British Curriculum / Cambridge-Aligned
For our junior students, we follow a British Curriculum / Cambridge-aligned approach, building strong foundations in literacy, mathematics, science, critical thinking and independent learning.
Registered Private School | Turner Centre, Kerikeri
Griffin Academy
Registered Private School · British & American Curriculum Pathways · High-Performance Gymnastics & Trampolining · Movement, Dance, Leadership & Real-World Skills
Griffin Academy is a registered private school in Kerikeri, Northland, created for families who want a more personal, efficient and future-focused education model. Alongside strong academics, individual learning pathways and small student-to-teacher ratios, students train in a high-performance movement programme built on gymnastics, trampolining, tumbling, parkour, calisthenics and tricking — complemented by ballet, dance, outdoor education, leadership and practical life skills. Our goal is to develop confident, capable, resourceful young people who are prepared not only for exams, but for life.
Our Approach
A Private School Designed for the Future
Griffin Academy was created around a simple belief: education should develop the whole child. Academic learning matters deeply, but it is not enough to train the mind while neglecting the body, confidence, character and real-world capability of the student.
Our model combines focused academic learning with high-performance movement, dance, outdoor education, leadership and practical life skills. Students are supported to become independent thinkers, capable problem-solvers and confident young people who can thrive in future careers and life.
Academic Pathways
Curriculum Pathways
Griffin Academy offers personalised academic pathways aligned with internationally recognised curriculum options.
IGCSE & A Level Pathways
Senior students can work toward internationally recognised IGCSE and A Level qualification pathways, depending on their age, academic level, goals and chosen subject pathway.
American Curriculum, GED & SAT
Students may also follow an American Curriculum pathway, with preparation toward the GED high school equivalency credential and, where appropriate, SAT preparation for university entrance pathways.
Individual Learning Pathways
Rather than forcing every student through the same programme at the same pace, Griffin Academy creates individual learning plans aligned with each student’s level, strengths, goals and future direction.
Efficient, Purposeful Schooling
We believe students do not need to spend the entire day sitting passively in a classroom to receive an excellent education.
Griffin Academy focuses on efficient, purposeful learning. Students are supported to work at the right level, move faster where appropriate, receive targeted help where needed and develop independence in their learning.
This creates space in the school day for movement, dance, outdoor education, leadership, practical skills and personal development — all essential for a confident and fully developed young person.
Known & Supported
Small Student-to-Teacher Ratios
Griffin Academy is designed around small learning groups and individual attention. We aim for small student-to-teacher ratios so students can be properly seen, understood, supported and challenged.
This allows teachers and mentors to build strong relationships with students and create learning pathways that actually fit the child.
Target ratio: approximately 1:10, with integrated individual support.
What Makes Us Unique
High-Performance Movement, Ballet & Dance
What makes Griffin Academy truly unique is that students do not only sit and study. They also train, move, perform and develop physically.
The Academy includes access to Griffin’s high-performance movement programme, built on gymnastics, trampolining, tumbling, calisthenics, parkour, tricking, functional fitness, Olympic lifting foundations and primal movement.
Students also participate in ballet and dance, supporting posture, rhythm, strength, flexibility, discipline, performance quality and artistic expression. This is suitable for both beginners and advanced gymnasts and dancers.
Explore Griffin Sport
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Outdoor Education, Leadership & Career Education
Griffin Academy is introducing a new outdoor education and leadership programme designed to help students build courage, resilience, responsibility, practical skills and real-world readiness.
- Scuba diving
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Barista training
- Financial education
- Conservation
- Entrepreneurship
- AI literacy
- Career education
- Outdoor leadership
- Practical life skills
This programme helps students develop confidence, initiative, teamwork and the ability to handle real-world challenges.
Academy Hours
A Full-Week School Programme
Griffin Academy is moving to a full-week school programme.
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Academy day includes academic learning, movement training, dance, practical skills, outdoor education and personal development.
Our Location
Located at the Turner Centre, Kerikeri
Griffin Academy operates from the Turner Centre in Kerikeri, one of Northland’s most iconic community assets.
The Turner Centre provides a unique and inspiring setting for a school focused on performance, confidence, creativity, education and community.
Investment
Academy Fees
Core Programme
Core Griffin Academy Programme
NZ$16,000
per year
This includes the core school programme, academic learning, high-performance movement, ballet and dance.
Optional Add-On
Outdoor Education & Leadership Programme
Launching 2027
Pricing to be confirmed closer to launch
This programme includes outdoor education, leadership development and career-based learning experiences.
Additional costs: School clothing and sports clothing are not included in the above fees. Fees, programme structure and additional costs may be updated from time to time. Families should contact Griffin Academy for the latest enrolment information.
Our People
Talented Teachers, Coaches and Specialists
Griffin Academy is supported by a highly capable team of teachers, coaches and subject specialists.
Accomplished Ballet Teacher
One of Northland’s most accomplished ballet teachers.
International Gymnastics Coaches
Two high-level gymnastics coaches who have competed internationally.
Language Specialist
Fluent in English, German and Spanish.
Mathematics Specialist
Experience teaching from first principles through to advanced calculus and advanced statistics.
Coaches, Staff & Mentors
Movement coaches, academic staff and mentors who support academic, physical and personal development.
Questions
Griffin Academy FAQs
Is Griffin Academy a registered private school?
Yes. Griffin Academy has received official private school registration from the Ministry of Education.
What curriculum does Griffin Academy offer?
Griffin Academy offers British Curriculum / Cambridge-aligned junior learning, senior pathways toward IGCSE and A Level qualifications, and an American Curriculum pathway with GED and SAT preparation options.
What are the school hours?
Griffin Academy is moving to a full-week programme from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
What makes Griffin Academy different?
Griffin Academy combines efficient academic learning with small groups, individual pathways, high-performance movement, ballet, dance, outdoor education, leadership and real-world skills.
Does the Academy include sport and movement?
Yes. High-performance movement is a core part of the Griffin Academy model.
What are the fees?
The core Griffin Academy programme is NZ$16,000 per year. The outdoor education and leadership programme is launching in 2027, with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch. School and sports clothing are additional.
Let’s Talk
Is Griffin Academy Right for Your Child?
If you are looking for a private school that is more personal, more active and more future-focused, we would love to speak with you.