Wellbeing

The best high school in New Zealand nourishes wellbeing

Woodford House may be the best high school in New Zealand and we nourish the wellbeing of our girls. Ours is a small school with a big heart. Ask our girls what they love about Woodford House and they will say it is one big family where each girl is known by her name.

From the moment your daughter joins us to the day she leaves, and beyond, she will be deeply cared for and nurtured in an inclusive environment.

As an all-girls boarding school with small class sizes, each girl has the freedom to express herself creatively, emotionally and spiritually. With the encouragement and support of staff, parents and peers, Woodford House girls believe in themselves to reach their personal best.

Woodford House was founded on the philosophy of “a healthy mind in a healthy body", which continues to guide our wellbeing programmes. We believe nurturing the body, stimulating the mind and focusing on what is happening in the present moment is crucial to the development and education of young women.

Our school concentrates on developing positive and respectful relationships by creating a shared awareness of how our behaviour can affect those around us.

Our school has a strong restorative practice and pastoral support system that helps us to positively influence student behaviour. Restorative practice is used to help students learn from their mistakes, rather than a punitive approach that can create resentment. Our system helps to positively influence student behaviour and avoid escalation of conflict. To do this, we create a support network around each girl which includes their Homeroom Mentor, Dean, classroom teachers, Boarding Staff and the Senior Leadership Team.

Support of existing pathways Kapa Haka, Big sister (tuakana/teina)relationships, new student and staff induction, initiatives eg Korowai, Manu Korero Speech Competition. Use of waiata and karakia in Chapel services, powhiri, assemblies and formal occasions.

Student support - support participation in, and facilitate connections with te Ao Māori

Work with whanau and community to support tikanga, kapa haka and grow understanding. Whānau hui to determine community aspirations for Māori student achievement. We actively seek out expertise in the school community to enhance the delivery of te reo, tikanga Māori and kaupapa Māori to allow girls to embrace their culture with confidence and passion.

A senior Woodford student mentoring a younger student

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care system is organised on a House basis for all Year 7 and 8 students who are in a homeroom with other intermediate students from their own House. There is a designated Intermediate Dean who oversees the Pastoral Care of all intermediate students...

Our school chaplain Rewyn Hedge

Chaplaincy

Our Chaplain Reverend Raewyn Hedge is responsible for the spiritual development of both staff and students and is an integral part of our Pastoral Care Team. She has a key role in the formation and expression of the Woodford House Special Character...

Our students being cared for by the school nurse

Health Centre

The health and wellbeing of our students is our utmost priority. The School’s Health Centre operates as an independent medical service. As such, the Registered Nurse, General Practitioner and School Counsellor are bound by law and the ethics of the medical profession....

Pre-Enrol at

Woodford House

Click here to register your interest and place your daughter’s name on the pre-enrolment list for Woodford House