An exciting and happy place to discover and explore
The first years of school are crucial for laying the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
At our Junior School, we inspire young people to learn within a happy, secure and caring atmosphere, where each child’s strengths are allowed to develop to their fullest. Students are given the opportunity, encouragement and skills to achieve their personal best in all aspects of the school curriculum, and to contribute towards their development as confident, happy members of the school community.
Class teachers teach the core classroom subjects, while specialist teachers take music, art, and physical education, with an emphasis on fine motor-skill development.
Our small classes mean we are able to foster self-esteem through emphasising and rewarding high standards of achievement, presentation and behaviour, and there are various opportunities for learning-extension and learning-support programmes, music and speech lessons, and extra-curricular activities.
This all takes place in a modern classroom block with a roof deck overlooking North Hagley Park and a slide from the rooftop to a green courtyard below! The building's strong indoor/outdoor flow means constant engagement with the outside world, perfect for young children in a classroom environment.
Parent testimonial
Johnson Family, September 2025
Dear Principal,
We have just concluded our enrolment and introduction to Grammar and I wanted to take the time to write an email of gratitude for the kindness and care we have experienced throughout the process.
Yesterday, our child had his third and final experience day and collected his uniform ahead of starting next term. As with all his earlier visits, he was welcomed with warmth, care, and a genuine interest in who he is as a person and what he enjoys learning. The experience from our first tour has been nothing short of exceptional.
When we first visited Grammar five weeks ago, we were only considering the possibility of enrolment for next year or the year after. Indeed, he already had a place secured at another independent school from Year 5 so we came with curiosity, but no firm intent.
From the very beginning, the Director of Enrolments was responsive to our emails, welcomed us on our tour, and gave us as much time as we needed. She answered every question we thought to ask, and many we hadn’t considered. Our child’s prospective teachers made time to meet us, to talk through our son’s learning, and the chaplain introduced herself with kindness. It felt less like meeting staff at a school and more like being welcomed into a family.
By the day after that first visit, our decision was clear—we wanted our son to start, not next year, but next term. This was his decision, and we were happy that he was able to take such a significant step. When we spoke with him about why he wanted to move schools, he talked about how the structure suited him, how friendly everyone was, how he liked that the principal walked around and met the students, and finished with a statement to end all debate; “It felt like coming home.”
Our son’s classroom experience days were wonderful and the flexibility to have three days prior to the change was much appreciated. At the end of the final day, he was so enthusiastic he insisted on wearing his uniform home. Every visit was easy to arrange, and the consistent message we received, both in words and in actions, was, “What can we do to make this transition easier?” and “How can we help?” Whether it was something big or small, the care shown was always thoughtful, personalised, and genuine. The Director of Enrolments, Office Administrator, Year 3 teacher, and Receptionist have made sure that nothing was a problem, and we were made to feel that if we needed something, we just had to ask, and common sense always led the way.
Transitions midway through primary school can be disruptive and challenging. I’ve taught for twelve years, and I know firsthand how easily they can go either way in terms of the effect on learning, and on social relationships. Yet we feel no hesitation at all; instead, we feel excited, and our son is ready to step forward as the best version of himself.
I want to thank the Principal for fostering such a culture of care, to commend the Director of Enrolments and Year 3 teacher, and to acknowledge all the wonderful staff we have met. Please accept this as both a note of thanks and a testimonial for other parents who may be considering Grammar for their own children.
I look forward to seeing you around next term as our child starts his journey.
Johnson Family