Boarding has a long-standing history at King's. It was part of the College at its inception, and ours is now one of the largest boarding communities in Aotearoa. Living on site allows students unique access to everything that the College has to offer, from academic learning to co-curriculars and beyond.
Our boarding environment inspires an incredible sense of community and helps our pupils to develop deep and meaningful friendships that are sustained and sustaining in life beyond the College.
Each boarding house is like a family, a group of staff and students looking after each other, helping, encouraging and simply being there when needed. Our boarding houses are at the heart of King’s College life; lifelong friendships are made, trust is forged and loyalty created. We aim to create a real home from home.
As well as strong bonds with fellow students, it is the commitment from Housemasters and tutors that leaves a lasting impression. These individuals are dedicated to caring for and encouraging each student. They make it their duty to understand their personality, talents and aspirations. They regard this role in the student’s development as a privilege.
There are three boys’ boarding Houses here at King’s: School, St John’s, and Selwyn, and a specialist boarding House - Te Pūtake Lodge – which offers a nurturing environment for our Year 9 Boarders as they start their boarding journey.
Our girls’ Boarding House is Middlemore House and caters for students in Years 11, 12 and 13. Middlemore House offers separate common rooms for each year level and shared spaces where they can socialise.
All the Houses have a team of staff to support students including a Housemaster, boarding House Tutors and a House Manager - all of whom live onsite – along with Teacher Mentors who provide guidance and supervision.
Our onsite Health Centre - Te Puna Whaiora, offers a 24-hour, 7-day a week service for boarding students.
Te Pūtake Lodge is a unique feature of King's and a foundational piece of our House system. We know that entering a boarding situation can be daunting at age 12 or 13—and that's why the Lodge was created. It guides our Year 9 boys’ transition and integration into King's College and the boarding environment, making them feel at home and amongst peers as they start their journey.
No two days are the same for King's College students, but the following information offers an indication of what life is like for our boarders.
Note that there is a selection of different options available at all meal times, and all dietary requirements are catered for.
The school day starts for students around 7 am. Once awake, there are House duties to attend to, with everybody having a role in getting the House ready for the day. This is followed by a nutritious breakfast in the dining hall—school uniform should be worn to this.
After breakfast, there is a room check and roll call to ensure that the House is in order and all students are present and accounted for. Every student will see their Housemaster or House tutor at roll call time. This allows them to ask any questions or for any messages to be passed on. By 8:40 am, it's time to leave the House and head to the first period of the school day.
Each House will attend a morning chapel service once a week, which will change the schedule slightly to fit around it.
Lunch is eaten in the dining hall by all boarding students.
Once the school day has finished, students have time to attend sports or cultural practices, do homework, or relax in their Houses.
Dinner time will vary according to the House schedule—it takes place in the dining hall, and students are required to wear uniform.
In the summertime, students will usually have time for swimming or sports after dinner and before prep (study/homework) time. In the winter, there's time for practice for inter-House competitions and then it's into prep. After dinner, students check in with their Housemaster or tutors before the start of prep
Students check in with their Housemaster or tutors before the start of prep each evening. "Lights out" times are set according to year levels, with plenty of time given for them to de-tech and wind down.
Weekends as a King's College boarder are a mixture of organised fun and free time, offering students the chance to relax, enjoy, and catch up on any work they need to do. Many boarders have sporting or other co-curricular commitments on Saturdays, and staying onsite means that these are easily accessible—spectating matches is a popular activity! Sundays are informal and often start with sleeping in, followed by brunch in the dining hall and various organised activities.
The weekend programmes make use of school facilities like the pool, gyms, and grounds. There are also off-site activities scheduled, most around the Auckland area but some as far afield as Hobbiton! The King's team is proud to provide a well-rounded and enjoyable boarding experience.
Our clear expectations for boarders, staff, and parents form the basis for a safe and enjoyable boarding experience.
From mealtime to leave requests, there are many things that our students and their whānau need to know for a smooth and successful boarding experience at King's.