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Wellington College

New Zealand, Wellington

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees NZ$18,900
Ages 13 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1950
Type Boys School
Opened 1867
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Samoan
Typical class size 22
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Wellington College sits at Basin Reserve in Wellington, New Zealand, educating students aged 13 to 18. The curriculum is bespoke and aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum, with learning areas spanning Careers and Pathways, English/Te Reo Pākehā, Health and Physical Education, Languages, Learning Support, Mathematics, and Science. The Languages program offers Chinese, English Language (ESOL), French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Samoan, alongside a Pathways course that develops career-management skills and explores work and tertiary study options. The Key Competencies of the NZ Curriculum are embedded across learning. The campus features facilities including the Rees-Thomas Science Block, Girvan Library, and Language Block; the Frank Crist Centre houses the Sports Academy and International Students' Centre; the Alan Gibbs Centre and Memorial Hall opened in 2019 for Performing Arts. The school has a Sports Centre and co-curricular program with 30 sports and 30 arts activities, plus a Duke of Edinburgh Award and language weeks.

15 Dufferin Street, Basin Reserve, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

The Essentials

Wellington College has 1,950 pupils, typical class sizes of 22, instruction in English.

Location
The school is located at 15 Dufferin Street, Basin Reserve, Wellington 6021, New Zealand. It sits in central Wellington near the Basin Reserve. Most Wellington College students use school buses to get to and from school; special buses leave from most suburbs within the Wellington College zone and after school these specials can be accessed from the top of the terraces. Outside the normal timetable, public buses can be used.

Stages
Two levels: Middle School (Year 9–10) and Senior School (Year 11–13).

Additional learning support
The school provides a Student Support department, Te Pou Whirinaki, with a Learning Support Lead Teacher, Co-SENCOs, and a team of teacher aides. Deans and Guidance, counsellors, a School Chaplain and a School Nurse are available to support students and whānau. The school is inclusive and supports a range of learning, physical or medical challenges, and provides Special Assessment Conditions where appropriate.

Country affiliation
New Zealand

School day structure
School starts at 8:50am. Year 9 students are to arrive by 8:40am. Years 10–13 start at 9:25am. On Fridays, Year 9 attends the Headmaster's Assembly from 8:50am to 9:20am.

Bus service
Most Wellington College students use school buses; there are special buses that leave from suburbs within the Wellington College zone, and these specials can be accessed from the top of the terraces after school. Outside the normal timetable, public buses can be used.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
International students live with parents or residential caregivers approved by Wellington College. Approved categories are Designated caregiver (13–18 years), Living with parents (13–18 years), Homestay (14–18 years), and Approved temporary accommodation. Homestay is not available for students under 14. The college conducts on-site assessments of residential care to ensure safety and a suitable living environment, and ongoing monitoring through visits and student interviews. Written agreements cover care arrangements, and homestay fees are held by the college on behalf of students and paid to host families in regular payments, with refunds according to policy.

Uniform Requirement
The uniform is a defining feature of Wellington College. The senior uniform is accessible to students across all year levels. The uniform shop is located at 241 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington, with opening hours Monday to Friday 2:00–5:30 pm, Saturday 9:00–2:00 pm, and Sunday closed; the shop is open during school holidays.

Food Options
The school runs an on-site canteen. Our current school canteen provider was retiring at the end of the year. Lunch orders are placed online via Kindo, and tuckr has historically served as the on-site canteen provider with a transition to Kindo in 2026.

House System
Life at Coll runs a house system, run by students for students, to strengthen school spirit and align activities with school values. Houses provide communities where students work toward common goals and where they can take on leadership roles.

Governance and Ownership
Governed by a Board of Wellington College. Board meetings are held in public, and a Board Secretary handles administration; minutes and key documents are published. Board members include a Presiding Member and other representatives, and contact for the Board is via the Board Secretary.
Fees

Annual tuition at Wellington College ranges from NZD 18,900 for 2026/27.

Application / Enrollment fees

- Administration (new international student, non-refundable): NZD 575.

Tuition fees (international students)

- Full academic year (international tuition): NZD 18,900 per student.
- Per term (international, where invoiced termly): NZD 4,725 per term.
- Short-stay tuition (up to ten weeks): NZD 465 per week.

Note: Tuition is published as one standard international rate rather than separate year-by-year tuition bands; international tuition is given as an annual amount and as a per-term or per-week rate for short stays.

