Chilton School

Education that Matters

Empowering Young Women Through Academic and Artistic Excellence

Nestled in the heart of Lower Hutt, Wellington, Chilton Saint James School has long stood as a beacon of opportunity for young women seeking a balanced education rooted in both academic rigour and creative expression. Since its founding in 1918, the independent girls’ school has maintained a deep commitment to nurturing confident, capable, and compassionate students.

Offering programmes from preschool through Year 13, and integrating a unique blend of   Cambridge International qualifications and New Zealand’s NCEA curriculum, Chilton Saint James School is offering a top educational experience. Over a century later, the school continues to evolve with purpose, fostering resilience, global citizenship, and leadership among its students, staff and wider community.

A Century-Strong Commitment to Girls’ Education

Chilton’s story began with a bold vision: to create equal educational opportunities for girls at a time when such a mission was rare. That vision lives on in every aspect of the school’s culture and curriculum.

“Chilton is a school where students can thrive academically while also embracing their artistic passions,” says Principal Caroline Robertson. “Our students are not forced to choose between dance or physics, they can do both.”

This dual pathway is perhaps most clearly seen in Chilton’s nationally celebrated performing arts programme, which includes a highly regarded dance school and a comprehensive music programme. These offerings are not extracurricular, rather seamlessly integrated into the academic timetable, enabling students to pursue artistic passions without sacrificing future university or career ambitions.

A Hub for Performing Arts Excellence

Chilton has earned a national reputation as a leader in the performing arts, with standout programmes in dance, music, and drama. Dancers at Chilton follow rigorous programmes that demand discipline, time management, and stamina, honing skills that serve them well both in and beyond the studio.

Meanwhile, the school’s music programme is equally distinguished. Choral excellence has long been a hallmark, with Chilton’s choirs earning finalist spots in The Big Sing competition and other accolades across the country.

Looking ahead, Chilton’s strategic goal is to become New Zealand’s premier performing arts school and to provide world-class facilities for future generations of creatives.

Personalised Learning and Strong Pastoral Care

Part of what makes Chilton unique is its size. The school is large enough to offer a wide range of opportunities but small enough to provide personalised attention and deep community connections.

“Our pastoral care system is one of our biggest strengths,” principal Caroline Robertson explains. “Teachers and deans know each student well, which means we can support them holistically: academically, emotionally, and socially.”

This personalised support is critical, particularly for students balancing demanding artistic commitments with their studies. Chilton staff work closely with students to ensure that they are well-equipped to manage their time and achieve success in all areas of their education.

Spaces That Inspire Learning and Community

In recent years, Chilton has made major strides in enhancing its physical campus to better serve students and families. A newly developed gathering lawn now serves as a dynamic outdoor space for assemblies, cultural celebrations, and community events. Already, it has hosted dawn services and a Matariki celebration—offering a space for reflection, celebration, and connection.

Alongside the future Performing Arts Centre upgrades, the school is continuously reimagining how its physical environment can support well-being, creativity, and collaboration.

“Our facilities are evolving to match our educational philosophy,” Principal Caroline Robertson says. “It’s about creating spaces that foster belonging and inspiration.”

Deep Community Engagement

Chilton thrives on the energy of its wider community. Parent involvement is robust, with families eager to volunteer time, expertise, and energy to support school initiatives. Whether through organising events, participating in working bees, or mentoring students, parents play an active role in school life.

The school is also working to reignite its alumni network—engaging younger “Old Girls” as mentors and role models. “There’s a real desire to bring generations of Chilton women together,” Principal Caroline Robertson says. “These connections are powerful for our current students.”

Chilton’s ties to local businesses and civic organisations are also growing. Plans are in motion to invite business leaders and professionals into the school to speak with students about leadership, career pathways, and community engagement.

A Growing International Presence

As part of its commitment to preparing students for a global future, Chilton is focused on growing its international student population. While progress was slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the school continues to prioritise cultural diversity and global perspectives within the student body.

“Having international students enriches the experience for everyone,” Principal Caroline Robertson says “It brings different worldviews into the classroom and helps all of our girls become more globally minded.”

Preparing Girls for a Complex Future

At a time when the demands of the future workforce are rapidly shifting, Chilton is focused on cultivating a generation of agile, confident, and emotionally intelligent young women. Alongside academic achievement, students are encouraged to develop essential life skills—such as adaptability, resilience, leadership, and empathy.

“Education today isn’t just about grades—it’s about the whole person,” Principal Caroline Robertson says. “We want our girls to leave Chilton ready to thrive in any context.”

Participation in sports, service initiatives, and performing arts are all viewed as essential to this growth. These co-curricular activities provide a platform for students to lead, collaborate, and contribute beyond the classroom.

Vision for the Future

Over the next five to ten years, Chilton’s strategic goals centre on deepening its strengths while broadening its impact.

Key priorities include: Cementing Chilton’s place as New Zealand’s top performing arts school, with expanded offerings in drama, dance, and music, embedding well-being practices into daily school life, helping students build emotional literacy and resilience, deepening community engagement, including more social outreach and volunteerism and growing the international student base to reflect the global stage on which students will one day work and lead.

While the school is ambitious in its goals, it remains grounded in its foundational values: compassion, courage, creativity, and community.

A School Like No Other

What truly sets Chilton apart is something less tangible but deeply felt: its culture. The school’s unique model—where students often begin in preschool and stay through Year 13—creates a rare continuity and closeness. Relationships run deep, and every student is known by name and nurtured as an individual.

“There’s a personalised touch here that’s hard to explain until you experience it,” Principal Caroline Robertson says. “It’s a community. It’s a home. And we invite anyone who’s curious to come and see it for themselves.”

Whether it’s through the soaring notes of a choir performance, the quiet focus of a student studying in the library, or the laughter shared on the gathering lawn, Chilton School is a place where young women are empowered to lead, create, and contribute.

As it approaches its next chapter, Chilton remains steadfast in its mission: to educate and inspire girls to reach their full potential—academically, artistically, and personally.

At a Glance

Who: Chilton School

What: A top all girls school rooted in community and academic excellence offering preschool through grade 13 classes

Where: Wellington, New Zealand

Website: www.chilton.school.nz

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