Pompallier Catholic College

Type: Co-ed, Integrated

Location: Whangārei

Roll: 650 students

International: 12-18 students

Years: 7 - 13

Web: pompallier.school.nz

Pompallier Catholic College is a co-educational, integrated public school established by the Catholic Church, named after the 19th-century Bishop Pompallier. The school is known for its excellent academic achievements and is in the top 5% of schools with a similar equity index.

Located on the outskirts of the city, adjacent to a large park and native forest, the school boasts spacious grounds with over 500 trees and several vegetable gardens and fruit trees. It is ideal for students interested in adventure and outdoor activities such as golf, hockey, equestrian, football and tennis. Pompallier is just 10 minutes from the Whangārei town centre and 25 minutes from the nearest beach, with a current roll of 650 students from Years 7 to 13.

The school promotes social justice and ethical living through its curriculum and co-curricular activities. Many students engage in charitable work, community service, and environmental projects. The school offers a versatile subject range, including Business Studies, Hospitality, Electronics, and languages such as French and German.

The International Department accommodates up to 20 students annually from countries including Japan, Thailand, South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Brazil, ensuring full integration and an authentic Kiwi experience. The English Language (ESOL program) is run by an experienced ESOL teacher, and classes are small. They range from beginners to advanced.

Download International Student Prospectus

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Studying at Pompallier Catholic College

Pompallier Catholic College is one of the best schools in New Zealand to go to. This is my sixth year staying in Pompallier and I love all the memories I got during my school years. I couldn’t speak English at all when I first came here, but with amazing students and staff, my English developed pretty fast. The school environment is very safe with supportive and friendly students and staff members. There are lots of opportunities for you to develop your skills. You will love everything and you will have a great experience here with such amazing people.

Juri Lee

Unique Features & Programmes

Educational Highlights

Pompallier Catholic College students consistently achieve outstanding academic results, with many receiving scholarships for tertiary study.
Over 90% of our students attain NCEA, and last year, 77% gained University Entrance. We offer a broad curriculum that includes core academic subjects such as English, Science, and Mathematics, as well as specialised areas like Performing Arts, Music, and Hospitality, supporting the unique strengths and interests of every student.

Cultural Highlights

The College offers a wide range of co-curricular activities such as drama production, music lessons (instrumental and singing), singing competitions, speech competitions, Māori culture group, choir, a concert band and many other cultural events. International students are encouraged to join a group or try something new.

Sporting Highlights

The school offers a range of seasonal sports including soccer, hockey, athletics, basketball, badminton, futsal, and golf. Equestrian, tennis and surfing lessons can be organised by the college.

Special Features

Pompallier staff and students are encouraged to volunteer in the community, and many become involved in charitable activities such as bird rescue, conservation, caring for the elderly or volunteering at second-hand shops. Service to others and helping those in need play a vital role in our school’s ethos.

School Trips Through Northland

When international students come to Pompallier, they are taken on several trips around Northland to see the beauty of the area. They visit places such as the Whangarei Heads and the Bay of Islands.

Whangārei Heads stands as a dramatic testament to New Zealand’s volcanic past, offering a landscape that feels both ancient and invigorating. For international students from the Czech Republic, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, this peninsula is a place where the rugged mountains of the interior meet the vast expanse of the Pacific.

“I live in the landlocked Czech Republic, so coming to Northland and seeing the ocean is a great experience for me,” said Anna.

The Bay of Islands is a crossroads where history, nature, and global cultures meet. Paihia serves as the access point to hundreds of islands and is a popular place for tourists.

The adventure continues with a trip to Kerikeri and The Parrot Place. With over 300 birds, it is a place of vibrant interaction.

A short descent into the Kerikeri Basin leads to the Stone Store, New Zealand’s oldest standing stone building. Standing since 1832, its thick walls hold stories of the earliest interactions between Māori and European settlers.

Students also visit a local artisan chocolate factory (Makana Confections) and often buy the exquisite chocolates to take back to their home countries.

Special programmes

The school offers unique experiences of Māori Culture and tradition. We have a Year 13 retreat (Hikoi) annually, which is a four-day experience of Māori culture based in the historic Bay of Islands and Hokianga Harbour. Students are accommodated on the communal Marae (traditional Māori communal house). Most students are able to attend a school camp or overnight activity every year.

Student support

Due to the limited number of international students, each student receives a high level of support in all areas of their school life and at home. They are given an extensive orientation of the school in their first week and ongoing support throughout the year.

Several trips are provided each term by various departments, including ESOL, and students have access to guidance in careers, university scholarships and counselling.