Boarding / Accommodation

- On-site boarding is not operated; international students are placed in approved homestay or with approved residential caregivers/parents. Homestay is the accommodation arrangement used for international students.
- Homestay placement / arrival transfer fee (one-off): NZD 500.
- Homestay weekly allowance (longer stays): NZD 380 per week (published homestay weekly rate). A hire-uniform option is available for stays under three terms: refundable bond NZD 100 and hire NZD 15 per week.

Other compulsory and common additional costs

- Orientation and new student support programme (one-off): NZD 450.
- New student expenses (workbooks, ID card, specialist subject fee): NZD 400 (long-stay) or NZD 100 (short-stay schedule lists the shorter amount for short visits).
- Travel and medical insurance (12 months): NZD 680 (long-stay) or NZD 200 (up to 10 weeks for short-stay).
- NZQA Government qualification fee (Year 11–13 students): NZD 384.
- School uniform (purchase): NZD 975. Uniform hire bond and weekly hire rates also apply for short stays (NZD 100 bond; NZD 15 per week).
- Arrival/late and early arrival/departure airport fees: NZD 150 (late evening arrival after 9.00pm) and NZD 150 (early morning departure fees on specified flights).
- Specialist subject costs, field trips, digital workbooks, and co-curricular activities: additional charges may apply depending on subject choices and activities (photography, field trips, sports and cultural activities). Recommended pocket money: NZD 500 per month.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- International tuition is published as annual and per-term (or per-week for short stays) amounts and is invoiced in advance; tuition may be invoiced for the full year or on a termly/short-stay basis depending on the enrolment.
- Payments may be made in a single lump sum or spread by term, monthly or fortnightly as arranged through the school fee/payment channels.
- The school may retain a portion of unused tuition fees where costs have already been incurred; used homestay fees and some placement/administration charges are non-refundable (see refund rules below).

Refund information (international students)

- Requests for refunds must be made in writing and include the student and payer details and bank account information for any eligible refund. The school will consider refund requests and will settle refunds under the terms of its refund policy.
- Non-refundable items explicitly listed include the administration (application) fee, insurance premiums once purchased, homestay placement fee, and used homestay fees (and other costs already incurred). The school may retain a portion of unused tuition fees to cover costs already committed. If a student fails to obtain a study visa, tuition fees will be refunded less the administration fee on production of evidence of visa refusal.

Fee payment options and practical details

- Accepted payment channels: parent portal, direct credit (bank transfer), automatic payment, and payments via the Finance Office using cash or EFTPOS. The school publishes its bank account details for direct credit payments.
- Account enquiries: the school provides an accounts contact (Finance Office) for fee enquiries and account statements. Payments may be scheduled termly, monthly or fortnightly by arrangement.

Important administrative notes

- Short-stay and long-stay international fee schedules differ (weekly rates, insurance and short-stay administration/orientation fees). Specialist subject charges, excursions and co-curricular activity costs are additional to the published standard tuition. Homestay is not available for students under age 14; approved residential caregiver categories are defined for under-14 or other specific arrangements.
Academics

Wellington College teaches Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum
The school follows the New Zealand Curriculum. Learning Areas include Careers and Pathways; English/Te Reo Pākehā; Health and Physical Education; Languages; Learning Support; Mathematics; Science. The Languages program offers Chinese, English Language (ESOL), French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Samoan. The Pathways course develops career-management competencies and explores opportunities in work and further tertiary study. The Key Competencies of the NZ Curriculum (Thinking; Relating to Others; Using Language, Symbols and Text; Participating and Contributing; Managing Self) are embedded in all learning.

Exam Results
The school delivers NCEA Levels 2 and 3. In 2025, results were strong nationally, with Level 3 Pasifika students achieving a 100% pass rate. Level 3 endorsements continued to grow.

Higher Education Progression
Leavers information events guide families on tertiary pathways after Wellington College. They cover University Entrance requirements, scholarship applications, references, and hall of residence or housing options. They also address opportunities for overseas universities and other post-secondary routes.

