Earlier attempts by church members to establish a Christian school in Christchurch began in 1903, which lasted only a short time before closing in 1904.

Another attempt was begun in 1914, when a kindergarten building (which still stands, at 5 Grove Street, Addington) was purchased, and the school opened by Pr.

The secondary department building was built in 1985, and more recently (2006) the computer lab and staff room were re-developed and enlarged.

The students raise all the money needed from many fund-raising ventures, including running the school tuck-shop, selling chocolate, lamingtons & pizzas, washing cars, hosting service auctions and more.

The students then fix, clean and paint classrooms and other buildings (dining rooms, kitchens, libraries).

Over 70% of students gained Level 1 in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) compared to 63% in equivalent schools.