The learning environment at Marsden is positive and supportive. There is a culture of pride and every girl is challenged to achieve her personal best. Academic and pastoral staff work together to ensure that the progress of individual students is carefully monitored, that their particular needs are met, and their passions are acknowledged and fostered. Provision is made for gifted and talented students both within the classroom and through external opportunities. Learning support and adapted programmes are also available for students with specific learning needs.

We offer personalised and inclusive programmes that aim to challenge and meet the needs of students of all ability levels. Year 11 is about building on foundational learning, developing great study habits and being open to exploring new ideas and future-focused learning. We challenge you to be the best you can be. Akonga/learners will study five traditional subject courses. They will also choose from our unique NCEA+ offering, which is an innovative, interdisciplinary course. Students select up to three different subject areas and explore a real-world context where they can work collaboratively, think critically, and earn credits on the NZQA framework.

In the senior school your learning and qualifications are the foundation for tertiary academic study and awards. Our aim is to build the attitude, flexibility, breadth of learning and independent work habits for you to thrive beyond Marsden. Senior students are preparing for NCEA (National Certificate of Educational Achievement) at Level 2 (Year 12) and Level 3 (Year 13). Scholarship is an optional advanced programme at Year 13. NCEA is globally recognised as a robust qualification; it can take you anywhere in the world. At Marsden we prepare you extremely well for life beyond school and you will find young Marsden Old Girls studying at universities in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, USA, Europe and Asia.