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
Save the date: Open Evening Tuesday 12 May
Burnside High School Te Kura o Waimairi-iri invites prospective students and their whānau to join…
NZ Track & Field Championships
Our very own Track Stars were in action at the NZ Track and Field Championships in Auckland over the…
Rowing sensations
Burnside High School put in a stellar performance at the South Island Secondary Schools Rowing…
Yoobee Open Day: Thursday 19 March
Our friends at Yoobee have an open day coming up on Thursday 19 March. There are two sessions 10am -…
Quiz and Jazz Funk Sunday – Fundraising event
Looking for a pub quiz with a difference? Our hugely talented Hoodwink jazz combo will be performing…
Swimming Sports Results
Congratulations to everyone that took part in our recent swimming sports and in particular our 2026…
Polyfest 2026
Friday 13 March, Hagley Park is the place to be! Polyfest 2026 is back and Burnside High School will…
Awesome Athletics
After a delayed start our athletics days were well worth the wait. Congratulations to all…
Robotics national championships – Create Award
Fifteen students represented Burnside at the Kiwibots VEX V5RC National Championships in Auckland….
Mainland Volleyball Championships
Burnside teams put in a fantastic showing at the Mainland Volleyball Championships at Parakiore…
Courageous cricketers
Our Girls and Boys First XI’s have been in action in the last two weeks with exceptional results….
Library Lens
What’s been happening in the Library?…
