Academic College Group

ACG began with the decision to found ACG Senior College and ACG New Zealand International College, which both opened in January 1995. Co-Founders, John Graham CBE MA DipTchg and Dawn Jones OBE MA DipEd DipTchg and, are both well-known and highly respected educationalists.

ACG is a leading independent provider of educational services.

Their efforts to cater for the needs of the individual have seen us develop a range of schools for young people and their families who have put their trust in us to provide a first-class education. ACG's Schools and Colleges are all co-educational and share common values and philosophies. They offer the best educational pathways leading to respected universities.

ACG is also part of a worldwide network of schools that are connected to the University of Cambridge through its international examination programme.

At a Glance

• Six schools in New Zealand

• International schools in Indonesia and Vietnam

• 2,700 students

• Over 300 members of staff

ACG Objectives
Two main goals are two provide:

• Excellent academic outcomes from quality teaching

• A superior quality of service

Schools are committed to:

• Providing a dynamic learning environment that helps students enjoy their studies and inspires them to be lifelong learners

• Personalising the learning experience by tailoring programmes to meet each student's needs and which reflect their ability and prior learning

• Actively encouraging and rewarding academic excellence and achievement

• Offering innovative and creative programmes designed to encourage students to think both creatively and critically

• Employing highly-qualified, experienced, caring and motivated educators who are dedicated to creating schools that focus on the learning needs of their students

Examination Success
ACG has an ever-growing record of performance. Their students have achieved outstanding results, both personally and against international academic standards. ACG's schools have consistently been in or near the top of rankings in external examinations

Proven Quality
Excellent student outcomes are achieved through high quality teaching as well as a diversified curriculum that is truly international in outlook.

The ACG Primary School curriculum is a combination of the best of British, New Zealand and Australian curricula; their resources and methodologies. The curriculum is driven by the University of Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP) in Reading, Mathematics and Science.

At senior levels, ACG Schools offer the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a programme which begins in Year 10 or Year 11. In Years 12 and 13, students are prepared for AS and A2 Level examinations.

At ACG Schools, individual student needs are met and value-added performance is measured. This provides students and parents with internationally portable academic profiles. 

Accommodation Services for International Students

Getting Settled
Comfortable accommodation with convenient access to the chosen college or school is a priority for the students.
Helping students select the right place to live is part of the service ACG provides.

It understands that creating a home away from home is essential for the students and this is why it offers a range of accommodation options to suit a wide variety of ages and personal preferences. ACG has an accommodation services department with a team of accommodation officers who take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.

Homestay
To get the most out of experiencing New Zealand life to its fullest, the strong recommendation is homestay accommodation. Staying with friendly and welcoming families is compulsory for any ACG student under 18 and, from the experience, is the preferred option for most people who choose to study with us.

Homestay arrangements are organised and monitored directly by ACG. Homestay families are carefully selected, are required to register with ACG, and must sign a contract that details specific rules and standards. In addition, ACG homestay families must undergo a vetting procedure by the New Zealand Police. ACG provides training and on-going support for its approved homestay families.

The benefits of homestays are many:

• Homestay offers a clean, safe and welcoming environment for students to come home each day

• Homestay provides guidance and support to students outside of school time

• Homestay provides opportunity for English practice, an excellent way to increase speaking and listening skills

• Homestay includes most meals, you don't need to spend time shopping and cooking

• Homestay includes electricity, heating, water and local phone calls

ACG offers 3 homestay options:

Standard Homestay
(available for students enrolled at ACG city campuses and ACG Strathallan Campus)
Standard Homestay includes a single room with a bed, desk, lighting and adequate heating. Meals include breakfast and dinner, Monday to Friday and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Laundry is also included.

Standard Homestay families live 3 or 4 bus stages from ACG City schools & colleges, travel time approximately 30 - 45 minutes each way. For students enrolled at ACG Strathallan Campus, the travel time between homestay and the campus is approximately 20 - 30 minutes each way by private school bus. Each Standard Homestay family may welcome up to 4 international students at a time.