Craighead Diocesan School campus is set within mature trees and overlooks the Southern Alps and Caroline Bay in Timaru. The school is a state-integrated day and boarding school that provides education for girls in years 7-13. It is the only Anglican-affiliated school in South Canterbury. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, innovative, Christian living and learning environment which empowers students to become confident, resilient, and courageous contributors and leaders in this everchanging world. The school focuses on the needs of the whole person and seeks to foster the core values of respect, integrity, service and excellence (R.I.S.E.).

As a school of special character, Craighead sits within the Anglican tradition and takes an inclusive approach. Students of all faiths and none are welcomed to the school. Religious education classes encourage students to explore the historic Christian faith as well as other faith traditions. Senior students attend courses that explore personal ethics, philosophy, and the ways the arts connect with Christian faith. Chapel services are a feature of the weekly rhythm of the school, and throughout the year special services mark significant events in the church calendar and the school’s unique traditions. There is a strong service ethic within the Craighead culture. Students are supported as participants and leaders in many spheres of life including sports, community focused projects, safeguarding the integrity of the earth, and responding to human need locally and globally. In this way the five marks of mission, established by the worldwide Anglican Communion, are integrated into daily life.