Nestled in the heart of the Franklin district, south of Auckland, Pukekohe High School is proud to welcome students from all corners of the world.
About Pukekohe High School
Our school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for international students.
At Pukekohe High School, international students are welcomed into a learning community that is caring, inclusive, and strongly values personal wellbeing alongside academic success. Families can be confident that their child will be known, supported, and encouraged to thrive in New Zealand’s education system.
From the moment students arrive, they are welcomed into a school culture grounded in their core values in te ao Maaori:
- Manaakitanga – respect, care, kindness
- Kotahitanga – unity, teamwork, belonging
- Puumautanga – resilience, perseverance
- Aarahitanga – leadership
These values shape everyday interactions between students and staff and create an environment where young people from many cultures feel safe, respected, and connected.
As a large and well‑established secondary school (approximately 2000 students), Pukekohe High School offers extensive opportunities – a wide subject range, strong academic pathways, and a rich co‑curricular programme including sport, music, cultural groups, and leadership opportunities.
International students are encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of school life, helping them form friendships, build confidence, and develop a genuine sense of belonging.
Visit the following pages to see what we offer.
Curriculum Overview Clubs & Groups Sport
International students are offered “English for Speakers of Other Languages” (ESOL) courses as part of their academic study if required. ESOL is a formal subject choice for students whose first language is not English and can be taken during the academic year along with other academic subjects.
One purpose of ESOL is to help support students with the English language demands at School. Students in Years 11-13 can gain English Language Unit Standards which count towards NCEA. Year 13 students may also be assisted in gaining University Entrance Literacy. In addition, some teacher aide assistance may be available in mainstream classes, especially for Year 9 and Year 10 students.
Occasionally, there are classroom trips offered to ESOL class students to places such as Auckland Zoo; night markets; cultural festivals and out of Auckland trips. These trips may have a small cost per person attached to them.
Pastoral care is a defining strength of the school. We have a structured support network that includes; deans, counsellors, health staff, and whānau (house) groupings. This ensures that every student is carefully supported both academically and personally. For families overseas, this provides reassurance that their child’s wellbeing is a priority and that guidance is readily available whenever needed.
Cultural diversity is a normal and valued part of everyday life at Pukekohe High School. Both local and international students are welcomed from a range of countries and backgrounds, and the school actively supports cultural identity while also introducing students to Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural heritage. This balanced approach helps international students feel included while gaining meaningful cultural understanding.
Our School Culture
We provide a supportive and inclusive environment for international students
At Pukekohe High School, international students are welcomed into a learning community that is caring, inclusive, and strongly values personal wellbeing alongside academic success. Families can be confident that their child will be known, supported, and encouraged to thrive in New Zealand’s education system.
From the moment students arrive, they are welcomed into a school culture grounded in their core values in te ao Maaori:
- Manaakitanga – respect, care, kindness
- Kotahitanga – unity, teamwork, belonging
- Puumautanga – resilience, perseverance
- Aarahitanga – leadership
These values shape everyday interactions between students and staff and create an environment where young people from many cultures feel safe, respected, and connected.
As a large and well‑established secondary school (approximately 2000 students), Pukekohe High School offers extensive opportunities—a wide subject range, strong academic pathways, and a rich co‑curricular programme including sport, music, cultural groups, and leadership opportunities.
International students are encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of school life, helping them form friendships, build confidence, and develop a genuine sense of belonging.
Pastoral care is a defining strength of the school. A structured support network—comprising deans, counsellors, health staff, and whānau (house) groupings—ensures that every student is carefully supported both academically and personally. For families overseas, this provides reassurance that their child’s wellbeing is a priority and that guidance is readily available whenever needed.
Cultural diversity is a normal and valued part of everyday life at Pukekohe High School. Students are welcomed from a range of countries and backgrounds, and the school actively supports cultural identity while also introducing students to Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural heritage. This balanced approach helps international students feel included while gaining meaningful cultural understanding.
Located in the welcoming town of Pukekohe, the school benefits from a calm, community‑focused environment that many families find reassuring. The area offers a safe, supportive setting while still providing access to the wider Auckland region and its opportunities.
In summary, Pukekohe High School offers international families a warm, well‑structured, and authentic New Zealand school experience—one where students are supported to grow academically, socially, and personally, and are welcomed not as visitors, but as valued members of the school community.
About Pukekohe High School
Our school provides a supportive and inclusive environment for international students
At Pukekohe High School, international students are welcomed into a learning community that is caring, inclusive, and strongly values personal wellbeing alongside academic success. Families can be confident that their child will be known, supported, and encouraged to thrive in New Zealand’s education system.
