It serves the areas of Mount Roskill, Waikōwhai, Lynfield, Māngere Bridge and Blockhouse Bay.

Waikowhai Intermediate School began as a temporary hostel for the North Shore Teachers' Training College in 1964.

After a permanent hostel was built on the North Shore, the site was redeveloped as an intermediate school, which was opened in March 1967.

From 2020, the Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust began running a programme for Waikowhai Intermediate students to experience and learn about the Marine reserves of New Zealand.

[6] The school's educational opportunities for year 7 and 8 include interactive whiteboards and 1-to-1 Chromebooks in all classrooms.