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Nurturing Confident, Capable Learners from 3 Months to 18 Years

At ACG Parnell, we instil a no-limits mindset, empowering students to dream boldly and pursue ambitious futures. As a leading co-educational, secular school in Auckland’s most sought-after suburb, we provide a continuous learning journey from Early Learning to Year 13.

Our innovative Cambridge curriculum, delivered by exceptional educators, nurtures curiosity, creativity, and high performance—resulting in outstanding academic outcomes from primary years through to senior levels.

Beyond the classroom, our dynamic and extensive co-curricular programme offers excellence in the arts, sports, and leadership, promoting resilience, discipline, teamwork, and wholehearted engagement. Students participate in regional and national competitions, earning accolades in music, drama, and visual arts, while sports teams compete at top levels.

Guided by strong values, our students develop confidence, integrity, and determination, becoming well-rounded individuals ready to thrive at competitive universities and in meaningful careers, both in New Zealand and globally.

A World of Opportunities Awaits Your Child at Our School

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A Message from the Principal

Offering a seamless learning journey from our Early Learning School to Year 13, ACG Parnell is a truly remarkable place to grow.

Set across four campuses, our school allows students to progress through educational settings designed to maximise learning and personal development. A young person's time with us culminates at our unique pre-university campus for Year 12 and 13 students. We are proud to offer the internationally recognised Cambridge A-Level pathway, enabling our students to secure entry to top universities in New Zealand and around the world.

At the heart of our approach lies a focus on high academic achievement for every student. This is accomplished within an aspirational and respectful culture where personal excellence is a core value.

School life is carefully designed to foster growth by encouraging individual responsibility and instilling in our students a wholehearted approach to everything they do. Students are encouraged not only to aspire to academic excellence but also to immerse themselves in the dynamic programme of opportunities available, including sports, drama, music, debating, leadership, and a wide array of interest clubs.

We believe that educating boys and girls together greatly benefits our young people, enabling them to develop essential skills, open-mindedness, and the ability to collaborate effectively in mixed teams. Furthermore, our multicultural student body fosters a deep understanding of other peoples, cultures, and nations, empowering our students to become positive and productive global citizens.

Our school is defined by its exceptional community—motivated students, supportive families, and dedicated teachers. The strong relationships between staff and students are evident in our school environment, which is stimulating and challenging, yet also safe, nurturing, and respectful.

Our teachers are highly skilled subject specialists who are deeply passionate about their work and take great satisfaction in supporting and inspiring our students. Just as ACG Parnell is a school of choice for students and their families, it is also sought after by skilled educators looking for a rewarding, stimulating, and well-resourced environment in which to further develop their craft. Students and parents frequently express appreciation for the way our teachers go above and beyond—whether by nurturing creativity and enthusiasm in the classroom, encouraging perseverance and independence in academic pursuits, or leading clubs and weekend rehearsal camps.

This shared commitment gives rise to a deeply rooted culture of care, respect, and loyalty, qualities that make our school an outstanding place for both teaching and learning.

Welcome to ACG Parnell!

 

Damian Watson - Principal

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Mission and Vision

Exceptional teaching is at the heart of high-quality learning at ACG Parnell. Here, students are inspired by educators who are passionate about their subjects, expert in their fields, and genuinely committed to working with young people.

Our educational philosophy is shaped by 3 key pillars that influence every aspect of school life:

Excellent Academics – We prioritise academic achievement by cultivating a love of learning and encouraging curiosity, creativity, and ambition, leading to meaningful and successful outcomes.

Wholehearted – We promote wholehearted engagement, where our values guide behaviour, attitudes, and relationships, inspiring students to act with integrity and enthusiasm.

No Limits – We instil a no-limits mindset, empowering students to dream boldly and pursue exciting, ambitious futures."

At the core of our mission remains the vision of our co-founders:

"At school, all students should be encouraged and challenged to do their very best. Above all, schools should be places where learning is central to everyone." — Sir John Graham and Dawn Jones

This enduring philosophy continues to guide our commitment to creating an environment where every student is supported to thrive—academically, personally, and socially."

 

Our School Values

Our core values form the bedrock of our school culture, providing a shared language that guides how we interact, learn, and grow together. These values are interwoven into every aspect of school life, from classroom discussions to sports matches, from creative projects to community outreach.

Achievement

We choose to use our time and talents to fulfil our individual potential.

Aspiration

We choose to set meaningful goals and strive to excel.

Excellence

We choose to pursue and recognise the best in all areas.

Consideration

We choose to be kind and thoughtful, placing the interests of others before our own.

Global View

We choose to deliberately develop our understanding of other people, cultures, and nations.

Perseverance

We choose to patiently endure challenges and aim to finish strongly.

Respect

We choose to care for others generously and treat everyone with courtesy.

Nurturing Creativity

We choose to celebrate new ideas, unique perspectives, and innovative achievements.

Loyalty and Integrity

We choose to be committed, honest, and sincere in all our interactions.

Leadership and Teamwork

We choose to take responsibility and fulfil our commitments to others willingly.

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A Globally Respected International Curriculum

At ACG Parnell, we offer the globally recognised Cambridge International Curriculum, equipping our students with qualifications respected and accepted by universities worldwide. This rigorous academic programme, which includes Cambridge IGCSEs and A-Levels, is designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of subject matter.

The international approach of the Cambridge curriculum prepares students for success in our interconnected world, whilst maintaining the flexibility to address local contexts and needs. The skills and knowledge gained through Cambridge qualifications provide a solid foundation for future academic and career success. 

Our students consistently achieve outstanding results, with many earning Top in the World and Top in New Zealand awards across multiple subjects. 

ERO Report

The Education Review Office (ERO) is the New Zealand government department responsible for evaluating and reporting on the education and care of children and young people in early childhood services and schools.

In their most recent review of ACG Parnell in 2019, ERO commended the school’s high standards of tuition and strong academic focus. They noted that high expectations from both staff and students contribute to a highly focused learning environment, reflecting our ongoing commitment to fostering a love of learning and supporting every student in achieving their personal and academic potential.

Report Highlights

  • Achievement data demonstrated high levels of student success in Cambridge assessments and consistently strong outcomes in University Entrance qualifications.
  • Classrooms were observed to be positive, purposeful, and well managed, with a teaching style that balances direct instruction with encouragement of student ownership and self-efficacy. 
  • Our rigorous approach to staff recruitment and development was highlighted, with our commitment to appointing highly qualified subject specialists and maintaining robust quality assurance processes to support continuous professional growth.
  • ERO acknowledged the school’s encouragement of extracurricular involvement, including a growing focus on sport and sustained opportunities in music and performance. 
  • Strong pastoral care—including mentoring programmes, targeted support for English language learners, and access to a dedicated counsellor—was also recognised as contributing meaningfully to student wellbeing and success."
Student Coaches recognised at YSPOTY Awards

Student Coaches recognised at YSPOTY Awards

The College Sport Auckland Young Sportsperson of the Year Awards, held annually since 1991, celebrate the exceptional sporting achievements of Auckland Secondary School students. This year, ACG Parnell stood out in...

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