Over a century of guiding boys
From seaside hotel to cherished school, Wellesley’s remarkable journey began in 1914 and continues today.
From holiday destination to educational haven
Founded in 1914, Wellesley College has grown into one of New Zealand’s most respected independent schools. Named after the first Duke of Wellington, the school has evolved over more than a century, becoming known for its intentional teaching philosophy and progressive education.
In 2014, we celebrated our Centenary – 100 years of educating thousands of boys, many who have become leaders and changemakers. Today, our Days Bay campus combines the permanence and splendour of heritage buildings with the efficiency and energy of modern facilities, creating one of New Zealand’s most stunning educational settings.
Days Bay’s first chapter
Days Bay House opened in 1903 as a hotel for the Wellington Steam Ferry Company. Built for £9,000, it could accommodate 50 guests and their staff, featuring electric lighting and its own water supply from a dam in the gully.
Initially a summer retreat with beach bathing houses, it soon opened year-round, drawing thousands across the harbour to enjoy its hockey fields, tennis courts, and cricket grounds. The adjoining grounds offered wonderful entertainment – Katzenjammer Castle, a pavilion, water chute, camera obscura, miniature zoo, and musical performances in the rotunda. The beach bustled with boats for hire and donkey rides, while bush tracks invited exploration.
A school is born
In 1913, Miss Gladys Sommerville purchased Days Bay House for £6,000 and transformed it into Croydon Preparatory School for Boys. When she opened the school in February 1914, Harry Amos became the founding headmaster, bringing his vision of quality boys’ education from the city to this seaside setting.
Five years later, the Church of England bought the school for £10,000, renaming it Wellington Diocesan School Days Bay, though everyone still called it ‘Croydon’ – now one of our house names.
The defining moment came in 1940 when Mr W H ‘Hoppy’ Stevens leased the property and merged his Wellington Terrace Day School with Croydon School in Days Bay, creating the Wellesley College we know today. While initially taking boarders and day boys through to secondary level, the school eventually evolved into today’s Year 1 – 8 day school.
