doris
Currency
S

Scots College

New Zealand, Wellington

Save school

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$42,000 - 52,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2211
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1916
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 21
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Scots College is a co-educational Presbyterian day and boarding school in Wellington for ages 5 to 18 (Years 0–13), with boarding available for Years 9–13 in Gibb House. The campus at 1 Monorgan Road offers extensive outdoor space and facilities for sport, learning, and culture. The school delivers the International Baccalaureate across the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, alongside a senior pathway that enables a choice between NCEA and the IB Diploma. The Junior School follows the NZ Curriculum with an inquiry approach, and Te Reo Māori is integrated across programmes. Future-Focussed Learning aligns NZ objectives with IB design. Notable facilities include the Creative and Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) with film and animation production, a fully rigged stage, drama theatre, recording studios, and rehearsal spaces; Rāta Studios and Matamoe Hub support arts, media and technology; flexible learning environments and a dedicated Wellbeing Centre underpin pastoral life for students for students.

The Essentials

Scots College has 2,211 pupils, typical class sizes of 21, instruction in English.

Location

The Scots College is located at 1 Monorgan Road, Strathmore Park, Wellington 6022, New Zealand. Strathmore Park is an eastern suburb close to Wellington Airport, and the campus is less than 15 minutes' drive to Wellington's central city. The campus sits on a sizeable site with extensive outdoor space. The College uses Metlink buses and exclusive Tranzit services for transport, with morning services arriving before 8:45am and afternoon services departing around 3:45pm.

Stages

Junior School (Year 0–6); Middle School (Year 7–10); Senior School (Year 11–13).

Type

The Scots College is a co-educational school in Wellington for Years 0–13 and offers boarding for Year 9–13 in Gibb House.

Additional learning support

Āwhina Learning Support (ALS) provides care and support for students who learn in different ways or who face learning challenges. The ALS team helps with literacy and numeracy, supports learning strategies, adapts curriculum and assessments, and liaises with the Wellbeing team.

Country affiliation

New Zealand

Religious affiliation

Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.

School day structure

Morning transport arrivals occur before 8:45am; afternoon services depart by 3:45pm. The College offers Metlink buses and Tranzit services to support daily travel.

Bus service

Metlink buses provide public transport to Scots College, and exclusive Tranzit buses serve Scots College students. Nearly all students use a Snapper card for public buses, with top-up facilities available at the school. Morning services arrive before 8:45am and afternoon services depart by 3:45pm, with routes to Wellington Station, Lambton Quay, Karori, and Crofton Downs; Tranzit services run to Crofton Downs, Khandallah, Ngaio, Churton Park, Island Bay, and the Hutt Valley as exclusive College services.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding at Scots College has a long history dating to 1916. Gibb House was revitalised in 2007, and new boarding houses opened in 2015 and 2018, expanding capacity to over 100 and reintroducing seven-day boarding. Boarders are in Years 9–13 from across New Zealand and overseas, with about 50% international.

Uniform Requirement

The Uniform Shop is on-site; new students must have uniform fittings by appointment. The daily uniform consists of a blazer, shirt/blouse, and tie, with either long or short trousers, Ie Faitaga, or a skirt with socks and black leather shoes. Two uniform styles are worn: No 1 on the first day of each term and for Chapel and trips away, and No 2 Monday to Thursday.

Food Options

Two food options are offered: the Tuck Shop and Chartres Dining Hall. The Tuck Shop is open every day for breakfast, morning tea, and lunch, with a changing specials menu; parents can place orders via MyKindo. Chartres Dining Hall serves day students and boarders; day students can opt in to receive lunch daily by registration or Chartres Lunch Booking Form.

House System

Junior School (Years 0–6) students are assigned to a House for the duration of the Junior School; where there is a family connection, students are placed in the same House. Junior Houses are Bedding, Macarthur, McKelvie, and Potatau. In Middle and Senior Schools (Years 7–13), each student is assigned to a House that remains throughout their time; Houses include Aitken, Fergusson, Glasgow, MacKenzie, Mawson, Plimmer, Smith, and Uttley.

