It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to celebrate the academic success of our students at a special assembly on Monday.

In this assembly, we recognised students who were successful in the Cambridge Mathematics Examinations, and students who achieved Excellence in Level 2 and 3 NCEA in 2025. A remarkable achievement, particularly when considering that some students gained this in advance of their year group. We also celebrated the students who gained Scholarships in the New Zealand Scholarship examinations. This too, is an outstanding achievement when considering these students were in Year 11 and Year 12. This reflects the inclusive and vibrant Scholarship programme that we operate at Wellington College, but most significantly, the immense effort the participating students put in throughout the year, alongside the support and dedication of our wonderful teachers. These students received a Scholars tie and the congratulations of the kura.

Special recognition went to our Turnbull Scholars. The Turnbull Scholar Awards were bequeathed in 1874 by successful Wellington businessman Walter Turnbull. He was the father of Alexander, whose library contains a collection of invaluable New Zealand books. Recipients of this award must have gained a minimum of three scholarship awards.

The Scholars Assembly is a key event in our academic calendar. As well as recognising the achievements of our students, we believe that it serves as an inspiration for all students to realise their potential. This is achieved via effort. As Carol Dweck shares, ‘no matter what your current ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns into accomplishment’.