Hagley College - Christchurch Central City

Horrible school, teachers don't show up half the time, poor parking and students lack respect for authority

I went to a public school but if I could rewrind my life I'd definitely go back to Hagley. I think state schools are changing and thank Lord for the better for if you weren't apt at the traditional UE subjects such as English, science, maths and a member of the footy team you were quite literally deemed a thick shake. The courses here are so much more liberating and as the world has taught me jobs which we historically regarded as blue collar or menial work can often be more stimulating fulfilling and enriching both spiritually and financially than what one could possibly imagine. Co ed is the way of the world instead of the traditional parting of the gendered waves and school is about socialization as much as it's about scholasticism. Hayley is a microcosm of the real world which is I'd argue even better value than an experience at Varsity. The schools subject selection is unrivaled and their is no stigma as their is in the more established archaic schools of higher and lesser subjects. You simply begin with a superbly splendid start doing what you love rather than beating around the Bush.

I just came back after a very unfortunate meeting with the people at the enrollment office. At 9:55 am i arrived at the school, went to the enrollment office and asked if i could talk with someone regarding enrollment of my sister at the school. The receptionist was not welcoming and appeared as though she was not happy seeing me there. She said to wait and that a lady in the name of Racheal would come and talk to me. I waited for 15 mins, then went up and asked how much more time till Racheal comes, the receptionist said "she's talking with someone right now, as you can see". Firstly, this was my first time going to Hagley, no I don't know who Racheal is or where she is. I waited again for another 25 mins. Racheal then came out and enquired what I was there for. We then found out she was for ESOL enrollment. The person we should have seen was in the side room. Racheal then took us the NCEA person, whom we were actually supposed to meet. After asking her my questions, I then brought up the fact the i could have seen her earlier instead of waiting for 30-40 mins. I understand that i can be direct and upfront with my words, but what i received in return because of it was humiliation. Apparently, I'm rude and not grateful for the help i am receiving. Firstly, I was assumed to be after ESOL just because of my appearance, secondly, the only helpful advice i received was to go somewhere else (when i asked the NCEA lady to at least write the place down on a paper, i get told to just google it), and thirdly, when i brought up that they should at least not assume what people are after based on their appearance, i get told to get out. I understand that they too were busy (edit-the person i was actually after, didn't seem as though they were busy), but that doesn't mean to un-necessarily waste someone's time. My advice to the enrollment workers: the receptionist please fully assess what type of enrollment one is after (you may know there are two types of enrollments, not someone new to the school) and please do not assume what one is after based on their appearance. The NCEA lady, please be less dominant and more approachable. I honestly found you to be rude and arrogant, without letting me state my side of the story, i felt as though you were trying to step on me, possibly because of my age. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded to wait and see the CORRECT person, instead i waited to see the wrong person, and when i bring this up, i get humiliated. At the end, they are not the racist ones, rather i am the rude one. I wouldn't even give one star, but sadly, google doesn't provide an option for that.

Great school with fantastic classes to choose from with supportive staff, I'll recommend this school for any child and adult

If your child is really self motivated they can do really well here. I was in need of more guidance and self direction and so i didn't get the support i needed. I also had one terrible experience with a teacher that still bothers me today

This is a brilliant school it has done my boys so well and I'm unsure if I would have got them to stay at school if they hadn't gone here

i love Hagley I often refer to it as my second home love going to this school it is a pleasure to go to this school and what it has done for me i feel at home here and a special call out to the music department thanks guys

I really rate Pauline who teaches French. Pauline's teaching and classed are excellent, thank you.