Governance and Ownership

The governing body is the Board of Governors, appointed annually and chaired by Paul Ridley-Smith. It includes representatives of the Presbytery, Scots Collegians' Association, and the Parents' Association, with other members nominated by the Board. It is responsible for finances, the College's future, and the development of new projects.
Fees

Annual tuition at Scots College ranges from NZD 42,000 to NZD 52,000 for 2026/27.

Application and acceptance fees
- Application fee (domestic): NZD 160 per student (one-off, payable when submitting an application).
- Acceptance/Entrance fee: NZD 500 per student (non-refundable; payable to confirm and secure an offered place).
- International enrolment processing fee: NZD 850 (one-off, non-refundable; applies to international students on acceptance).

Tuition fees (domestic students) — 2026 (per month / per term / per year)
- Years 1–6: NZD 2,298 per month; NZD 5,745 per term; NZD 22,980 per year.
- Years 7–10: NZD 2,855 per month; NZD 7,138 per term; NZD 28,550 per year.
- Years 11–13: NZD 2,970 per month; NZD 7,425 per term; NZD 29,700 per year.
- Sibling tuition discounts (domestic): younger siblings receive a reduced tuition rate (examples shown in the domestic schedule). A 10% sibling discount applies to tuition for second and subsequent children concurrently attending the College; this discount does not apply to boarding, incidentals, or where a child receives a scholarship.

Tuition fees (international students) — 2026 (per academic year)
- Years 1–6 (international): NZD 42,000 per year.
- Years 7–13 (international): NZD 52,000 per year.
- International tuition is invoiced for the full calendar year and is payable at the beginning of the calendar year (prorated if the student commences part-way through the year).

Boarding fees (domestic / international where applicable) — 2026 (per month / per term / per year)
- 5-day boarding (Terms 1–3): NZD 1,998 per month; NZD 5,994 per term; NZD 19,980 per year. Term 4 has a specific (reduced) charge noted separately.
- 7-day boarding (Terms 1–3): NZD 2,140 per month; NZD 6,420 per term; NZD 21,400 per year. Term 4 has a specific (reduced) charge noted separately.
- International boarding (seven-day) is shown in the international schedule as NZD 21,400 per year (holiday homestay and full homestay options and admin fees are shown separately).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition and boarding fees are billed as four instalments (January, March, June, and September).
- All fee payers are required to provide a Direct Debit Authority; families may choose either four termly payments or a 10-month payment plan. Direct debits are typically collected on the 20th of the month and run from February to November. Monthly payments are available for Direct Debit customers on request.
- Payment in full by the specified date (example: full-year payment by 17 December for the following year) qualifies for a 2% credit on the net tuition fee when paid in advance.
- Incidentals and other charges are invoiced separately (incidental charges are collected monthly via direct debit unless alternative arrangements are made).

Other compulsory charges, levies and bonds (domestic schedule)
- Leavers bond: NZD 1,000 per student (paid prior to a student commencing; refunded in full once all accounts are settled after the student departs and subject timing rules).
- Scots Foundation annual levy: NZD 150 per family (charged to support capital and philanthropic activity; not pro‑rated or refunded for partial year attendance).
- Parents' Association annual levy: NZD 69 per family (not pro‑rated or refunded).
- Scots Collegians Association levy: NZD 100 per student (not pro‑rated or refunded).
- Overdue account penalties: up to 10% on overdue balances; the College may refuse continued enrolment or remove discounts/scholarships if fees remain unpaid and may pass outstanding debt to a collection agency (fees and costs of collection may be charged to the payer).

