A conversation with the Principal of Ficino School.
Nestled in a leafy street in Mount Eden, Ficino School has built a reputation as a highly regarded independent school for Years 1 to 8.
Known for its rich academic programme and distinctive philosophical foundation, the school offers an education that places equal importance on intellectual rigour, character development and the cultivation of attention.
Nestled in a leafy street in Mount Eden, Ficino School has built a reputation as a highly regarded independent school for Years 1 to 8.
Known for its rich academic programme and distinctive philosophical foundation, the school offers an education that places equal importance on intellectual rigour, character development and the cultivation of attention.
In an era increasingly shaped by distraction and speed, Ficino School takes a deliberate approach. Inspired by the philosophical traditions of both East and West, the school seeks to develop thoughtful, capable young people who are academically strong, emotionally grounded and able to engage deeply with the world around them.
We sat down with Peter Crompton, Principal at Ficino School, to discuss what makes the school distinctive and why its educational philosophy resonates so strongly with families today.
Can you tell us a little about your journey to becoming Principal at Ficino School?
Having grown up in Auckland, I studied Civil Engineering at the University of Auckland before travelling overland across Asia to London and the UK. For the first five years there, I worked in design offices and on large development sites eventually becoming a chartered engineer.
My next step took me to the University of Oxford where I taught engineering to undergraduates and studied for a master’s degree. Being a member of Trinity College at this unique institution was a real privilege. Over the next five years my second and third children were born.
The final stage before returning to New Zealand to take up the principalship at Ficino was 10 years teaching at our sister school, St James, in London. Taking up the role at Ficino School was both an honour and a delight.
Ficino School is often described as having a ‘special character’. What does that mean in practice?
At Ficino, special character is not an add-on to education. It sits at the centre of everything we do. Our approach is grounded in the understanding that education should develop the whole human being. Academic achievement matters, but so do qualities such as resilience, kindness, self-discipline and wisdom.
We draw inspiration from enduring philosophical traditions that recognise the potential within every child. That means we aim to create an environment where students are encouraged not only to think clearly, but also to reflect deeply, act responsibly and develop genuine respect for others.
In practice, that shapes everything from the way lessons are taught to the atmosphere in the classroom. Visitors often comment on the calmness and focus they observe here. That is very intentional.
Attention seems to be a central idea at Ficino School. Why is that so important?
Attention is foundational to learning and is increasingly rare in modern life. Children today are growing up in a world full of noise, interruption and constant stimulation. The ability to focus deeply is becoming both more difficult and more valuable.
At Ficino, we actively cultivate attention. We teach students how to listen carefully, think deeply and engage fully with what is in front of them. That might sound simple, but it has a profound impact on learning and on wellbeing.
When children learn to attend properly, they gain confidence. They absorb knowledge more effectively, relate better to others and become more self-aware. Attention is not just an academic skill. It is a life skill.
What is Ficino School’s approach to the use of devices in the classroom?
Research increasingly shows that excessive reliance on digital devices can affect children’s learning, particularly in areas such as reading comprehension, sustained attention and the reasoning skills needed for more complex subjects.
Our students do not use devices in the classroom until Year 5, and from this point technology is introduced with purpose, under guidance and only where it genuinely enhances the lesson. In the primary years especially, the emphasis is on direct teaching, conversation, reading, handwriting, practical activity and attentive listening.
These habits matter. Handwriting and reading books support memory, concentration and deeper understanding in ways that differ from reading and writing on screens. They also help children develop the patience, focus and clarity of thought that underpin strong learning across the curriculum.
Ficino students consistently achieve strong academic results. How do you balance academic excellence with wellbeing?
We do not see those things as competing priorities. In fact, they support one another. Children thrive academically when they feel secure, valued and engaged.
Our curriculum is broad, ambitious and rich. We expose students to high-quality literature, mathematics, languages, music, science and the arts from an early age. We believe children are capable of far more than is sometimes assumed. When new parents discover that our Year 7 students perform Shakespeare, they are sometimes concerned it may be too difficult for children of this age. However, we hear from our alumni time and again that this was a highlight of their time at Ficino.
A key part of student wellbeing is 'The Pause', which is one of the most powerful practices in our school day. At the beginning and end of activities, students briefly close their eyes, become still and bring their attention to the present moment by simply connecting with their senses.
For students, this supports wellbeing because it helps them learn how to settle themselves. Rather than rushing from one activity to another, they are given a moment to breathe, listen and become aware of where they are. Over time, that builds self-awareness, emotional steadiness and the ability to refocus when they feel distracted or unsettled.
The school’s classical approach is another point of difference. What does a classical education look like today?
A classical education is ultimately about giving children access to what is best in human thought, culture and knowledge. It is not about looking backwards nostalgically but rather giving students enduring foundations that remain relevant in any era.
At Ficino, that includes strong literacy and numeracy, but also rich engagement with stories, ideas, philosophy, music and languages. We teach students to communicate clearly, ask meaningful questions and develop their ability to reason.
Importantly, a classical approach also recognises that children develop in stages. We pay close attention to how and when children are ready to learn different things. That helps create depth rather than superficial coverage.
Parents often talk about the atmosphere of the school. How would you describe it?
There is a warmth and sense of purpose here that people tend to feel quite quickly. Relationships matter greatly at Ficino. Our students are known well by their teachers and there is a genuine partnership with families.
We benefit from being a small school community (our roll is just 150 students). That allows us to maintain strong connections and a shared culture. Students are encouraged to support one another, take responsibility and contribute positively to the wider school. There is a real sense of belonging here. We teach the students that beneath our differences, we share the same essence.
How does Ficino prepare students for the future?
The future will undoubtedly require adaptability, creativity and technological fluency. Those things are important. However, we also believe the future will belong to people who can think independently, communicate clearly and remain centred amidst complexity.
Our role is not simply to prepare students for the next exam or the next stage of schooling. It is to help prepare them for life. That means nurturing intellectual curiosity, moral discernment and inner resilience alongside academic capability.
The world changes rapidly, but human qualities such as wisdom, courage, compassion and attention remain timeless.
What do you hope students take with them when they leave Ficino School?
I hope they leave with confidence in their ability to learn and contribute meaningfully to the world. I hope they carry with them a sense of curiosity, integrity and care for others.
Most importantly, I hope they know that education is not simply about achievement. It is about becoming fully human. If students leave Ficino with attentive minds, open hearts and a desire to seek the truth, then we have done something worthwhile.
FICINO SCHOOL, 27 Esplanade Road, Mt Eden, T: 09 623 3385, ficino.school.nz
