Here it all begins
At our Pre-School we balance play with stimulating young minds, all the while ensuring our environment allows children to see themselves as capable, competent and confident learners. Through play the children are supported to engage in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, music, art and physical education. Specialist teachers lead weekly art and physical education lessons in The Cathedral Grammar School which nurtures, exposes and extends children's natural curiosity and early talents.
Children are supported to develop strong social connections with teachers, peers, families and the wider community. Children are encouraged to build on skills in listening, self-help, risk taking, social interactions, concentration and preparing the Pre-School children for a successful start to their schooling education.
All the facilities of The Cathedral Grammar School are available to our Pre-Schoolers, and there are strong links to the Junior School to make your child’s transition as straightforward and smooth as possible.
Our Pre-School students also enjoy regular playground fun and story time with the ‘big kids’, students from the Girls’ and Boys’ Prep Schools.
Specialist classes and activities
The Pre-School children enjoy the following classes and activities at various times of the year:
- Specialist art (with specialist teacher from the Junior School)
- Physical education (with specialist teacher from the Junior School)
- Library
- Toddler Sense Sensory classes
- Dance (Pitter Patter Dance)
- Gymnastics (utilising the school vans to the Christchurch School of Gymnastics)
- Clip n climb (utilising the school vans)
- Numeracy and literacy (Pathways to School programme)
Pre-School hours, fees and minimum days
Minimum attendance is two days and seven hours daily.
Our operating hours are 7:45am - 5pm daily. We also operate over the school holidays closing for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period.
To apply for a place for your child, please email Nicky at: oramn@cathedralgrammar.school.nz
Parent testimonials
Thatcher Family - September 2025
We are extremely happy with our choice to move our son to the Pre-School. Throughout his time here, he has grown in so many ways. He is much more confident, has some great friendships and is developing into a really caring and thoughtful little man. All of the staff really seem invested in who he is and his needs, which is wonderful.
As a nervous child, I really believe he is now well prepared for his transition next year to the Junior School. Watching all of his peers leave and seeing them over the fence has really helped his understanding of what will come next.
The number of other opportunities on offer is amazing. He has tried dance, gymnastics, sports, library visits and will start art and piano soon! Friends of ours commented their child had just been on his first excursion at his Pre School and it really made me value the weekly activities at Cathedral Grammar. Such an incredible timetable! And incredible staff!
Plato Family - September 2025
Both of my daughters have had the privilege of attending The Cathedral Grammar School, and I have been consistently impressed with the incredible environment they provide for children.
The Pre-School offers exceptional learning and education, complemented by a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that enrich the children's experience. Beyond academics, they provide well-rounded support to help children grow holistically, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and build on their unique strengths.
The teachers and the culture at the Pr-Sschool are truly exceptional. It is a long-standing group of dedicated educators who care deeply about the children and are wonderful leaders and role models.
Being an integral part of The Cathedral Grammar School provides a seamless and highly beneficial start to their school life.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Cathedral Grammar Pre-School to any family seeking an outstanding early childhood education experience.
Falzon Family - September 2025
I'm so grateful for the warm welcome our daughter has received at TCGS Pre-School this year. From our very first visit, we knew TCGS was the perfect fit. We wanted a place that would celebrate her creative personality and help her build strong connections with both her peers and the staff—and TCGS has exceeded all of our expectations.
Manning Family - September 2025
Our two daughters have both been enrolled at The Cathedral Grammar Pre-School. Our eldest daughter is now at The Cathedral Grammar School, and our younger daughter is still at the Pre-School. Both girls have thrived at the Pre-School – the teachers are warm and welcoming and the environment is lovely. There is a very well set up (and large) indoor space with numerous toys and learning activities, and also a large outside area with a playhouse, sandpit, bikes etc. The children all benefit from the excellent teacher-child ratios. Every child is treated as an individual, and as the children grow they are encouraged to become responsible and independent, appropriate to their age, with the “Transition to School” programme being an important part of that. Staff turnover is very low and the children benefit greatly from the stable and ongoing relationships with their teachers. It is very reassuring to know that the girls have been so happy at the Pre-School and we very much recommend the Pre-School to prospective parents.