments occurring at Rathkeale College.  The recent development of the Land Lab, our 6Ha production, research and teaching facility for the Primary Industries, is one example.  The close link with the Pukaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre is another, in regard to our Environmental Science courses.

To balance these types of experiences, we are one of only six secondary schools in New Zealand to be named as a Microsoft lead school.  This clearly demonstrates our commitment to the modern teaching and learning that occurs through ICT.

At Rathkeale we believe in Open Minds, Open Spaces and Open Futures.  This sums up where our school is heading.

If this sounds like you, then come and join us.

Martin O’Grady JP
B.Agr, PGDipEdAdminLead, Dip. Tchg

School Video

See a video about our school produced by our students

Our Vision

Rathkeale  is a responsive, inclusive and diverse school, championing sustainable practices, inspiring everyone to achieve their potential anchored by their Christian values.

Benefits of a Rathkeale education

  • Rathkeale College is an integrated day and boarding school for boys from Years 9 to 13.
  • During their time at Rathkeale boys are encouraged to develop their personal values and standards including self-discipline, self-reliance and a strong moral compass.
  • A culture which permeates all aspects of school life encourages boys to have a go at everything, to strive to succeed to the best of their ability and to learn to win with humility and to lose with dignity.
  • The boarding experience provides professional support, wide-ranging friendships and abundant opportunities to achieve and have fun in an unparalleled environment.
  • The Senior College is unique where St Matthew’s girls join the Rathkeale boys on the Rathkeale campus for Year 12 and 13 classes. These classes are complemented by a programme of exciting extra-curricular activities aimed at broadening learning and developing social skills for the challenges of adult life.
  • Juniors new to Rathkeale are assisted with their transition to College life while seniors are supported in preparing for tertiary studies and employment, both in New Zealand and overseas. Innovative, extra-curricular support programmes exist at all levels.

Why choose Rathkeale?

When your family enters into a partnership with Rathkeale, our joint endeavour will be to deliver the optimum educational environment for your son.
This College is known for its exceptionally beautiful campus, quality relationships and for the high accomplishments in academic, cultural and sporting endeavours.

Being your own man

Rathkeale College recognises that it is most important for each individual to be his own man and not to compromise his integrity through some false pretence. Every student can contribute to the wider life of the school as a leader or as part of a successful team, house, class or group.

The school offers many opportunities for students to display natural leadership and to further develop the leadership skills they already possess. There is an underlying expectation that good leadership can only emerge where a disciplined culture of teamwork, trust and respect are present.

Rathkeale, along with Hadlow Preparatory School and St Matthew’s Collegiate School for Girls, belong to a family known as the Trinity Schools which are affiliated to the Anglican Church.

Rathkeale College History

Founded under the auspices of the St Matthew’s Schools’ Trust Board and opened by Governor General Sir Bernard Fergusson in August 1963, Rathkeale College quickly developed into a leading boys’ school.

Alongside Hadlow Preparatory School and St Matthew’s Collegiate School for Girls, Rathkeale is one of a group of three Trinity Schools affiliated to the Anglican Church.

From its foundation as an independent boys’ boarding school, the College has become known for its exceptionally beautiful campus and for the high accomplishments it achieves in academic, cultural and sporting pursuits.

The Senior College was formalised in 1988 and girls from St Matthew’s are now very much at home in Year 12 and 13 classes on the Rathkeale Campus.

Rathkeale College and St Matthew’s Collegiate were integrated in 1992. This process brought a number of significant changes to the College but at heart Rathkeale continues to strive for excellence and to attract staff and students of a high calibre. The desire to create Good Rathkeale Men is indicative of the College’s focus on the importance of citizenship, traditional values and all round achievement.

Founding Headmaster, E.J Norman – 1964-1978
Headmaster E.J Norman – 1964-1978

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