Indicative additional costs and disbursements (international schedule examples; similar incidental costs apply to domestic students)
- College uniform (estimate for international students): NZD 1,800 (compulsory uniform items estimate).
- College incidental expenses (stationery, trips, miscellaneous): international estimate NZD 3,850 per year; incidental charges are invoiced termly or monthly as appropriate.
- Insurance (international estimate, school's preferred supplier): NZD 725 per year.
- Guardianship arrangements (recommended where applicable): estimate NZD 3,000 (international guidance).
- Homestay costs (international estimates): holiday homestay based on an estimate (example NZD 420 per week); full homestay figures and homestay admin fees are shown in the international schedule.

Refund information and notice requirements
- Application fee and acceptance fee are non-refundable as stated in the fee schedule.
- Leavers bond: refunded in full once all accounts are settled after a student's departure and subject to the College's timing rules (bonds do not incur interest).
- Notice of withdrawal: at least a full term's written notice is required when withdrawing a student (from the College, the Boarding House, or any charged activity). Failure to give the required notice makes the payer liable for fees for the following term.
- For international students, some charges and disbursements are returned if unspent at year end; the international schedule identifies which fees are non-refundable and gives guidance on invoicing and refunds for incidental accounts.
- The College operates an Education Fees Protection Scheme with specific eligibility and benefit rules; that policy sets out circumstances and limits for fee protection and related entitlements.

Fee payment options and account enquiries
- Direct Debit: all new families are required to pay their monthly account by Direct Debit unless another arrangement acceptable to the College is agreed; options include termly (four instalments) or a 10-month plan.
- Monthly payments are available for Direct Debit customers on request; incidental charges are typically collected monthly by direct debit.
- The College's published schedule directs account enquiries and requests for alternative payment arrangements to the Business Centre / Finance team (finance@scotscollege.school.nz).

Important administrative notes
- Fees are reviewed annually and the next year's fees are normally published each December; billing and term dates follow the College calendar.
- Failure to meet agreed payment arrangements can result in penalties, removal of discounts/scholarships, and possible refusal of continued enrolment.

If you require the specific line items presented above in a different format, the domestic and international fee schedules and the College's Direct Debit and Education Fees Protection policy contain full detail and the numbers quoted here follow those published schedules for the 2026 academic year.
Academics

Scots College teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum

Scots College offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) across the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with a dual senior pathway granting a choice between NCEA and the IB Diploma. The IB programmes were introduced at Scots College in 2008 (PYP and MYP) and the Diploma in 2010, and the Senior School provides Years 12–13 with either NCEA or IB Diploma. Future-Focussed Learning is embedded, with courses aligning NZ Curriculum objectives alongside IB design. The Junior School uses the NZ Curriculum with an inquiry approach and Te Reo Māori is integrated in the programmes. The school emphasises a holistic, future-ready approach across all three schools.

Student Teacher Ratio

Class sizes: Year 1 – 15; Year 2 – 18; Years 3–6 – 22; Years 7–8 – 24; Years 9–10 – 25. These target sizes are set to maintain manageable learning environments with occasional variation.

Exam Results

Year 11 no longer offers NCEA Level 1; from 2024, NCEA Level 1 is not assessed. Year 12/13 require 80 credits to achieve Levels 2 or 3 (60 at the target level plus 20 Literacy and Numeracy). NZ Scholarship is available for Year 13. University Entrance (UE) is required to qualify for university admission in New Zealand, with a typical UE standard involving 14 Level 3 credits in three subjects, plus English Level 2 and Maths Level 1 credits, though a points-based system now applies and the minimum often equates to higher overall credit attainment. Upon completion, students choose either NCEA or IB Diploma pathway for Years 12–13.

Higher Education Progression

Nearly all students gain University Entrance. University Entrance preliminarily qualifies a student to a place at university in New Zealand, with 14 UE credits at Level 3 in three subjects, plus English and Maths credit requirements, though the final admission depends on a points-based system and university variation. NCEA results are recognized by tertiary institutions and employers, and the Senior School offers pathways through Years 12–13 that can lead to NZ and overseas higher education opportunities.

