Eskdale School emblem Eskdale SchoolEst. 1859 · Today’s Learners – Tomorrow’s Leaders
Eskdale School students shovelling mulch and planting native trees on a community planting day A big group of cheering Eskdale students in race bibs at a cross country challenge A grinning boy hanging from the rope climbing frame with classmates climbing above him
Nau mai, haere mai · Est. 1859

Today’s learners, tomorrow’s leaders

A country school with big open spaces, a “give it a go” spirit and a whole lot of heart – just five minutes from Napier.

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Our purpose

Rooted in the valley since 1859

We grow curious, confident learners
who care for each other, their community
and the world around them.
Aerial view of Eskdale School’s green-roofed classrooms nestled among trees in the Esk Valley
Our values · We CARE

Community, Aspiration, Respect and Excellence

C

Community

Hapori

We belong to something bigger: our whānau, our valley and each other.

A

Aspiration

Wawata

We dream big, set goals and give everything a go.

R

Respect

Whakaute

We treat people, places and property with kindness and care.

E

Excellence

Hiranga

We take pride in doing our very best, every day.

1859Established – Hawke’s Bay’s oldest school
300+Learners from across the valley
Y1–8Full primary, new entrants to Year 8
4Generations of some local families
Students gathered in the school hall in front of a tree mural for a class presentation
Our people

Principal’s Welcome

Kia ora koutou and welcome to Eskdale School. Ours is a special place: a country school with wide open spaces, views over the valley and a community that has stood together through good times and tough ones. Whether your family has been part of Eskdale for generations or you’re just discovering us, we can’t wait to welcome you.

Tristan CheerTumuaki | Principal

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About us

Welcome to Eskdale School

Eskdale is a full primary school for Years 1 to 8, nestled in the Esk Valley just outside Napier. We’ve grown a lot in recent years, but we’ve kept our traditional country feel: big fields, beautiful new learning spaces, and tamariki who know each other by name. Many of our learners arrive by school bus from across the district.

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Two Eskdale School boys in green school hoodies holding native seedlings on a planting day
Students kayaking on a pond in bright life jackets
Learning beyond the classroom

Give it a go

Country kids have always had a “give it a go” attitude, and we build on it every day. From sailing and kayaking to wearable arts, planting days and the school production, our learners grow confidence by trying new things, in and out of the classroom.

SailingKayakingSwimmingWearable artsEnviro plantingSport
Our learning
Life at Eskdale

Big skies, muddy knees, proud moments

A few snapshots from around the school and out in our community.

What’s happening

From our Facebook

Eskdale SchoolFacebook · 5 hours ago
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Hands up for the environment! 🌱

What a morning! Our junior tamariki rolled up their sleeves for Enviro Week and showed us exactly what caring for our place looks like. Thanks to all the whānau who came along to help. Ka pai, everyone!

Junior students with hands in the air holding a Hands Up for the Environment sign
👍 ❤️ 11218 comments6 shares
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    Junior students sitting together on the outdoor steps in Christmas hats
    Enrolments

    Join the Eskdale whānau

    Starting school is a big step. We’ll walk alongside you, from your first visit and school bus questions to your child’s very first day.

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    Supporters & sponsors

    Backing the businesses that back our school

    These local businesses support Eskdale School. Choose them first and let them know you’re part of the Eskdale whānau. Every dollar spent close to home comes back to our tamariki.

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    Mockup note: businesses shown are sample listings for layout only.