Curriculum
Wellington College prepares students for New Zealand and global university entrance. The National Certificate of Education Achievement (NCEA) is globally recognised. We also offer other New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) standards, and Cambridge Math and University Math with our connection with Victoria University
NCEA has been used by international Wellington College graduates for university entrance into:
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Most recently: University College London, University of Warwick, University of Edinburgh, Melbourne University, Imperial College, Nayang Technological University, Sydney University, University of New South Wales, Michigan State University, University of Birmingham, University of Nottingham.
Wellington College international student graduates are often awarded prestigious university scholarships
Considering studying in New Zealand?


Wellington College Schooling
We provide a range of subjects and study options for students. So, whether you want to be an actor or an engineer, we can support you to get what you need to achieve academic and career pathway goals.
International students follow the same academic programmes as the domestic students at college, so you’ll have the same opportunities as New Zealand students.
Secondary (High School) study lasts five years and begins when students are 12 or 13 years old. The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) is the main school qualification at this level and is globally recognised as a university entrance pathway.
A great feature of the NCEA qualification is its flexibility; more able students can be assessed against higher level achievement standards; less able students can be assessed against lower level achievement standards.
In English, for example, the teacher could set a writing task and assess students against Level 1, or Level 2 standards, depending on your ability.
In Mathematics, students can complete their class-based assessments for Level 1 standards, and then make a start on some Level 2 standards. Wellington College also offers Cambridge Math for students with an advanced level of mathematics skill.
Being flexible with the level of study means all of our students are challenged at the appropriate level.
Learning English
This subject is taken by students for whom English is not their first language. Each student is tested when they first start at Wellington College and the most appropriate programme within the English or English Language Department will be decided. This decision will depend on the student’s English ability, previous academic level and age.
There are four separate programmes within the English Language Department:
- English Language: Years 9 and 10
- English Language: Years 11 – 13
- English Language: Level 1 and Level 2 (achievement standards)