Christchurch Boys High School

Long established single sex school, Christchurch Boys High was located in the City Centre from 1881 until 1926 when this big brick institution was built on a slice of the Deans Estate. The Canterbury College of the University of Canterbury has strong historical links with the school.
Many famed New Zealanders were students here, including military men Sir Howard Kippenberger and Brigadier James Burrows, and a number of Rhodes Scholars, while a disproportionate number of old boys became distinguished principals of other schools.

A fierce rugby rivalry with private Christ's College is one of New Zealand's most enduring and passionate.

There is a memorial to former student and self-styled communist diplomat Rewi Alley in the grounds here, and a grand Gothic war memorial on the far side of the field. The war memorial by Samuel Hurst Seagar needed repairs after the earthquakes.

The Canterbury Earthquakes also affected the school buildings, but they were restored. A new hall was opened in 2017, big enough to seat all 1300 students. Designed by Jasmax, it incorporates the World War Two memorial doors and heritage panelling and stained glass, an important nod to the past, in line with the school's philosophy. The hall won an award from the New Zealand Insititute of Architects.

Cancer made a superstar from Prefect Jake Bailey in 2016, when he delivered an inspiring speech from his wheelchair, and later, wrote a book.

Image Credits: Schwede