The history of pinehurst

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celebrating 34 years of excellence

Pinehurst was built on a bold vision: to create a world-class, not-for-profit school where every student is known, supported, and inspired to achieve their best.

Since welcoming our first students in 1991, we’ve grown into a thriving school community with a proud history of academic excellence, innovation, and care.

Here’s a look at some of the moments that have shaped who we are today.

1990
Founding Year
Pinehurst School was established by Peter Davies and a group of visionaries, including Sherida Penman Walters, who was appointed as the inaugural Principal. The school was founded with a mission to create a non-profit, independent educational institution, starting with 34 students.
1991
Campus Development
Construction began on the first permanent classroom and library block, funded by capital donations. Temporary portacom buildings were installed to facilitate immediate educational activities.
1995
Facility expansion
The school constructed its first permanent cedar-clad buildings and a wooden playground, marking significant growth in infrastructure.
1997
Gymnasium Completion
A professional-grade gymnasium with a sprung floor was completed, accommodating a growing student body of 373 students and 27 teaching staff.
2000-2001
10th Anniversary
Celebrated with significant infrastructure developments, including the completion of the second stage of the Junior College and enhancements to the sports facilities.
2006
15th Anniversary and Cambridge Fellowship
Achieved Fellowship status with the Cambridge International Examination Board and expanded the campus with a new music/drama block.
2008
Campus Enhancement
Expanded the Junior Primary facilities, including a new playground and classroom upgrades, to accommodate growing student numbers and enhance early years education.
2009
Technological Advancements
Pinehurst School launched its first integrated digital learning platforms, equipping classrooms with smart technology to enrich the learning experience and better prepare students for a digital world.
2010
Academic Achievements
Introduced additional Advanced Level subjects in the Cambridge curriculum to offer a wider range of options to senior students, promoting greater specialisation in academic pursuits.
2011
Lydia Ko’s Early Achievements
Lydia Ko, as a student, won the New South Wales Open at age 14, showcasing the extraordinary talents nurtured at Pinehurst.
2012
Infrastructure and Curriculum Expansion
Pinehurst School focused on enhancing its academic curriculum and infrastructure, responding to the growing needs of its student body and preparing for future technological advancements in education.
2013
Lydia Turns Professional
Lydia Ko turned professional, achieving significant success in professional golf while concluding her time at Pinehurst.
2017
Leadership Transition
Sherida Penman Walters retired, and Alex Reed was welcomed as the new principal, heralding a new era with continued expansion, including the construction of College 4.
2020
Pandemic Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of all planned 30th-anniversary celebrations, including the Anniversary Dinner. Despite this, over 90% of students achieved University entrance, and the school received more Top in the World Cambridge awards than any other school in New Zealand. The new library was officially opened by Erica Stanford in February.
2021
Post-Pandemic Celebrations
Hosted the delayed 30th Birthday Anniversary Garden Party on the front lawn and the first Alumni Family Picnic, marking a return to community engagement.
2022
30th Anniversary Dinner and Cambridge Recognition
Held the 30th Anniversary Dinner after a two-year delay due to the pandemic. Alex Reed departed from his role as Executive Principal to join Harrow International School in Shanghai. Pinehurst was selected as New Zealand’s Cambridge Demonstration Centre, showcasing the school's exemplary Cambridge academic programme organization and implementation.
2023
New Leadership and Facilities
Welcomed Mike Waller as the new Executive Principal and celebrated the grand opening of the Pinehurst Theatre, a significant addition to the school’s cultural facilities.