Christchurch Boys’ High School: Fees, Decile & All Blacks

If you’re sizing up Christchurch secondary schools, Christchurch Boys’ High School (CBHS) keeps appearing on shortlists for good reason. It pairs a strong academic record with a rugby programme that has produced multiple All Blacks, yet remains a state school — meaning no tuition fees for local families. This guide gives you the concrete details: decile, enrollment, fees, All Blacks alumni, and how it compares to other top schools in Christchurch.

Year established: 1881 ·
Decile: 8 ·
Current roll: Approximately 1,500 ·
School type: State single-sex (boys) ·
Notable alumni (All Blacks): Many, including several from the 1920s onward

Nine key identifiers define CBHS at a glance — from its founding decade to its current leadership.

Is Christchurch Boys’ High School private?

Private schools charge tuition; this one does not. The pattern for CBHS is a state-funded model with optional activity fees.

What decile is Christchurch Boys’ High School?

• CBHS is a state school — it receives government funding and does not charge domestic tuition fees. According to Wikipedia (online encyclopedia), it is a “single sex state secondary school.”
• The school holds a decile rating of 8, which reflects a low proportion of students from low-socioeconomic communities. The CBHS official website confirms the decile classification.

How do fees compare to private schools?

• Domestic students pay no tuition fees, though activity costs (sports, camps) may apply. Private schools in Christchurch such as Christ’s College charge annual fees exceeding NZ$30,000.
• International students at CBHS face published fees: for 2027, one term costs NZ$5,250 and two terms NZ$9,900, including orientation and GST, per the CBHS publication (school magazine).

How many boys attend Christchurch Boys’ High School?

What is the school roll?

The school’s roll as of October 2025 stood at 1,390 students, according to Wikipedia entry on CBHS. The maximum roll is around 1,600, and historical data shows stable enrollment over the past decade.

What is the student-teacher ratio?

While an exact ratio is not published on the official site, with a roll of roughly 1,400 and a teaching staff of about 80, the estimated ratio is around 17:1 — typical for New Zealand state secondary schools.

How many All Blacks went to Christchurch Boys’ High School?

Who are the notable All Blacks alumni?

• CBHS has produced numerous All Blacks, with players stretching from the 1920s to the present day. The school’s rugby reputation attracts talent and media attention.
• Reportedly, the list includes prominent names, though the school itself does not publish an official count. Wikipedia entry on CBHS notes the school’s tradition of producing All Blacks without providing an exact number.

What is the school’s rugby reputation?

CBHS fields a 1st XV in the competitive Miles Toyota 1st XV Premiership, as seen in YouTube match footage. The CBHS publication and Hudl Fan (sports platform) both list the 1st XV rugby programme as part of the school’s sports offering.

What is the best high school in Christchurch?

What are the top-rated high schools in Christchurch?

Rankings based on NCEA results and Education Review Office reports place CBHS consistently among the top schools in Christchurch. Other high-achieving schools include St Andrew’s College (private, co-ed), Christ’s College (private, boys), and Burnside High School (state, co-ed).

How does CBHS compare academically to other schools?

CBHS offers a wide range of subjects and consistently achieves strong NCEA pass rates. Its academic reputation, combined with low cost for domestic students, makes it a competitive option. The trade-off: private schools often have smaller class sizes and more extensive facilities, but at a significantly higher fee.

What are the fees and term dates at Christchurch Boys’ High School?

What is the school uniform?

The uniform comprises a blazer, grey trousers, and a striped tie — a classic New Zealand secondary school look. Details are available on the CBHS official website.

Where is the school located?

CBHS sits on a 12-hectare site between Riccarton and Fendalton, west of central Christchurch, as noted by Wikipedia entry on CBHS.

What is the school zone?

The school operates a defined enrolment zone covering parts of Christchurch. Families within the zone have automatic right to enrol; those outside may apply for out-of-zone places subject to availability.

Looking across fees, sports investment, and academic results, the pattern splits clearly by school type.

What this means: CBHS offers a similar-quality sports and academic experience to elite private schools at a fraction of the cost, but families give up single-sex boarding and smaller class sizes.

“CBHS is a school with strong values, high expectations and caring relationships.”

— Christchurch Boys’ High School official website

“Christchurch Boys’ High School, often referred to as CBHS, is a single sex state secondary school in Christchurch, New Zealand.”

— Wikipedia

The upshot for Christchurch families weighing state versus private: CBHS gives you a proven academic and rugby track record without the NZ$30,000+ annual price tag. For a family inside the school zone, the choice is clear: enrol and redirect the savings toward tutoring or extracurriculars. For those outside the zone, the competition for out-of-zone spots is worth the effort — or the private-school premium becomes the alternative.

Related reading: Watch All Blacks Live · Flights from Wellington to Christchurch

For a comparison with another top New Zealand boys’ school, see the Hamilton Boys High School guide for fees and boarding details.

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