Gifted and Talented
NZ Scholarship and Outstanding Scholarship awards are available, and a large number of Year 12 and Year 13 students gain these awards each year.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to Wellington College. COLL Time is an extended weekly period for pastoral care discussions led by tutors. Peer Support is a student-led program to build relationship skills and self-esteem, led by Year 13 students who guide groups of new entrants. The Travellers Programme for Year 9 builds resilience and key life skills, with a 10-week schedule facilitated by trained staff. Wellbeing Day for Year 12 and 13 is student-driven and based on the Whare Tapa Whānau framework, focusing on four dimensions of wellbeing: psychological, spiritual, physical, and family health. The Guidance Counsellors, the School Chaplain, and the School Nurse form part of the ongoing support network, with an online WC Bullying Free Helpline for anonymous reporting.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Wellington College's Student/Learning Support Department, Te Pou Whirinaki, focuses on removing barriers to curriculum access. The team includes HOD Deb Marshall (Learning Support Lead Teacher), Special Education Needs Coordinators Saskia Manktelow and Brenda van der Meulen, and a team of Teacher Aides. In Year 9, literacy support is provided through Integrated Studies to support English classes and cross-curricular literacy demands; in later years, students may continue with this option. Wellington College is an inclusive school and supports learning, physical, or medical challenges, with mainstreaming and teacher aide support for funded students. Students eligible for Special Assessment Conditions (SACs) receive these where appropriate, based on data from assessors or school-based evidence. Staff in the Deans and Guidance network coordinate support and mentoring to help learners access the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a range of programmes and services. COLL Time provides a pastoral care context; Peer Support builds social skills and self-esteem; Travellers Programme for Year 9 supports resilience during transitions; Wellbeing Day for Years 12–13 focuses on wellbeing topics based on Whare Tapa Whānau. The Guidance Counsellors offer confidential counselling for personal, emotional, or relationship issues, and there are services for addictions and sexual health. In crisis, Te Haika (CCDHB) should be contacted for urgent mental health support, and the WC Bullying Free Helpline offers anonymous reporting for concerns.

Safeguarding
Pastoral care, counselling, and health staff form the safeguarding framework. Deans and Guidance, the Counselling team, the Chaplain, and the School Nurse provide ongoing safeguarding and welfare support. An online WC Bullying Free Helpline enables anonymous reporting of harmful behaviour. The Guidance Counsellors (Geoff Charles, Lyndon Coppin, Jane Gray) are based in the Guidance Centre to offer confidential support. In a mental health crisis, Te Haika (CCDHB) should be contacted immediately.
Parent Experience

History
Wellington College began in 1853 when Sir George Grey affixed the seal to a Deed of Endowment. Wellington Grammar School opened in 1867, and the College opened at its Mount Victoria site on 17 October 1874 with 60 students, later rising to over 1,750. From 1892 to 1920, Headmaster J P Firth oversaw a building program that included a boarding establishment and a WWI memorial Hall. Between 1921 and 1980, women teachers joined the staff, cadets ended, a senior uniform was introduced, and co-curricular activities broadened. From 1981 to 2019, major facilities were added, including a Sports Centre, Arts Centre, Computer Technology Centre, Rees-Thomas Science Block, Girvan Library, and Language Block, with the Alan Gibbs Centre and Memorial Hall opening in 2019; the Old Boys' Association now numbers around 33,000.

Community
The Wellington College Old Boys Association (WCOBA) is a strong alumni network with 34,000 recorded members and active reunions and news. The Pacific Parents Support Group (PPSG) bridges home and school for Pacific students and families, meeting monthly and contributing to the College's strategic plan. The Wellington College Parents' Association coordinates events, fundraisers, speaker nights, and volunteering opportunities to support students and staff.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Wellington College Parents' Association is a great way to support students and staff, while enhancing the family experience. The 2023 aim was to support the school and wider community with events, activities, functions, speaker nights, fundraising and meeting others. Ways to get involved include volunteering, donating goods and services, supporting fundraising, joining the WCP committee, and helping connect with speakers. Sign up via the association's signup form or email wellingtoncparents@gmail.com.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Wellington College has purpose-built facilities for science, languages, the arts, and student life. The Rees-Thomas Science Block, Girvan Library and Language Block provide dedicated learning spaces, while the Frank Crist Centre houses the Sports Academy and International Students' Centre. The Alan Gibbs Centre and Memorial Hall, opened in 2019, accommodates Performing Arts spaces, and the 1987 Arts Centre provides a music suite and theatre. The long-standing Sports Centre opened in 1981, and the campus also features a Computer Technology Centre opened in 1992. The Terraces form the central multi-use heart of the campus and are used for gatherings, sporting events, and year-end celebrations.

Sports Facilities
The school features a Sports Centre opened in 1981 and the Frank Crist Centre, which incorporates the Sports Academy. Over 30 sports are offered, with a high level of participation and success across codes. The Terraces serve as a multi-use space for cheering on teams and hosting school events, and lighting can be set to accommodate outdoor performances and celebrations.

