Wellington College (Wellington)

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Wellington College had its beginning in 1853 when Sir George Grey, then Governor Commander-in-Chief in and over the Colony of New Zealand, affixed the seal of the Colony to a Deed of Endowment of Wellington College.

In 1867, Wellington Grammar School opened in Woodward Street, and the intended educational activity began.

On 17 October 1874, the College opened on its present site, on the lower slopes of Mt Victoria, next to what is now Government House. Initially there were 60 students.

During the Headmastership of J P Firth (1892-1920) the ethos of the College was forged. In World War I, old boys of the College readily volunteered to serve. 220 old boys made the supreme sacrifice. Between the wars an ambitious building programme was undertaken including a boarding establishment, Firth House, and a Hall built as a memorial to those old boys killed in World War I.

In World War II, many old boys once again volunteered. This time many of them served under the command of Lieutenant General Bernard Freyberg, V.C., himself an old boy.

In the decades following the war, as society underwent changes, so too did the school. Women teachers began to comprise more of the teaching staff, cadets finished, caps were abolished, a senior uniform introduced, and a wider and wider range of sporting and cultural activities became part of the expanding co-curricular programme.

In 1981, Firth House was demolished making way for a new Sports Centre. In 1987, an equally impressive Arts Centre was opened, including a large music suite and theatre. In 1992, the Computer Technology Centre was opened. In 2001, the Rees-Thomas Science Block was opened and 2003 saw the opening of a student services centre and the Girvan Library.

While many still lament the loss of charm and grandeur that went with the demolition of the ‘Old School’, it is nevertheless true that the new buildings continue to meet the needs of today’s students with the same dignity and distinction which have been a tradition at Wellington College for almost 140 years.

A State secondary school for boys with a proud tradition dating back to 1867. Currently our roll is 1550.

Wellington College places an unequivocal emphasis on excellence, whether academic, sporting or cultural.

Our mission is to inspire students to develop their talents, to reach well beyond the ordinary, and to acquire a life-long passion for learning.