Key Information

New Prospectus is here!

Thames High School International Prospectus 2024

Please enjoy an excerpt from the 2023 Yearbook. This showcases all the amazing end-of-year activities our International students have been enjoying.

Curriculum

We offer a full range of subjects at all levels. Year 11 and Year 12 students must take six subjects, but most Year 13 students take only five, and use their free time to study. International students will be assessed when they arrive, and their placement will depend on their academic ability and level of English. However, we do our best to place students in the subjects they choose.

You can download a Curriculum Flowchart from this site or email the school to receive one. Please read it carefully and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.

Thames High School offers the following qualifications

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (Levels 1-3)
National Certificate of Employment Skills
National Certificate of Computer Studies

We can also make arrangements for students who wish to sit the TOEFL and IELTS examinations.

School Terms

The school has four terms of 10 weeks each, starting in early February and ending in late November for Seniors (Years 11-13) and December for Juniors (Years 9-10).

Term Dates 2025 TBC

Term 1:	Start: Monday 27 January-Friday 7 February – Term 1 starts between these dates
	Finish: Friday 11 April (Waitangi Day Public Holiday in this term)
Term 2:	Start: Monday 28 April
	Finish: Friday 27 June ( Kings Birthday & Matariki Public Holidays in the is term)
Term 3:	Start: Monday 14 July
	Finish: Friday 19 September
Term 4:	Start: Monday 6 October
	Finish:Friday 19 December TBC

The School Day

The school day begins at 8.45 a.m – 3.10 p.m. Thames High School operates a 25 periods per-week timetable, with five 60-minute periods per day (new in 2024) and a morning tea break and lunch break. School is open from Monday to Friday, and there are never lessons on Saturday, although most sports teams play their games then.

You can view and download the weekly timetable here.

Uniform

All students must wear the school uniform. This will cost the student about NZ$300-$500. International Students who come for a very short period might not be required to wear the uniform.

For more information see the Uniform page on the main High School website here.

Lunches

Free lunches and morning tea are provided through a new (2024) government programme called Ka ora, Ka Ako or Healthy School Lunches Programme. You can also buy from our canteen or bring food from home.

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden by all students at school. Smoking in school uniforms outside of school is also forbidden.

Town

Thames High School is situated within easy walking distance of the Thames township. Only Year 13 students may leave the school during lunch time.

Driving

International students are not permitted to own or drive motor vehicles while attending Thames High School.

Lena Eppinger

Germany

Thames High School is definitely a fantastic school for international students. From the first day I loved the family feeling, everybody seems like being a part of a great Whanau; as an International student, it was great to become part of this amazing family. I enjoyed the wide range of subjects, sports and activities. My personal highlight was Outdoor Education; on the one side an exciting adventure, on the other side I learned things for the rest of my life. So don’t hesitate if you have the chance to go to Thames High. It definitely was the best time in my life and I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.