Nau Mai, Haere Mai | Welcome to Dunstan High School

It is a privilege to welcome you to Dunstan High School. Serving Alexandra and the wider Central Otago region, we are a co-educational whānau of approximately 600 students, including the 50 boarders who call our hostel home.

At Dunstan, we believe that for a student to truly thrive, they must feel a deep sense of belonging. Our school is anchored by three core pillars: Respect | Whakaute, Personal Excellence | Whakamana, and Kindness | Manaakitanga. These aren't just words on a wall; they are the standard for every interaction. We "sweat the small stuff"—the manners, the punctuality, and the care for our environment—because we know that high standards in life begin with high standards in the hallway.

Learning is the heartbeat of our school. We are a community dedicated to developing independent thinkers who aren't just taught how to "find information," but who possess the deep knowledge and grit to succeed. While we follow the New Zealand Curriculum with academic rigor, we know that true growth often happens where the classroom meets the landscape. Whether it’s on the mountain, the stage, or the sports field, we challenge our students to reach for their highest peaks.

Through our Whānau Ora programme, every student is partnered with a dedicated Kaiārahi. No one is just a number here. We work tirelessly to ensure that our learning is authentic and relevant, so that every student leaves Dunstan High School with dignity, purpose, and options.

We want our graduates to be contributors—people who lead with integrity and have the courage to make a difference in New Zealand and the wider world.

We are incredibly proud of our team and our students. We look forward to your whānau joining ours as we embark on this journey together.

Tēna koutou, tēna koutou, tēna koutou katoa.

Andrew King Principal, Dunstan High School