Welcome to Burnside High School, where your journey to excellence begins.
We are a vibrant and lively school. We know that success can take many forms and all of these are valuable. Some students shine in the classroom, some on the sports field and some in the arts. Our emphasis is on delivering a broad and balanced education that ensures students can discover and follow their passion. At Burnside, you can discover where you belong, nurture your talents, and explore the endless possibilities that await. You can find your path in life at Burnside High School.
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Principal’s Welcome
At Burnside we strive to develop well-rounded, confident young adults who are equipped for our modern and changing world. Our school has a culture where we won’t rest until every student in our care is engaged and achieving. We believe that every student, every day, in every class deserves our very best effort and we strive to make sure that we live up to this expectation. Burnside High School is a vibrant and lively school. We know that success can take many forms and all of these are valuable. Some of you will shine in the classroom, some on the sports field and some in the arts. Our emphasis on delivering a broad and balanced education ensures that you can discover and follow your passion to experience success in any field.
Specialist Music Programme
The Specialist Music Programme (SMP) is a unique offering here at Burnside High School. Established in 1997, by an Act of Parliament, the SMP programme is a collaboration between Burnside High School, Westburn Primary School and the University of Canterbury. It exists to nurture musical talent in children and teenagers between the ages of 10 and 18. The aim of the SMP is to “provide the highest possible standard of musical education, training and opportunities for children of high musical talent and potential, in a seamless, co-ordinated programme from primary to tertiary levels.”
Aurora Centre
The Aurora Centre aims to enrich the cultural and social fabric of Christchurch by providing a versatile space for local and international artists to showcase their talents including music, theatre, dance and other performing acts. If you wish to hire the Aurora Centre for a show or community event please visit our Aurora Centre site.
We are led by our values
Bring respect Manaakitanga
Have pride Mana
Seek excellence Rangatiratanga
Latest News
Oceania Success!
Congratulations to Soeren Wells and Connor Jenkins on an outstanding performance at the Oceania…
Pink Shirt Day
In support of Pink Shirt Day 2026, to reduce bullying by celebrating diversity, students were…
Year 11 – 13 Parent Teacher Conferences
Parents of our senior students are invited to come into school to discuss the academic progress of…
Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Road Race Results
Congratulations to Milla Boulton, our newest individual Road Race Champion! The whole team competed…
Da Vinci Decathlon Results
The Da Vinci Decathlon is a prestigious academic competition that challenges students across a range…
China Study Tour 2026: Beijing
Beijing: A Journey of Cultural Exchange, Learning, and Discovery…
China Study Tour 2026: Jiangxi
Jiangxi Province: Rural Beauty and Cultural Heritage…
Event: Choral Showcase
Our Burnside High Choirs will perform at St Mary’s Pro Cathedral on Thursday 21 May. Get your ticket…
500 hours of voluntary service!
The Student Volunteer Army (SVA) use a pin system to acknowledge levels of service to the community….
2027 Enrolment dates
Enrolment at Burnside High School Te Kura o Waimairi-iri is governed by the Ministry of Education…
Open Evening thanks
Our Open Evening was held on Tuesday night. The weather held and we welcomed over 2,200 people who…
Hoodwink takes out the competition!
Generations In Jazz is an annual weekend jazz festival held in Mount Gambier, South Australia….