Gifted and Talented

Able & Ambitious identifies academically able students and provides opportunities to extend beyond the standard curriculum, including enrichment events such as the Ethics Olympiad, ThinkTank, World Scholar's Cup, Tournament of Minds, CRISiSLab, and Model UN/EU, with progress monitored by a designated coordinator.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

PERFORM is the wellbeing framework at Scots College, comprising Purpose, Engagement, Relationships, Faith, Organisation, and Resilience, with Maintenance. The framework guides pastoral care, classroom practice, tutorials, and assemblies to promote wellbeing and engagement. Explicit teaching of social skills and values supports relational development, and a restorative approach to behaviour management keeps relationships at the centre of pastoral care. The college promotes healthy relationships through explicit social-emotional learning, a health curriculum, and programs such as the House system and student-led activities. The Wellbeing Centre provides confidential counselling and mental health support, and the Wellbeing Team builds student wellbeing capability with strategies that students can use now and in the future. Staff are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid to recognise and respond to mental health concerns and connect students with appropriate support.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The Āwhina Learning Support (ALS) Team cares for and supports students who face challenges in learning or who learn in different ways. Some challenges are short-term (physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing) and others are ongoing (neurological, cognitive, auditory, or visual). The team helps students develop literacy and numeracy, learning and study strategies, and self-belief and work ethic. They support teachers by adapting curriculum and assessments to ensure teaching is diverse and inclusive in approach, running classes for a small number of students at the Principals' discretion, and endeavouring to ensure provision of Special Assessment Conditions. They liaise closely with the Scots College Wellbeing team. Valuing every learner, recognising their potential, growing their achievement.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is the language used as the medium of instruction and communication, with staff acting as liaison with Māori and Pasifika families. Te Reo Māori and NZSL are embraced and used; Te Reo Māori is taught to all Junior School students as an additional language. In Year 7, students experience a language carousel of Te Reo Māori, Spanish, French, and Chinese, and Middle School students select one of those languages or English acquisition (MTLOTE). Continued language study in Senior School is encouraged but not compulsory (except for IB Diploma students). In the IB Diploma years, students may continue to study an additional language and/or literature in a language where there is native or near-native proficiency when possible. The college actively seeks to support MTLOTE and mother-tongue learning for MTLOTE students.

Mental Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Centre provides confidential counselling and mental health support and is open on school days, with the Wellbeing Team consisting of the College Counsellor and Director of Wellbeing who oversee counselling and health services for students and staff. The team delivers counselling and mental health nursing in a safe, confidential space to help individuals talk through difficulties and make changes. Appointments can be made via the Scot-E Wellbeing area or by referrals through the online forms. Scots College has implemented key wellbeing initiatives, including the Komodo Wellbeing Application, the Stand-Up Project (SUP), and Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for staff. Five staff members completed MHFA instructor training to train others and build a network of wellbeing support across the community, with a focus on early intervention and connecting students to appropriate support. The MHFA program aims to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma so students feel empowered to seek help.

Safeguarding

Scots College has a Child Protection Policy that applies to any student defined as a child under the Children's Act 2014 and uses a framework for student safety. The policy includes provisions for identifying and reporting abuse and neglect, with Abuse Recognition and Reporting details. Guidance aligns with partnership/mahi tahi, protection/kaitiakitanga, and participation/whai wahi, and te Tiriti o Waitangi, with involvement of family/whānau in decision-making. Student welfare is the primary concern, and the college keeps students at the centre of decision-making, with systems to recognise and respond to concerns. A designated child protection person (the child protection coordinator or deputy) is the primary point of contact for concerns about students, and a child protection team may consult with the coordinator, headmaster, principals, and the board. If a wellbeing concern is raised, procedures for Responding to Student Wellbeing Concerns are followed, and information may be shared with external agencies as appropriate. The school may engage with external agencies to address student protection needs and has a process for information sharing and review of child protection matters. For more detail, see Supporting Student Wellbeing and related procedures.
Parent Experience

History

Scots College was established by the Presbyterian Church and remains affiliated to the Church. In 1916, Dr Gibb proposed creating the College to build strong Christian character on a broad religious basis, train for useful citizenship and service, and direct the courses of study to meet individual students' needs with small classes for personal attention. The College is a co-educational, Presbyterian, day and boarding school comprising three schools in one: Junior School (Years 0–6), Middle School (Years 7–10), and Senior School (Years 11–13). It is an IB World School with a history of over 100 years of education, and the motto is Virtutem Paret Doctrina — let education build all-round character.

