Auckland Grammar School

Auckland Grammar School is one of New Zealand’s most historic and prestigious secondary schools, with origins dating back to 1850, when it was endowed by then Governor Sir George Grey. His vision was to establish a grammar school “for the education of all New Zealanders.” The school officially opened in 1869, inaugurated by the Duke of Edinburgh, and has since played a significant role in the country’s educational history. After several relocations in its early decades, Auckland Grammar School settled at its current Mountain Road site between 1911 and 1913. During World War I, the school undertook an ambitious building programme, including the iconic Spanish Mission–style Main Block, now listed with Heritage New Zealand. The campus also features a War Memorial honouring former students who served in World Wars I and II, and the centrally located Centennial Theatre, a purpose-built venue seating 360. The school offers extensive sporting facilities, including six grass fields, three full-sized rugby fields, three football fields, an all-weather hockey turf, and a lower artificial turf used year-round for multiple sports. Dedicated cricket wickets, pavilions, and training areas support a strong sporting tradition across rugby, football, cricket, hockey, and athletics. Auckland Grammar School serves a highly diverse student body, representing a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds from across New Zealand and the wider global community. Students also benefit from modern technology suites equipped with advanced computing facilities, supported by on-site IT services that enable sophisticated learning, workshops, and co-curricular programmes. Today, Auckland Grammar School stands as a school where heritage, academic focus, cultural diversity, and extensive co-curricular opportunities combine to support the development of well-rounded young men.