Our Culture
From the moment students arrive, they are welcomed into a school culture grounded in their core values in te ao Maaori:
- Manaakitanga – respect, care, kindness
- Kotahitanga – unity, teamwork, belonging
- Puumautanga – resilience, perseverance
- Aarahitanga – leadership
These values shape everyday interactions between students and staff and create an environment where young people from many cultures feel safe, respected, and connected.
Academic & Co-Curricular Opportunities
As a large and well‑established secondary school (approximately 2000 students), Pukekohe High School offers extensive opportunities – a wide subject range, strong academic pathways, and a rich co‑curricular programme including sport, music, cultural groups, and leadership opportunities.
International students are encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of school life, helping them form friendships, build confidence, and develop a genuine sense of belonging.
ESOL
International students are offered “English for Speakers of Other Languages” (ESOL) courses as part of their academic study if required. ESOL is a formal subject choice for students whose first language is not English and can be taken during the academic year along with other academic subjects.
One purpose of ESOL is to help support students with the English language demands at School. Students in Years 11-13 can gain English Language Unit Standards which count towards NCEA. Year 13 students may also be assisted in gaining University Entrance Literacy. In addition, some teacher aide assistance may be available in mainstream classes, especially for Year 9 and Year 10 students.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is a defining strength of the school. We have a structured support network that includes; deans, counsellors, health staff, and whānau (house) groupings. This ensures that every student is carefully supported both academically and personally. For families overseas, this provides reassurance that their child’s wellbeing is a priority and that guidance is readily available whenever needed.
Cultural Diversity
Cultural diversity is a normal and valued part of everyday life at Pukekohe High School. Both local and international students are welcomed from a range of countries and backgrounds, and the school actively supports cultural identity while also introducing students to Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural heritage. This balanced approach helps international students feel included while gaining meaningful cultural understanding.
Welcome to Pukekohe High School
We believe that a great education goes beyond the classroom – it’s about building lifelong friendships, embracing new cultures, and discovering who you are.
Our school offers a supportive, inclusive environment where international students are valued members of our community from day one. With experienced staff, a wide range of academic and extracurricular programmes, and a warm New Zealand welcome, we’re committed to helping you thrive – both in your studies and in life.
Whether you’re joining us for a semester or completing your full secondary education here, Pukekohe High School is a place where you can belong, grow, and succeed.
We’re excited to be part of your journey. Welcome to the whānau.
Subject Choices
International students are offered “English for Speakers of Other Languages” (ESOL) courses as part of their academic study if required. ESOL is a formal subject choice for students whose first language is not English and can be taken during the academic year along with other academic subjects.
One purpose of ESOL is to help support students with the English language demands at School. Students in Years 11-13 can gain English Language Unit Standards which count towards NCEA. Year 13 students may also be assisted in gaining University Entrance Literacy. In addition, some teacher aide assistance may be available in mainstream classes, especially for Year 9 and Year 10 students.
Original text – think this can be replaced with ‘life beyond classroom’ content below.
Experiences Outside the Classroom
Occasionally, there are classroom trips offered to ESOL class students to places such as Auckland Zoo; night markets; cultural festivals and out of Auckland trips. These trips may have a small cost per person attached to them.
Experience outside the classroom
At Pukekohe High School, learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings. Some of the most memorable parts of a student’s time here happen through experiences, new challenges, and everyday life in New Zealand.
Our location in the Franklin region gives students something truly special. We have a lifestyle that combines the best of both worlds. We are within easy reach of Auckland, while also surrounded by open countryside, local farms, and natural beauty. Students can find themselves exploring the waterfalls and bush tracks of the Hunua Ranges one weekend and visiting vibrant city spaces or night markets the next. Nearby beaches, such as the black sand, Karioitahi Beach, offer a true Kiwi coastal experience.
Throughout the year, international students have opportunities to take part in organised trips and activities that bring learning to life. These may include visits to Auckland Zoo, cultural festivals, and day or overnight trips. These experiences are designed not only for sightseeing but for building friendships, confidence, and a deeper understanding of New Zealand culture.
What truly sets our school apart is the range of opportunities available to every student to get involved. With a wide variety of co-curricular options, there is something for everyone. Whether students want to compete, perform, lead, or simply try something new. Students can join:
- A large range of sports teams and codes
- Musical groups of every ensemble, bands, and a choir
- Kapa haka and cultural groups that celebrate identity and connection
- Clubs such as chess, debating, and Model United Nations
- Duke of Edinburgh Award and St John Youth Cadets
- Homework clubs, tutorials, and academic support
- Running, climbing, and other interest-based groups
These activities are where friendships are formed, confidence grows, and students begin to feel a true sense of belonging.