Our Learning Space 

Welcome to The Academy – Where Excellence Meets Exploration!

Supplementary education, designed to complement traditional schooling and homeschooling experiences. We take pride in offering a dedicated space for children of diverse ages, needs, and backgrounds to embark on a journey of intellectual and creative discovery beyond the confines of the New Zealand curriculum.

At our centre, we believe in the power of personalised education. Our exceptional teachers are driven by their passions, creating an environment where academic and creative excellence converge in out-of-school learning programs. Our mission is to cultivate an inspiring and innovative educational setting where children not only learn but truly thrive.

Here at The Academy, we cherish curiosity as the key to unlocking a child’s potential. By nurturing this innate desire to learn, we encourage the pursuit of personal growth, instilling in our students a lifelong love for knowledge and self-improvement.

Every child is unique, and we understand that learning journeys vary from one individual to another. Thus, our primary goal is to meet each child at their distinctive starting point. Through thoughtful assessment and understanding of their individual needs and aspirations, we craft personalised education plans that empower them to succeed and grow in confidence.

At The Academy, we are more than just an educational institution; we are a community that embraces diversity and empowers young minds to reach new heights of academic achievement and personal fulfilment.

Join us as we embark on this enriching journey of learning and discovery. Let us together shape the future by inspiring and nurturing young hearts and minds.

Meet our Team

Simone Putensen

Academy Teacher 

As a teacher at The Academy, I bring a diverse range of experiences, from teaching in the UK, New Zealand, and Africa, to homeschooling my own children. I hold a Degree in Education from the University of Auckland and a qualification to teach English as a foreign language. In addition to fostering creativity and hands-on learning, I also specialise in training large language models (LLMs), helping to refine their capabilities. My passion lies in empowering students through practical, engaging learning experiences. 

Claire Bryceland

Academy Director

Claire graduated from The University of Glasgow after studying an undergraduate and masters degree in Spanish and Hispanic Studies (making her fluent in Spanish). She loves to travel and has lived in many places throughout the UK and Spain. Claire has been working in education since 2011 and has experience teaching children and adults alike. Claire's favourite part of teaching is seeing those "light-bulb" moments when a concept clicks with a student and recognising that your support helped them make progress. Another key aspect which keeps Claire in this field is the opportunity to help build confidence and self-belief in others. 

Lucy Geraghty

Centre Director 

Lucy studied in the UK to become a primary school teacher and has a passion for working with children. She loves travelling and new experiences. After graduating, she spent a summer teaching English in Ghana, and has been working at Kip Queenstown for more than 5 years and with The Academy since it was established in 2018.

Lucy has been the new Centre Director at Kip McGrath Queenstown since September 2022; she is excited to grow both the Kip Centre and The Academy to meet the demand of the children and families who wish to exceed their potential.