Community

The Scots College community comprises students, current and past parents, past pupils, staff, the Board, and others who contribute to the College's development. Key groups include the Scots Collegians Association, the Parents' Association, the Scots College Foundation, the Development Office, the Friends of Scots College, the Board of Governors, and the Scots College Supporters' Club. The community supports ongoing communication with parents and friends of the College and participates in activities that advance the College's life and development.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Parents' Association fosters a strong partnership between parents, school staff, and the wider community to support students' education and wellbeing. It collaborates with the school administration to organise community events, fundraising initiatives, and volunteer activities that benefit students from Junior to Senior School. Members are invited to monthly meetings at the College or online, with a typical time commitment of about 2 hours per month. The Association has a leadership team with roles such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. A mailing list is available for those who want to help from time to time, and inquiries can be sent to the provided email.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The school has a campus at 1 Monorgan Road, Strathmore Park, Wellington, with significant outdoor space and facilities for learning, sport, and culture. The classrooms, laboratories, and venues for sports and cultural activities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The Creative and Performing Arts Centre spans three floors and includes facilities for film and animation production, a fully rigged stage, a drama theatre, acoustically designed practice rooms, a recording studio, and a dedicated rehearsal studio. Flexible Learning Environments are found throughout the College, including the McKinnon Block, which also houses Food Science facilities and a fabrication lab with advanced equipment.

Sports Facilities

The school has playing fields, all-weather outdoor courts, a weights room, and a fully equipped gymnasium. The gymnasium features a multi-purpose court for basketball and netball, and the Hodge Sports Centre serves as a second gym with an indoor cricket practice facility that has four lanes.

Academic Facilities

The school provides classrooms and laboratories, technology spaces, and spaces for arts and design, including a specialist arts centre, graphics suite, drama suite, and a music centre. There are flexible learning environments for individual and collaborative study, a Careers Centre, Common Rooms for senior students, and a tiered lecture theatre.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The Creative and Performing Arts Centre supports arts-based activities with facilities for film and animation production, a stage, a drama theatre, acoustically designed practice rooms, a recording studio, and a rehearsal studio. Rāta Studios operates within CPAC for after-school, evening, and weekend sessions.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school has Matamoe Hub, Te Puna Ora o Ngā Matamoe, a technology education centre where aspiring coders, engineers, and inventors come together to build, code, and collaborate. The school has programmes and resources that empower students to develop problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and creativity in the creative and digital technologies fields. The school has a focus on hands-on exploration of technology, design, and engineering for students in Years 4 to 13.

Arts & Creative

The school has Rāta Studios, established in 2013, offering specialised professional courses in drama, music, visual art, and creative technologies. The school has Rāta Studios run out of the Creative and Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) after school, in the evenings, and on weekends. The school has a CPAC facility described as a state-of-the-art hub with a fully equipped theatre, recording studio, art spaces, acoustically designed music practice rooms, a designated rehearsal studio, and facilities for film and animation production. The school has opportunities for students to participate in performing arts, show productions, and competitions such as the Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ Festival and Showquest.

Cultural & Language

The school has Alo Fa'atasi, a Pasifika group that celebrates Pacific languages and cultural practices and is open to Years 1–13. The group practices for Tu Tagata Polynesian Festival and operates with a signed constitution enabling funding opportunities. The school has Language Weeks each year, dedicating Term 2 and Term 3 to celebrating two languages.

