Exceptional exam results just one benefit of outstanding teaching.
Teachers have the potential to play one of the most important roles in a child’s life, believes Danny O’Connor.
The executive principal at ACG Strathallan, one of a network of ACG schools in New Zealand offering the internationally recognised Cambridge curriculum, says the lasting impact of truly great teachers on students extends well beyond the classroom.
This is abundantly evident at Strathallan, where O’Connor considers the teaching staff to be “the single most important school-based factor influencing student achievement”.
“We look for teachers who combine strong subject knowledge with a genuine passion for working with young people,” he explains.
“They are highly skilled professionals who know their subjects well, build strong relationships with students and continually seek to improve. They have a deep understanding of what it takes to help young people succeed – and, above all, they are committed to bringing out the best in every child.”
His remarks follow a year in which the school achieved “exceptional” results in the 2025 Cambridge international exams – including a 99% A Level pass rate, a 90% University Entrance pass rate, three Top in the World awards, two Top in New Zealand awards and two High Achievement awards.
“These results are the product of outstanding teaching, high expectations, strong student support and a culture that values learning.”
Quality of teaching is, O’Connor believes, a core reflection of what the independent, co-educational school stands for: “While we are proud of our academic achievements, our focus extends beyond examination results.
“Our teachers deliver far more than curriculum content; they help shape character, build confidence, encourage resilience, and create opportunities for students to discover their strengths,” he says.
Located at Karaka, around 30 minutes south of central Auckland, and offering education from early learning to Year 13, O’Connor says the school’s strong focus on pastoral care and its “community feel” are key elements in its vision of bringing out the best in every student and inspiring them to learn.
But it is the school’s teachers – it has around 100 across its pre-school, primary and college cohorts – that O’Connor believes are the key differentiator at Strathallan.
“What sets them apart is their expertise, passion and commitment to students.”
O’Connor says the school recruits the best teachers available both from New Zealand and, through its access to a global network of talented educators, internationally.
“The result is a teaching team that combines international best practice with a strong understanding of the New Zealand context.”
Teachers also take on the role of tutors, a system whereby every student belongs to a vertical tutor group made up of students from different year levels.
Students have regular meetings with their tutor, who monitors academic progress, attendance, wellbeing and engagement, and serves as an important point of contact for parents.
“This system helps younger students learn from older peers, provides leadership opportunities for senior students and ensures every student is known, supported and connected throughout their time at Strathallan,” O’Connor says.
The tutors are a key part of the school’s system of pastoral care.
“This is at the heart of what we do, and as well as tutors it includes deans, counsellors and senior leaders who work together to support student wellbeing and development.
He believes students achieve their best when they feel known, valued and supported, and says their pastoral care systems are designed to ensure every student has the guidance and encouragement they need to thrive both academically and personally.
“This,” O’Connor says, “creates a family-like environment where students develop lasting relationships, learn from one another and feel connected to the wider school community.”
With around 950 students in the college and approximately 1370 across the entire campus, O’Connor believes the school is large enough to offer an extensive range of academic, sporting, cultural and leadership opportunities – all while maintaining an environment where students are known as individuals and develop strong relationships with staff throughout their time at the school.
The school sees strong partnerships between students, parents and teachers as fundamental to student success and encourages regular communication between home and school.
“Recent parent feedback suggests that many families value Strathallan’s size and strong sense of community,” O’Connor says.
He says Strathallan’s academic success demonstrates both the strength of the foundations built through the Cambridge pathway, and the school’s ability to consistently support students to achieve at the highest level.
Offered in more than 10,000 schools across 160 countries – including 54 in New Zealand – the Cambridge curriculum is highly regarded internationally for being academically rigorous, developing deep subject knowledge and encouraging students to think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively.
“It provides clear pathways for students of all abilities and prepares them exceptionally well for university and future careers.”
O’Connor says extra-curricular activities are also a vital part of the Strathallan experience. Whether students are involved in sport, performing arts, cultural activities, service or leadership opportunities they develop skills that complement their academic learning.
Overall O’Connor says the school’s aim is to develop well-rounded, informed and compassionate young people who are confident in their abilities and are prepared to make a positive contribution to society.
“Our mission is to provide a challenging, holistic education; through personalised support, strong relationships and a genuine sense of community, we strive to help every student achieve their personal best.”
For more information www.strathallan.acgedu.com