Otago Girls' High School, Dunedin

Locations

Otago Girls' High School, founded in 1870, was the first state secondary school for girls in New Zealand and reputed to be the sixth oldest in the world. Many school families have an association with the school that spans over four generations. Because of our long history, traditions such as the Celebration Service and Prize-Giving are regarded as highlights of the school year.

We offer a flexible structure of intensive English and general curriculum programmes. Otago Girls' High School accepts enrolments anytime throughout the year. Applicants are asked to provide copies of recent school reports and information about work habits and attitudes to study. All international students are supported by the EL (English Language) programme, with intensive English or full mainstream subjects. 

On arrival, an assessment of the English level is made and students are placed in courses accordingly. As students gain proficiency in English they move into more mainstream subjects. Some subject tutorials are available at lunchtime. Extra tuition in English and mainstream subjects can be arranged on a private basis.

Otago Girls' High School has an inner city location that gives easy access to the Moana Pool, the Public Library, the Art Gallery, the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, the Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago. It is situated on a compact site with six tennis or netball courts and pleasant recreation areas. 

Our school campus is attractive and inviting. The buildings consist of two large well-equipped teaching blocks, which were remodelled and refurbished in the early 1990s. Part of this process was the restoration of the historic Anscombe building. In 2002 a new gymnasium complex was built on the Stuart Street site. In 2004 the old gymnasium was converted into a performing arts space, complete with an 80 seat theatre.

Accommodation

As an international student at Otago Girls’ High School, we ensure that you have a caring environment which will help you to adjust to life in a new country. All international students live with host families.  You will experience life with a New Zealand family. You will settle in to school life more easily. Your host family will help your English skills to improve quickly, and will be interested in your welfare. Your host family will be involved in your academic progress and will be in regular contact with the school. You will be included as a member of their family.

Uniform

All students at Otago Girls’ High School must wear full school uniform. The Otago Girls' High School Profile outlines the uniform in detail. The summer uniform includes a blue summer blouse, blue skirt and blazer; and the winter uniform includes a kilt, jersey, blazer and tie. A regulation school bag must be bought in Dunedin.