An account of the founding of the CST is given in the “Middleton Grange Story”. The account covers the birthing of the vision in prayer, the formation of the Trust, the purchase of land for Middleton Grange School, the appointment of the first Principal (Mr Peter Chignell) and the beginnings of the private school.

The school grew rapidly and by the late 1960’s the secondary school had been established and extensive building undertaken.

In 1996, after years of prayer and deliberation the CST entered into negotiations to become a State-integrated school. Integration ushered in huge changes, including a significant reduction in fees making Christian education more affordable. Middleton Grange School caters for Year 1 to 13 with a maximum roll growing to 1,380 by 2027.

In August 2003 Christchurch Christian Schools’ Network was established, with Middleton Grange School a foundation member. The Network, and Middleton Grange School in particular, were instrumental in assisting Canterbury Christian College through a difficult season. The CST became the Proprietor of Aidanfield Christian School (the new name for Canterbury Christian College) in 2010.  The school caters for Year 1 to 10 with a maximum roll growing to 550 by 2030.

In February 2009 the CST provided assistance to establish Ashburton Christian School as a private Christian School. In 2009 it applied to integrate. The school became integrated in July 2011 under the proprietorship of CST. Since then the school has grown and caters for year 1 to 13 with a current maximum roll of 345.

Late in 2012 the CST advised the Crown it intended to establish a 300 pupil State-integrated primary school in Rolleston as early as 2014 provided it can secure land and meet various Ministry of Education requirements. The school opened with a role of approximately 45 pupils in February 2015. The school caters for Year 1 to 8 with a current maximum roll of 300.

The CST owns two early learning centres. The Aidanfield site is currently leased to a Christian preschool and caters for approx 40 children. Our other centre is across the road from Middleton Grange School and caters for up to 50 children.