Social & Hobbies

The school has a Chess Club that competes in College Sport Wellington and the NZSS Championships. The club participates in lunchtime events and regional and national championships. The school has a Pipe Band, which brings together students across year groups to learn bagpipes or drums, perform at College and community functions, and compete locally.

Community & Service

The school has service as an important part of all-round character. The Boarding programme highlights service to the local community as part of the Gibb House and other service initiatives. The Special Character emphasises that service is a motivation of the Presbyterian ethos and pastoral life.

Leadership & Professional

The school has student leadership opportunities with Senior School students taking on leadership roles within their Houses and across the College. The House system provides avenues for mentoring and leadership development, and students can take on Prefect, House Leader, or student representative roles.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The school has a Wellbeing Centre with a dedicated counselling team and a Director of Wellbeing offering confidential, accessible support. The Wellbeing Centre works with House Deans, Chaplains, and the Health Team to promote student wellbeing and resilience.
Languages

Language Provision

Te Reo Māori is taught across the Junior School and is an important part of the IB Middle Years Programme Languages Programme in the Middle School. In Senior School, Te Ao Haka is offered, including Te Reo Māori at NCEA Levels 2 and 3. Spanish is taught at Scots College. Alo Fa'atasi promotes Pacific languages and cultural practices, and National Language Weeks celebrate Pacific languages in Terms 2 and 3.

Bilingual Teaching

Te Reo Māori is taught as a specialist subject in the Junior School. Te Reo Māori is an important part of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Languages Programme in the Middle School. The Senior School offers Te Ao Hāka as a Year 11 option, and in Years 12–13 Te Ao Haka is offered as an NCEA Level 2 and 3 option, providing access to Te Reo Māori.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Applications for enrolments in 2027 and beyond are open. Junior School applications for enrolment in 2027 close on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Middle School applications for enrolment in 2027 close on Thursday, 2 April 2026. Senior School enrolments are welcome at any stage throughout the year, with limited places available at each year level. 2. How to apply: Within New Zealand, complete the online enrolment form. For international students, use the enroller.app application. After submitting an application, you will be contacted by staff to inform you of the status of your application and to arrange an interview with the Principal. 3. What happens after I send in an application form: You will be contacted by staff to learn the status of your application and to arrange an interview with the Principal. 4. If capacity is reached, a waitpool system is instituted and you will be notified if your application is in the waitpool. Places are filling faster than in previous years. 5. Do you offer scholarships?: Scholarships are available to students in Years 7 and 9, as well as Senior School students (Years 11–13). Applications for 2027 scholarships are now open.

Scholarships

Middle School (Year 7–10) Scholarships: Year 7 offers Academic, Music, General Excellence, and Sport scholarships. Year 9 offers Academic, Music, General Excellence, Boarding, Pipe Band, Sport, and Scots Collegians Association scholarships. Senior School (Year 11–13) Scholarships: International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships; Pipe Band; General Excellence; Boarding; Music; Academic; Hardship/Financial Assistance; Sport; Tup Radford Science Scholarship; Scots Collegians Association Scholarship. Applications for 2027 Scholarships are open for both Middle and Senior School, with deadlines of March 31, 2026 for Year 7–10 scholarships and May 3, 2026 for Senior School scholarships. The College funds scholarships from the Foundation, tuition discounts, and benefactors. Approximately 60% are merit-based and 40% are needs-based; most scholarships cover a portion of tuition fees. Some scholarships are 100% unavailable. Sibling discounts do not apply when one child is awarded a scholarship. External scholarships include Māori Education Trust Scholarships and a Ministry of Education boarding allowance. Scholarships may be awarded based on merit, need, or a combination, and are reviewed annually; Middle School scholarships include an exam component for academic scholarships and a panel/interview process for other categories. External and internal application paths are available. For questions about scholarships, contact the College's Development Team or relevant regional staff.

Waitlist

When capacity is reached, a waitpool system is instituted and applicants are notified if their application is in the waitpool.
School Events
The school has not added events