Papanui High School is quietly thriving, with strong results across academics, sport, and the arts reflecting a school that’s performing exceptionally well on multiple fronts.
In the past year, the school has claimed championship titles in football, tennis, athletics, and kapa haka. Its concert band earned a gold medal, and four students secured places in the prestigious New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra.
Papanui High has also outperformed national academic trends, with a 10.5% increase in NCEA Level 1 attainment and results in literacy and numeracy above the national average.
Principal Robert Gilbert said the school’s success is the result of a deliberate, sustained effort.
“We’ve been focused on building a culture of high expectations and strong support. Our staff and students are working together to lift achievement across the board,” he said.
Students from Papanui are also competing internationally in cycling, badminton, and superbike racing, reflecting the school’s commitment to supporting elite talent.
The school is equally strong in the creative and performing arts, with students receiving national recognition in visual art, dance, and culinary arts.
Head Girl Vaibhavi Patel said the school encouraged students to take risks and pursue their passions.
“Papanui is a place where you’re supported to try everything. We’re encouraged to aim high, and we’re given the tools and confidence to succeed,” she said.
Head Boy Ashton Farley added, “We’re a school that’s proud of who we are. There’s a real sense of belonging here. It doesn’t matter what your background is — there’s space to grow and to achieve.”
The school’s motto, My School, My Success, My Responsibility — Tōku Kura, Tōku Tiketike, Tōku Haepapa — appears to be more than words, with students demonstrating it across all areas of school life.
Papanui High School will hold its annual Open Night on Thursday 29 May at 6.30pm.
“We’d love the community to come and see what’s happening here,” said Gilbert. “There’s a quiet confidence building, and we’re incredibly proud of what our students are achieving.”
