Whanganui Collegiate School
WCSChristian
Updated July 2026
IGCSE
Whanganui Collegiate School is a co-educational, Anglican boarding and day school located in Whanganui, New Zealand. It provides a rigorous academic environment through both Cambridge International and NCEA curricula, supported by a strong house system and a commitment to holistic student development.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Founded in 1854, Whanganui Collegiate School is an Anglican, co-educational, live-in learning community. It is dedicated to holistic development, blending time-honoured traditions with innovative approaches to learning. The school focuses on nurturing values such as vitality, compassion, and courage, while fostering independence, leadership, and character to prepare students for their futures.
Programmes
The school offers a future-focused curriculum that includes the Cambridge IGCSE for Year 11 students and NCEA for Years 12 and 13. The Junior programme for Years 9 and 10 focuses on breadth and exposure to keep subject options open. Additionally, the school provides vocational pathways for senior students, including practical agriculture courses, Gateway industry work experience, and tertiary study options through UCOL.
Outcomes
The school reports strong academic results, with students achieving high rates of University Entrance. In 2024, students demonstrated success in both NCEA and Cambridge IGCSE qualifications. Graduates are prepared for further study at university or entry into vocational pathways, including agriculture and industry apprenticeships.
Student support
Learning support
The school emphasizes holistic student wellbeing, overseen by the Senior Master of Pastoral Care and Wellbeing. Support is provided through a house system, where housemasters and staff work closely with students to ensure they are supported academically, socially, and emotionally. The school also maintains an Academic Centre for Learning to assist with student progress.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Whanganui Collegiate School offer?
- Whanganui Collegiate School offers IGCSE.
- How much is tuition at Whanganui Collegiate School?
- Annual tuition at Whanganui Collegiate School is NZ$2.8K–NZ$31.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Whanganui Collegiate School a day or boarding school?
- Whanganui Collegiate School is a day and boarding school.
- Is Whanganui Collegiate School co-educational?
- Whanganui Collegiate School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Whanganui Collegiate School located?
- Whanganui Collegiate School is an international school in Whanganui, New Zealand.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding Student (Years 9-13) | 13–18 | NZ$31.1K |
| Whanganui Boarding Student (Years 9-13) | 13–18 | NZ$28K |
| Three-Day Boarding Student (Years 9-13) | 13–18 | NZ$21.7K |
| Two-Day Boarding Student (Years 9-13) | 13–18 | NZ$19.4K |
| Day Student - Attendance Dues only (Years 9-13) | 13–18 | NZ$2.8K |
| Day Student - Attendance Dues + All Options (Years 9-13) | 13–18 | NZ$16.3K |
Source:PDF2026-WCS-Fees-Overview.pdfPDFWeek-6-Term-2.pdfPDFWCS-Attendance-Management-Plan-2026.pdfPDFSTRATEGIC-DIRECTION-AND-ANNUAL-PLAN-2025.pdf
Other fees(5)
| Application fee· There is no fee to submit an application | NZ$0 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Boarding Student non-refundable deposit after a place is offered, applied to the student's account. No enrolment fee applies for Day Students. | NZ$500 |
| Meals· Optional for Day Students (All meals) | NZ$2.4K |
| Insurance· Fees Protection Insurance is 1.8% of goods and services (ranges from $289 for Day Students to $560 for Boarders) | NZ$289 |
| Boarding· Non-Integrated Facilities for Day Students (NIFfDS) gives access to boarding Houses and staff. | NZ$10.8K |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 2%
- Sibling discount: 5%
Admissions
The school accepts both boarding and day students. The enrolment process involves completing an application form, and prospective families are encouraged to book a tour or attend information evenings. There is no application fee, though a non-refundable deposit is required for boarding places upon acceptance. Financial assistance is available through bursaries, and scholarships are offered to recognize exceptional talent and potential.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into four terms. Term 1 typically begins in late January with orientation for new students, followed by lessons. The calendar includes key events such as 'Collegiate Weekends' featuring sporting and cultural activities, house-based competitions, and public holidays. The school year concludes in early December.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features a variety of facilities to support student life, including a dining hall, chapel, and dedicated boarding houses. The school utilizes a learning management system called Schoolbox to connect students, teachers, and parents. Academic and sporting facilities are integrated into the campus, which also houses a museum and archives.
Co-curriculars
Students are immersed in a wide range of sporting and cultural opportunities. The school offers competitive sports programmes, including rugby, cricket, hockey, football, and rowing, led by expert coaches. Performing arts are a significant focus, with opportunities for students to engage in music, drama, and dance. Additionally, the school is a Round Square Global School, which facilitates leadership, service, and international exchange programmes.
Ainsley RobsonHeadmaster & Executive Director of BoardingMr Robson is the incoming Headmaster and Executive Director, effective Term 2, 2026. He brings extensive educational leadership experience, including serving as Global Chief of Operations at Writer’s Toolbox and nine years as Associate Headmaster at St Paul’s Collegiate School.
Wayne BrownHeadmasterWayne Brown served as Headmaster from 2018 through the end of the 2025 school year. He has held senior educational and boarding positions in the UK and Australia and is a graduate of the Saïd Business School, Oxford University.
Tash BullockDeputy HeadmasterMrs Bullock is the Deputy Headmaster and has been with the school since 2019. She has held various leadership roles, including Senior Master – Teaching and Learning and Head of Staff Development, and is an accredited Growth Coach.
Rob van DortSenior Master AdministrationMr van Dort joined the school in 2001 and serves as Senior Master Administration. He manages the school calendar and key events, teaches Geography, and is an experienced coach for cricket and hockey.
Sjaane SimpsonSenior Master Pastoral Care and WellbeingMrs Simpson has been with the school since 2017 and serves as Senior Master Pastoral Care and Wellbeing. She previously served as Housemaster of Bishops House and oversees the holistic wellbeing of students.
Henry JonesSenior Master BoardingMr Jones serves as Senior Master Boarding and is a member of the school's Executive team. Originally from the UK, he has extensive boarding experience, including as an Assistant Housemaster at Marlborough College and Housemaster of Harvey House.
Joline HenryHousemaster Bishops HouseMiss Henry has been the Housemaster of Bishops House since 2022. A former Silver Fern netballer, she previously taught at Harrow International School in Hong Kong.
Robyn WorthingtonHousemaster Godwin HouseMrs Worthington joined as Housemaster of Godwin House in 2024. She has extensive experience in pastoral care and boarding environments across South Africa and New Zealand, with a focus on literacy and student support.
Selwyn HodgesHousemaster Selwyn HouseMr Hodges joined as Housemaster of Selwyn House in 2021. He teaches Physical Education and Mathematics and serves as the school’s Round Square Coordinator.
Chris NevayHousemaster Grey HouseMr Nevay joined as Housemaster of Grey House in 2025. He has an extensive background in boys’ boarding and leadership roles at schools in South Africa and previously taught at Macleans College in Auckland.
Chris CareyHousemaster Hadfield HouseMr Carey joined as Housemaster of Hadfield House in 2024. He has over a decade of boarding experience, including a previous role as Senior Housemaster at Hilton College in South Africa.
Craig PeeblesHousemaster Harvey HouseMr Peebles joined as Housemaster of Harvey House in 2025. He has international experience in education and boarding across Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, and previously served as Director of Rowing at St Paul’s Collegiate School.