Auckland Grammar School

Auckland Grammar School is a state secondary school for boys, located in the Auckland suburb of Epsom. The school was founded in 1868 and has a long history of producing notable New Zealanders, including Prime Ministers such as John Key and Mike Moore. Auckland Grammar School has strong connections with other prestigious schools, including Eton College, Harvard University, and the University of Oxford. The school is also a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and the International Boys' Schools Coalition.

● History

Auckland Grammar School was founded in 1868 with the aim of providing a classical education to boys in the Auckland area. The school's early years were marked by struggles, including a lack of funding and a small student body. However, under the leadership of headmasters such as Arthur Guyon Purchas and James William Tibbs, the school began to grow and thrive. During World War I, many Auckland Grammar School students and staff served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, including notable figures such as Bernard Freyberg and Edward Puttick. The school also has connections with other notable institutions, including the University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, and Massey University.

● Campus

The Auckland Grammar School campus is located in the Epsom suburb of Auckland, near the University of Auckland and Cornwall Park. The school's buildings include the Main Building, which was designed by Edmund Bell and features a mix of Gothic Revival and Queen Anne style elements. The campus also includes a number of other facilities, such as the school hall, library, and sports stadium. Auckland Grammar School is close to other notable schools, including Epsom Girls' Grammar School, St Peter's College, Auckland, and Diocesan School for Girls.

● Academics

Auckland Grammar School offers a wide range of academic subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and social science. The school has a strong focus on academic achievement, and many students go on to attend top universities such as the University of Cambridge, University of Melbourne, and University of California, Berkeley. Auckland Grammar School is also a member of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and offers a range of NCEA subjects. The school has connections with other academic institutions, including the Royal Society of New Zealand, New Zealand Institute of Chemistry, and the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand.

● Co-curricular

Auckland Grammar School offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports such as rugby, cricket, and soccer. The school also has a strong focus on music and the arts, with many students participating in the school's choir, orchestra, and theatre productions. Auckland Grammar School has a long history of competition with other schools, including Westlake Boys High School, Takapuna Grammar School, and King's College, Auckland. The school is also a member of the Auckland Secondary Schools Sports Association and the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council.

● Notable alumni

Auckland Grammar School has a long list of notable alumni, including John Key, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Mike Moore, a former Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Other notable alumni include Sir Edmund Hillary, the famous mountaineer and explorer, and Sir Peter Jackson, the acclaimed film director and producer. The school has also produced a number of notable sportspeople, including Graham Henry, the former All Blacks coach, and Daniel Vettori, the former New Zealand cricket captain. Other notable alumni include Russell Coutts, Chris Cairns, and Jeff Wilson.

● House system

Auckland Grammar School has a house system, with six houses named after notable figures in the school's history, including Arthur Guyon Purchas and James William Tibbs. The houses are Purchas House, Tibbs House, School House, Stonyridge House, Rutland House, and Parnell House. Each house has its own unique colours and mascot, and students compete against each other in a range of activities, including sports and debating. The house system is an important part of Auckland Grammar School's tradition and culture, and helps to foster a sense of community and competition among students. The school's house system is similar to those found at other prestigious schools, including Eton College, Harrow School, and Rugby School.