Girls-only primary and secondary schools
Wellington girls-only schools are dedicated to the education and development of girls and young women
Chilton Saint James School
124 Waterloo Road , Lower Hutt, Wellington
Chilton Saint James is a private girls' school in the Hutt Valley where students benefit from small class sizes throughout their pre, primary and secondary schooling years (ages 2 to 18). They believe that the best education combines academics with creative expression which is why Chilton girls are encouraged to dream big, have a sense of adventure and be inspired to achieve their personal best.
The school offers a broad and enriched programme that sets students up for success on a global platform. For secondary students, they have access to a well-rounded and challenging curriculum taught by specialist teachers. Chilton embraces diversity and welcomes students from overseas and makes every effort to be inclusive, supportive and kind.
Queen Margaret College
53 Hobson Street, Thorndon , Wellington
Queen Margaret College is a leading Wellington independent school that provides a world-class education for girls in years 1 to 13 (ages 5 to 18). The school is small enough to ensure every girl is appreciated as an individual, but large enough to provide a full range of subjects along with ample sporting and cultural opportunities. Queen Margaret is proud of their diverse school community and welcome applications from international students at all levels. The school has boarding facilities onsite and are authorised to teach all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes recognised worldwide.
Sacred Heart College Lower Hutt
65 Laings Road , Lower Hutt
Located 15 minutes from central Wellington, Sacred Heart College Lower Hutt is a catholic integrated college for girls in years 9 to 13 (ages 13 to 18). The school has a proud tradition of academic excellence and outstanding student achievement in sport, visual and performing arts. Traditional values are combined with innovative approaches to teaching and learning is supported by modern information communication technology. The school welcomes international students and values the contribution and the cultural diversity they bring to the school community.
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School
Marsden Avenue, Karori, Wellington
Marsden School is a top-ranked private girls' school that offers preschool, primary and secondary education (ages 2 to 18). There is a shared passion for learning and discovery where students do well academically and in their co-curricular pursuits. External opportunities are provided for gifted and talented students and adapted programmes are available for students with specific learning needs. Marsden welcomes international students who have some English Language skills. Academic and pastoral staff work together to ensure that the progress of individual students is carefully monitored, that their particular needs are met, and their passions are acknowledged and fostered.
Solway College
49 Fleet Street, Masterton
Solway College believes their special character sets them apart and includes teaching of Christian values and their family environment an important part of building character in their students. They aim to empower young women throughout years 9 to 13 (ages 13 to 18) to thrive and lead with purpose today, and in tomorrow's world, through a holistic education for young women in an inclusive, Christian, family environment. They welcome international students from a variety of countries who live in boarding facilities where they have the opportunity to participate in weekend sporting commitments and other cultural activities. They learn to be independent within the bounds of routines and school regulations.
St Catherine's College
14 Upper Bourke Street , Kilbirnie , Wellington
St Catherine's College is a catholic school for girls in years 9 to 13 (ages 12 to 18). Students are encouraged to become confident, independent learners who think creatively and strive to reach their academic and personal potential. An education in Mercy tradition invites students to realise and develop fully their own talents. At the same time, it inspires a desire in students to assist others so that they too have live life to the full. At St Catherine's they provide many opportunities for international student participation and success in a wide range of co-curricular activities, both sporting and cultural. They are committed to supporting and nurturing their students' potential so that they leave as a well-rounded woman of Mercy.
St Mary's College
Guilford Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington
St Mary's College is a catholic school for girls in years 9 to 13 (ages 11 to 18). Established in 1850, the school continues the tradition of producing intelligent, resourceful and wise young women. Forward-thinking teachers and staff support students through their teenage years into adulthood, guiding them into future pathways and careers that are fulfilling. International students have many opportunities not only academically but in sporting and cultural activities. The school's international students live with New Zealand families that are handpicked by the homestay coordinator and are fully supported during their stay.
Wellington East Girls' College
Austin Street, Mount Victoria , Wellington
Located in the heart of Wellington city, the Wellington East Girls' College overlooks the city's harbour and is set in park-like surroundings. Join the small, high-quality International Student group (maximum of 30 students) and study alongside 1000 friendly girls and young women through years 9 to 13 (ages 13 to 18). International students live in homestay accommodation within one of Wellington's most sought after residential areas; the Eastern suburbs.
The school has Wellington's best-resourced secondary school English Language department and holds English Reception classes all year, enabling enrolment at any time. Wellington East Girls' College performs well above the national average in academic achievement across all year groups. This performance is extended further across the 50 different sport, arts-based or academic clubs and activities that are offered.
Wellington Girls' College
Pipitea Street, Thorndon, Wellington
Wellington Girl's College is the most centrally located all-girls state high school in Wellington. The school is five minutes walk from everywhere -the bus and train station, main shopping streets, parliament, Embassies, the waterfront and many cafés.
They are one of the top girls' schools in New Zealand, with a 90% pass rate for University Entrance (UE) and pass rates of between 93%and 98% at NCEA Levels 1,2 and 3. They have a broad range of academic subjects on offer with particular strengths in Languages, Commerce, Art and all Technology subjects like Fashion, Spatial and Digital Design, with excellent facilities to promote hands-on learning. Established in 1883, Wellington Girls has a nationally ranked choir, an orchestra and 100 different sports teams. There are clubs and cultural groups for everyone! Classroom programmes are suited to English language learning and academic achievement and the school and extra-curricular programmes are well suited to experience New Zealand lifestyle and culture.
The international department boasts 2 English Language teachers as well as a Chinese Language counsellor and Homestay Manager, International Administrator, and International Director. Students live with experienced homestay families or a close family friend or family member.
