Our Vision & Values

Founded in 1867, Wellington College is a modern school for 21st-century boys which values belonging and is connected to the past.  We have a proud history of outstanding academic achievement and a record of national success in both sport and in the performing arts. 

Our vision for our students is captured in our school motto  Lumen accipe et imperti – Receive the light and pass it on. This captures our core business of the pursuit of knowledge and learning and then contributing to society through the act of service.

The aspirations of  Wellington College and its people are captured through our COLL values.  They provide a focus for our work as we serve others, develop leadership, seek personal excellence, and care for each other as we learn together.

About Us

Of our 1780 students, approximately 200 identify as Māori. Some of these students have connections with Taranaki Whānui – Te Upoko o Te Ika, the Tangata Whenua of our area.

Our international student programme contributes to the diversity of our school community and generates additional funding for school projects and facilities on our beautiful, spacious city campus. Our international student programme adheres to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, 2016.

Through our Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning) we collaborate with contributing primary schools and Wellington Girls’ College to develop approaches which support student wellbeing, culturally responsive practice and student agency in learning.

You can view the latest report about Wellington College from the Education Review Office here.

Thank you for your interest in Wellington College. We look forward to meeting you, making connections and working and learning together.