Top Christchurch schools swamped

Demand is far outstripping available places at popular Christchurch schools.

Rangi Ruru Girls School has closed enrolment applications for next year more than a month earlier than last year.

The school this year received three times as many Year 9 applications as last year and can take no further requests.

Christchurch Boys High School principal Trevor McIntyre said early indications were that the school was getting much greater interest much earlier than in the past.

Applications were also up on last year at St Margaret's College, Christ's College and St Andrew's College private schools.

Villa Maria College deputy principal John Schreurs confirmed the trend.

Christchurch Girls High School principal Prue Taylor said she would not know the outcome of enrolments until they closed at the end of next month.