Marian College in Christchurch will not be returning to its earthquake-damaged former site in North Parade in Shirley.
A geotechnical assessment has confirmed that the former site will remain at risk of liquefaction, including subsidence and lateral spreading.
Repair and rebuild estimates are comparatively expensive because of the nature of the land.
Christchurch Bishop Barry Jones is undertaking a process of exploring potential sites for a new permanent site for Marian College.
A statement on the Christchurch Catholic diocese website noted that “Marian College will be rebuilt and will continue to provide quality single sex Catholic secondary school education”.