The college specialises in English courses for ESOL students. Students do not wear uniform. The college is one kilometre from the city centre close to the Museum, Art Gallery, Science Centre and Arts Centre and is alongside Hagley Park. It is accessible to most bus routes.
Many students ride bicycles to school.
Christchurch is within one hour drive to ski fields, mountains, beaches and an international airport. A new administration and student service centre block with attached three level teaching wing opened in February 1995. New Art, Science, library and Performing Arts facilities are planned. Special courses link to the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Christchurch College of Education and Christchurch Polytechnic. The English Language Centre provides full time English language programmes to students who do not have sufficient English language skills for senior high school study.