Welcome to Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao
“The school at the cold water”
Welcome to Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao—where heritage and future come together.
Nestled in the serene semi-rural landscape of Clarkville, just minutes from Kaiapoi, our school has been at the heart of learning and community spirit for over 150 years. With a vibrant student body of around 200, we provide a nurturing and enriching environment for learners from Year 1 to Year 8, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
Surrounded by nature, our kura offers the perfect setting for innovative and inclusive education. Here, students don’t just learn—they thrive, guided by a passionate team of educators dedicated to unlocking each child's potential. Our strong academic achievements reflect our commitment to high-quality education, equipping students with the skills and confidence to embrace the future.
At Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao, we cherish the strength of our community, the responsibility of sustainability, and the value of respect. We invite you to join our whānau, where every child is celebrated, supported, and encouraged to grow into a confident, engaged, and compassionate global citizen.
Welcome to where your child’s journey begins.
Enrolment at Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao
Clarkville operates an enrolment scheme to manage our roll numbers and prevent overcrowding. We have limited spaces available for out-of-zone enrolment. An appointment is required for all enrolments. We offer regular open mornings for parents/caregivers to learn more about what makes our school so special.
If you believe Clarkville could be the perfect fit for your child, please fill out the expression of interest form below, and we will be in touch.
Principal's Message
Welcome to Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao, a school with a proud 150-year history, nestled just three minutes from Kaiapoi in a special semi-rural setting for 200 children. Our school, formerly known as Clarkville School, was renamed in 2022 by Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri runanga, symbolizing our connection to the Waimakariri River with a name that means 'school of the cold water'. Our dedicated teaching team delivers a unique, inquiry-based curriculum supported by a wellbeing model that emphasizes healthy practices and self-awareness, allowing our students to flourish. Our values drive the school culture, backed by a supportive School Board and an active PTA enhancing our children's learning experiences. We take pride in our students' hard work and commitment to being the best learners possible, embodying our vision – ‘Choose to be More’. I invite you to discover the special place that is Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao by contacting our school office or expressing your interest in enrolment. - Kris Barrow, Tumuaki/Principal.
Mission I Vision I Values
Vision: Choose to be more | Whiriwhiria kia eke panuku
Mission: To grow people who care, know themselves, question and make things happen through collaboration to become relentless learners and global citizens.
Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao - Annual Report Summary
Report Data from 2025
Every year the school prepares an annual report which is an overview of the school’s performance for the year, including how financial resources were applied, how students progressed and achieved, and how outcomes compared with the goals set. It supports
transparent reporting to the Board, whānau, families, the wider school community, and the Ministry of Education.
Financial Information
Kris, with support from Kathryn, manage our school financial resources extremely well. Expenditure was directed towards the goals identified in the school’s Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan, with particular attention to initiatives to improve student achievement, engagement, and equitable access to learning opportunities.
The full financial report can be found on the website, in summary through carefulmanagement the school concluded the financial year with a surplus.
Student Achievement Information
Student achievement information for the year shows the progress learners made in relation to curriculum expectations, assessment information, and annual targets. Overall, the achievement information shows that students across the school achieved a high level of success in their learning.
For reading 79% of students achieved at or above the expected curriculum level, for writing 69% of students achieved at or above the expected curriculum level and for maths 82% of students achieved at or above the expected curriculum level.
The Board are incredibly proud of these results, which reflect the immense work put in by staff and students.
Statement of Variance Against Annual Goals
The Statement of Variance explains the difference between the goals and targets set for the year and the actual outcomes achieved. It provides the Board and school community with a clear account of what was achieved, what contributed to progress, what barriers were encountered, and what actions will be taken in response.
It gives a detailed outline of professional development, evidence-based teaching methods and consistency across the school. A full analysis can be found on the website.
The Board will use the findings from this report, along with feedback from our community to inform future planning and our 2027 Strategic Plan.
Rachael Spencer
Clarkville Te Kura ki Waimātao Board (on behalf of)