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
Refreshing our school strategy
We’re refreshing Burnside High School’s strategic plan, the roadmap that guides what we focus on…
Success: Ngā Manu Kōrero ki Waitaha Speech competition
Last week, on Wednesday the 17th and Thursday the 18th of June, Kei Milner and Carma Harris spoke at…
Join us: PTA, 14 July, 7.30pm
The next meeting of our school PTA is being held in the school staffroom on 14 July. We will…
Winter at it’s best
Our Year 12 Outdoor Pursuits students got more than they expected on their recent tramp, with fresh…
U Shop Opening Hours
The U Shop for Burnside High School will be open in the second week of the school holidays should…
Crusaders shone but so did our dancers!
Our Burnside dancers had the incredible opportunity to perform at the Super Rugby Final last…
Badminton Bonanza!
Congratulations to our badminton contingent that performed so highly at the South Island Secondary…
Off to the Nationals!
Congratulations to 4tissimo, a violin quartet, who have excelled at the Chamber Music Regional…
Winners: Community Service Awards 2025
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Environment Group has won a Christchurch City Council…
Event: Year 10 Sustainability Showcase
We warmly invite Year 10 students and families to our upcoming Sustainability Showcase on Thursday…
2025 School Board Elections are coming
Triennial school board elections are taking place again this September….
NZ Secondary Schools’ Cross Country
Our athletes exceeded expectations at this national gathering in Whangarei last week….
