Academic Excellence

Our Results

Outstanding International Baccalaureate Results in 2023

2023 was another outstanding year for our IB cohort as we celebrate their remarkable achievements in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma examination. This achievement is notable, following our College’s largest-ever cohort participating in the November 2023 IB examination.

The cohort achieved an overall average diploma score of 34. This compares favourably with the world average of 29.06 points.

Furthermore, Saint Kentigern celebrates having 11 of the 68 students nationwide who achieved 40+ points in their IB examinations. These eleven students represent 20% of the Saint Kentigern IB Diploma cohort for 2023. Gaining 40 points or more places students among the top performing students taking the Diploma around the world.

Of the 11 students who scored 40 points and above, Sean Wang and Chris Ye recorded an almost perfect 44 points each. Other students backed this up with point scores of 43, 42, 41, and 40 out of a possible maximum of 45.

These 11 top achievers were invited to attend the New Zealand IB Diploma Top Scholars’ Awards which recognises the outstanding performance of students from around New Zealand, each gained 40 points or more for their Diplomas. We wish them well as they enter tertiary study in New Zealand, Australia, USA, and the UK.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Examination Results 2023

Exceptional NZQA Scholarship Success

We are delighted to share our College students' exceptional achievements following the New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s (NZQA) scholarship announcement which recognises outstanding academic accomplishments by secondary school students nationwide.

Among the distinguished recipients, 49 students from Saint Kentigern College have been awarded 75 scholarships, with an impressive 16 scholarships at Outstanding level, demonstrating an unswerving commitment to academic excellence and a culture of achievement.

Exemplifying the pinnacle of academic success, Sean Wang (Year 13, 2023) was named a recipient of the prestigious Premier Award for 2023, an accolade presented to the top 10 students in New Zealand. Sean achieved six scholarships – four Outstanding scholarship level in Chemistry, Economics, English, and Physics, and two Scholarship level in Biology and Calculus. Sean was also recognised as a Top Subject Scholarship Award winner for Economics.

In addition to Sean’s remarkable feat, three senior students have been recognised as Outstanding Scholar Award Winners. Ethan Liu (Year 13, 2023), Nicholas (Nico) McKinlay (Year 12, 2023), and Daniel Xian (Year 11, 2023) each secured two Outstanding scholarship level awards and two Scholarship level awards, respectively.

Nico has again scored top marks in Calculus, winning the Top Subject Scholarship Award for the second consecutive year. Nico was first recognised with an Outstanding scholarship level achievement in Calculus as a Year 10 student in 2021.

Across our senior school, dedicated students in Year 11 achieved a total of 15 scholarships, while those in Year 12 earned 32 scholarships, and our Year 13 cohort secured an impressive 26 scholarships.

Academic Success for our NCEA Students

We are pleased to present another set of solid NCEA results for 2023. Across all three levels, our students have improved on pass rates from the previous year. Additionally, the percentage of students passing with a higher endorsement (Merit or Excellence Endorsement) exceeds 70% at all levels.

A key success indicator is the level of certificate attainment and endorsement, consistently surpassing the national average. These achievements serve as qualifiers for students to receive the prestigious Saint Kentigern Academic Colours or Honours – a school award recognizing academic excellence.

Mackenzie Alley

NCEA DUX

Mackenzie Alley is a beacon of excellence not only in academics, but also in a myriad of co-curricular activities, reflecting a well-rounded commitment to personal and collective growth. As a Prefect in the Arts, Mackenzie demonstrates leadership and a passion for fostering a vibrant artistic community within the school. Active participation in the Arts Council underscores Mackenzie’s dedication to shaping the cultural landscape of the College. Serving as a vital member of the Rock Band Aquaya, Mackenzie lends both talent and energy to the realm of musical expression. Furthermore, Mackenzie’s vocal prowess is showcased in the harmonious melodies of the Kentoris Choir and the Massed Choir, contributing to the rich musical tapestry of our school. Mackenzie’s versatility extends to the Hamilton House Band, where instrumental talents come to life in collaborative synergy. The Senior School Musical Cast, featuring Mackenzie in the production of “Addams Family”, attests to not only artistic flair, but also the ability to engage in larger, ensemble productions. Mackenzie’s extensive co-curricular involvement exemplifies a commendable balance between academic rigor and a vibrant engagement in the arts.

Ryan Tsai

Proxime Accessit

Ryan is praised by his tutor as a fount of positivity and inspiration. Accumulating numerous accolades, including Academic Distinctions and Colours over his tenure at the College, Ryan has surpassed Level 3 with Excellence Endorsement, boasting a rank score of 314 out of a possible 320 and maintaining a GPA of 94.2%.

2023 Tertiary Scholarships Results

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding achievements and worthy recognition.

Tertiary Scholarships provide students with financial assistance for their chosen tertiary studies, in addition to mentoring and leadership opportunities. *

University of Auckland
Mackenzie Alley	Top Achiever Scholarship
Olivia Rooney	Top Achiever Scholarship
Sophie Le Grice	Academic Potential Scholarship
Ocean Scott	Waka Moana Scholarship

AUT
Jade Nomani	Find Your Greatness Scholarship

University of Canterbury
Hugh Arnold	Hiranga Scholarship
Joe Berman	Hiranga Scholarship
Lachlan Gordon	Hiranga Scholarship
Benjamin Hardie	Go Waitaha Scholarship
Finn Mayer	Hiranga Scholarship – for Academic Excellence
Adam Morrison	Hiranga, Haupatu, Go Waitaha Scholarships
Brooke Murdoch	Hiranga Scholarship
Isabella Nigro	Go Waitaha Scholarship
Cameron Riley	Hiranga Scholarship

University of Otago
Kaia Ashmore	Māori Entrance Scholarship with Distinction
Samuel Dickey	Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
Danielle Dudek	Māori Entrance Scholarship
Ambrosia Hardie	Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship & Sons of Manse Knox College Scholarship
Jodie Macmillan	Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship
Zaequanaez Mangu	Māori Entrance Scholarship
Rawiri Martin	Māori Entrance Scholarship
Alexis Muggleston	Māori Entrance Scholarship
Samuel Perkins	Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship
Amelia Symons	Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship
Emily Thomas	Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship
Holly Trigg	Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship
George Turner	Pacific Peoples’ Entrance Scholarship
Harvey Whyte	Leaders of Tomorrow

Victoria University
Meg McKenzie	Tangiwai Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Massey University
Wen Jun Ni	Undergraduate First Year Scholarship

San Diego State University
Liv Peebles	Swimming Scholarship

Youngstown State University
Olivia Sweetman	Swimming Scholarship

* The number of scholarships awarded increases over the summer break as exam results become available, in particular for those seeking scholarships from universities in the Northern Hemisphere.

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