Academic Facilities
Academic spaces include the Rees-Thomas Science Block (opened in 2001) and the Girvan Library (opened in 2003). The Language Block followed, with the Frank Crist Centre housing the Sports Academy and International Students' Centre. The Computer Technology Centre opened in 1992, and the Alan Gibbs Centre and Memorial Hall opened in 2019 to support performance and presentation work.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Wellington College offers over 30 sports and 30 arts activities and clubs. The Arts programme is strong, with opportunities in performing arts, music groups, and in-house debating. The Alan Gibbs Centre provides a new Performing Arts space to support co-curricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic tutoring is provided. The school offers an academic tutoring system, a Year 8 Induction Programme, and peer support. Mentoring is available for selected students to support learning. These programs help students engage with learning and plan their educational pathways within the school.

Arts & Creative
Students have immense opportunities to engage in arts activities. The school recognises that extracurricular activities are an important part of personal development. The extensive co-curricular program ensures there is something for everyone to participate in.

Cultural & Language
Students and staff come from diverse cultural backgrounds. The school fosters an inclusive culture and celebrates culture through language weeks, food festivals, assembly speakers and performances. Language clubs support linguistic and cultural engagement, including French, German, Spanish and Japanese.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs provide opportunities to meet peers and learn new skills at lunchtime. Most clubs meet during lunch; some are run by staff while others are led by students. A wide range includes Adventure Racing, Aeronautics, Boardgames, Chess, Debating, Digital Club, Drama, Dungeons & Dragons, E-Sports, and Languages Clubs.

Community & Service
The Runathon raises funds for World Vision and has raised over a million dollars to date. Students volunteer regularly at Wellington soup kitchens, collect for charities, participate in fundraising events, and attend Year 10 volunteer days across the city. The school participates in the SVA programme and volunteers are formally recognised.

Leadership & Professional
The house system is run by students for students and creates opportunities for leadership. It provides venues for students to become school leaders and to develop teamwork and project-management skills through house activities and school-wide projects. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is offered, with expeditions, sport, skill and service components.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Students have access to extensive sport and leisure activities. The co-curricular program includes a broad range of sports and fitness opportunities. Wellbeing is supported through Wellbeing Day, Pink Shirt Day, Day of Silence, pastoral care time, and assembly speakers.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches Languages including Chinese, English Language (ESOL), French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Samoan. Māori Language is a dedicated learning area, with Māori language offerings and Māori Performing Arts. The English language learning area covers English language and literature, and ESOL provides language support for learners of English. The Wellington College curriculum is underpinned by the New Zealand Curriculum.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Submit online enrolment application for Year 9 or Years 10–13. An acknowledgement email from the Enrolment Manager confirms receipt, but it may not be generated immediately after submission. The Enrolment process is coordinated to support planning for intake. Parents receive communications as the process progresses.
2. Out-of-zone Year 9 placement for 2027 ballot. The ballot was held on Monday 27 July 2026, and the outcome was notified by Thursday 30 July 2026. The number of places accepted through the ballot depends on the total number of applications and the number of in-zone places available. In-zone Year 9 applications can still be made online for 2027 and should be submitted by Wednesday 22 July 2026 to assist planning.
3. Out-of-zone ballot for Years 10–13 in 2027. The ballot will be held on Friday 16 October 2026, and parents will be notified of the outcome on Wednesday 21 October 2026. The last date for accepting places offered via ballot for out-of-zone applicants is Wednesday 4 November 2026. In-zone applicants for these years should submit online by 14 October 2026 to support finalisation of numbers.
4. Enrolment acceptance and transition meeting. Upon acceptance (in-zone students are guaranteed a place), the school will invite the new student to meet with a member of the Strategic Leadership Team to discuss transition, language option, and potential involvement in sporting and cultural activities. The meeting provides an opportunity to ask questions and helps ensure a smooth start.
5. Zoning check and status confirmation. Home addresses are checked to determine in-zone status using the Ministry of Education Education Counts tool. If zoning is unclear, contact the Enrolments Manager for assistance.
6. Required documents by category. All applications must include the student's birth certificate (and passport if born outside New Zealand). In-zone applications must provide a rates notice or tenancy agreement and a utility account to confirm in-zone status. The College expects applicants to remain within the zone for at least two years from the start date and to notify the College of any address change within the zone.
7. Induction Day for Year 9. Induction Day is held in December (date TBC) and is designed to introduce new students to key staff and help them become familiar with the campus.
School Events
The school has not added events
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