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
Graduating Class of 2025
On Tuesday night we farewelled our Year 13 leavers at our annual Graduation and Prizegiving event at…
Y11 and Y12 Prizegiving Special Award Recipients
Yesterday we celebrated our Y11 and Y12 students who have sought personal excellence throughout the…
Noeline Clark Scholarships
The Noeline Clark Foundation charitable trust was established by Noeline Clark who was a Divisional…
Burnside Drama Awards 2025
Congratulations to the recipient of this years Drama Awards….
Burnside Dance Awards 2025
A massive congratulations to the following students who were acknowledged at the 2025 Burnside High…
Uniform and calculator donations wanted
As term four quickly speeds by, we know that some of our families will be considering how to…
Poroporoaki and Māori Prizegiving
On the evening of October 20, we gathered for a special event, blending the solemnity of a…
The King’s Singers @ Christchurch Town Hall
Burnside High School Alumnus, Chris Bruerton, will mark his final Australasian performance. A night…
Choral Auditions for 2026
Would you like a chance to sing in Bel Canto or Aurora Voices in 2026? Then please sign up for an…
Waimairir-iri Kāhui Ako leadership days at LOOP Youth Centre
Twenty-one of our Year 9 leaders were selected for an amazing leadership opportunity organised and…
South Island Chinese Language Learners
Burnside High School celebrated remarkable success in Chinese language learning at the annual CIUC…
National Young Performer of the Year!
The dance calendar has the National Young Performer of the Year at its pinnacle and Dylan O’Keefe…
