Waimairi-iri Burnside is a Decile 8, state, coeducational, multicultural, Years 9 to 13 secondary school which opened in 1960.

We are the largest state coeducational secondary school in the South Island and one of the largest in New Zealand accommodating a roll of 2,450 students plus International students.

Our school is a  caring community that values the importance of education, with a strong work ethic and is motivated to provide opportunities in the educational, sporting, leisure and welfare areas. Our parents make a significant contribution to school life, particularly through the PTA.

Burnside is a globally connected school - the longstanding presence of significant numbers of International students, many second-language learners, gives the school a distinctive and rich culture.

We believe in

Our Vision 

‘Personal excellence and care for others’.

• We strive to achieve personal excellence in academic, cultural, sporting and leadership activities and to develop supportive and positive relationships with others.
• This vision encompasses the concept of improvement. We always seek to improve learning opportunities and achievements, both as individuals and as a school.

Our Mission 

‘To provide a safe, positive, inclusive learning environment where students attain the knowledge, skills and personal qualities to choose the right pathways in life’.

• By providing learning experiences that challenge and support students to become globally connected, caring and involved citizens and successful, self-managing, lifelong learners.
• Our school motto, ‘Kōwhiria te huanui tika – Recte sic dirige cursum’ focuses on our role in guiding our students as they aspire to attain the qualifications, develop the personal qualities and confidence to choose the right pathways in life.
• Our school crest of Tī Kōuka, the stand of cabbage trees on our grounds, focuses on the qualities which help to provide guidance and purpose for all students and staff.
• The Burnside Values of respect, pride and excellence promote a caring, supportive learning culture which is focused on progress and achievement for all students.
• Our ethos of high expectations and standards for ourselves, of our students and of each other.

Our Strengths

Student achievement and the pursuit of excellence underpin all that happens in the school. There is focus on:

• Achievement and success in academic programmes.
• Flexible course structures that enable students to develop their skills, talents and abilities.

The school is divided into four cohesive Divisions:

North - Te Puna Raki
South - Te Puna Tonga
West - Te Puna Uru
Senior - Te Huinga Wai 

Each Junior Division consists of approximately 650 -700 students, ranging from Year 9 to Year 12. Senior Division comprises Year 13. Individual students gain the benefits of being a member of a large school while experiencing a sense of identity and security provided by a smaller Divisional Group.

 A wide range of well-supported sporting and cultural activities enable students to achieve success at a national secondary school level.

Purpose and direction - a clear vision of the school’s future and how it will be achieved is articulated by the Board, Principal and senior leaders and shared with the school community.

Effective use of assessment data to identify the trends and patterns of achievement of individuals and groups of students and to develop and evaluate programmes and teaching practices to improve outcomes for all students.

A safe, inclusive environment where positive and supportive relationships exist among students and their teachers. Staff work collaboratively to support and promote all students’ sense of belonging and well-being.

Strong links with the local and international community enhance learning opportunities for students. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the school and are consulted and well-informed about their children’s progress and achievement and school developments.

Staff work effectively together, have high expectations of themselves and the students and are committed to the vision and the core beliefs of the school.

A blended learning environment supported by targeted professional development.