Welcome to Adams House

A Modern,
Supportive Home for CBHS Boarders

Adams House, founded in 1915-16 and named after former Board Chairman Mr J.C. Adams, is the boarding hostel for Christchurch Boys' High School. A full redevelopment in 2001 and upgrades in 2017 have transformed it into a modern home away from home for 135 students, primarily from rural South Island. Just a five-minute walk from school, Adams House enriches the lives and culture of CBHS.

Boarding Application

Applications for Year 9 2026 enrolments close on 21 March 2025.

About Adams House

We are well housed in the new building, which is wonderfully warm.

Boarding Fees

$18,200 + $1,500 non-refundable deposit, payable via direct debit.

Operations Manual

Guidelines for daily life, routines, and policies at Adams House.

Adams House in pictures

The School’s Hostel opened in its present position in August 1917 with 24 boys

Our mission is to offer a supportive, safe environment where students feel valued and respected. With on-site housemasters, students experience the care and guidance they would receive at home.

Adams House offers warm, well-maintained living spaces, including common rooms, high-speed internet, and extensive recreational facilities. Set on 1.3 hectares, our grounds feature a heated pool, tennis courts, cricket nets, a gym, and sports fields.

Proud of our facilities and traditions, Adams House fosters resilience, friendship, and personal growth in every boarder.

Spacious Grounds

Over three acres of well-maintained grounds bordering the Avon River, providing a serene environment.

Boarding Blocks

Accommodation for 135 boarders across three blocks. The block are named Straven, Worcester, and Harakeke.

Personal Storage

Each student has personal storage including a wardrobe, six drawers, and a locker for secure belongings.

Study & Prep

Study spaces in rooms with supervised prep, peer support, and access to private tutors when needed.

Learning Facilities

Modern learning environment offering screen sharing, group study areas, & remote printing facilities.

Wi-Fi Access

Unlimited wifi access with high security, controlled by system administrators and firewalls.

Recreation

Recreational facilities include table tennis, kayaks, cricket machine, gym, and additional resources.

Avon Block

Avon Block features a fantastic kitchen, dining, common rooms, study spaces, and staff areas for daily needs.

Applications for Year 9 2026 enrolments close on 21 March 2025

To apply for boarding at Adams House, send a completed Application for Admission as a Boarder Form to Christchurch Boys’ High School, PO Box 8157, Riccarton, Christchurch 8440.

Interviews will take place from 11 February to 4 April 2025 contact the hostel to arrange a time. Please bring the following to the interview:

Requirements are below:

  • Completed Boarder Application Form sent to CBHS Enrolments.

  • Schedule an interview (11 Feb - 4 Apr 2025) with the hostel.

  • Provide a CV with a personal statement about boarding interest.

  • Include any family association with CBHS in the personal statement.

  • List distance to nearest secondary school and any access issues.

  • Submit recent school reports; CBHS will request a confidential report.

  • Outline your son's sporting or cultural interests.

  • Provide a school testimonial and any medical condition details.

Boarding Fees

Our boarding fees for 2025 are $18,200 plus a $1,500 non-refundable deposit, payable via direct debit. All boarding and activity fees must be paid by direct debit. The annual boarding fee is to be paid either by three equal instalments in January, April and July as invoiced. Incidental charges and activity fees will be charged as incurred.

These can be paid at any time through the parent payment portal, however any incidental charges that remain unpaid on the date of the direct debit will be added to the boarding fee and automatically deducted from your account in accordance with your direct debit authority. Those who receive a Boarding Allowance will have this credited to their account.