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
Anniversary Concert – secure your ticket now!
Our very own Specialist Music Programme is celebrating thirty years of musical excellence and we are…
Smokefreerockquest
Juvee lead the way with another successful year for Burnside High School as the Smokefreerockquest…
Save the date: Dance Showcase
Our annual Dance Showcase is scheduled for the evening of Friday 31 July, you won’t want to miss…
Big Sing brings big results
The New Zealand Choral Federation (NZCF) is this country’s largest choral network, committed to…
Table Tennis triumphs
Congratulations to our Burnside High Table Tennis students, who represented Canterbury in the Table…
Ashburton Sports Exchange – another win, just!
Rivalries were renewed on Tuesday this week with our Annual Ashburton Sports Exchange. 130 students…
Library Lens
What’s been happening in the Library?…
Event: Kindo question? Talk to them in person.
We know that a number of our families have questions about Kindo, so we have arranged for the…
Canty Secondary Schools Cross Country placings
This event was coordinated by Burnside High School and hosted at Ascot Park, New Brighton, on…
Have your say on the Metro bus and ferry network review
This review is about Metro bus and ferry services across Christchurch, and Waimakariri and Selwyn…
Chinese Bridge South Island Chinese Proficiency Competition Final Results
Held at the University of Canterbury on Saturday 30 May, nine students represented Burnside High…
Samoa Language Week Celebrations
The 2026 theme for Samoa Language Week is “‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le ‘nu’u – From the…
