Frequently asked questions
Enrolment & Admissions
Wellesley College educates boys from Years 0/1 to 8 in an environment designed specifically for how boys learn best.
Start by contacting our enrolments team for a chat or visit. You can attend an Open Day or book a Personal Tour, then submit an enrolment form with a $100 application fee. After a meeting with the Principal, a $300 confirmation fee secures your son’s place.
Applications are welcome throughout the year, but we recommend applying early as places are limited, particularly in higher year levels.
Yes. Our free 8-week School Readiness Programme helps preschoolers develop confidence, independence and friendships before starting school. Boy’s turning five before 1 April of each calendar year will start in Year 1, with boys turning five after 1 April entering into our Year 0 programme.
Yes. The Wellesley Foundation provides two-year scholarships for boys entering Year 7 whose families wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford a Wellesley education. Scholarships cover tuition, uniforms, device, camps and more.
As of 2025, fees are from $22,428 per year for Years 1-6 to $23,480 for Years 7-8. Discounts apply for siblings, and flexible payment plans are available.
Learning & Curriculum
We combine academic rigour with creativity, wellbeing and physical activity. Every boy is known, challenged and supported to discover his personal best.
From Year 1, boys receive specialist teaching in Visual Arts, Performing Arts, PE, French and STEM — all delivered by subject experts.
Our Learning Support team collaborates with teachers and whānau to help every boy succeed, whether he is gifted, needs extra help, or both.
Yes, our Pūmanawa programme offers enrichment workshops and competitions for boys identified as gifted or high achieving.
General & Community
Wellesley has Anglican foundations and values that focus on service, gratitude, and community. All faiths are respected and welcomed.
Join the Wellesley Parents’ Association, volunteer at events, or attend community fundraisers. Every family contribution helps enrich school life.
Yes. Our nut-free canteen offers healthy, balanced lunches with vegetarian and dietary-specific options. Orders can be made online, through Lunchonline.
Yes. The Wellesley College Foundation funds scholarships and facility upgrades, while our active alumni community stays connected through reunions and newsletters.
Calendar & Daily Life
The school follows the standard four-term New Zealand school year, with term and holiday dates aligning to Ministry of Education guidelines. Annual dates are published on the website and in the Parent Resources section.
School runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday, with doors opening at 8:30am.
Yes, these are listed in our school calendar and communicated in newsletters. Teacher Only Days are usually held around long weekends for minimal disruption.
Our weekly email as well as online School Event Calendar include up to date information on trips, sports fixtures, performances and community celebrations, accessible from the Parent Resources section.
Travel & Transport
Families can choose from multiple transport options including our six dedicated bus routes serviced by Mana Coach Services, the scenic East by West ferry from Queens Wharf, car drop-off, or walking and biking for local families.
Wellesley runs six bus routes covering Wellington suburbs Karori, Northland, Kelburn, Khandallah, Churton Park, Wadestown, as well as suburbs from Upper and Lower Hutt, extending to Whitby. Routes are serviced by Mana Coaches and monitored through our RollCall app.
RollCall is our real-time bus management system that lets parents track their child’s journey and receive notifications (for example, when they’ve arrived safely at their bus stop).
Yes, the Metlink ferry from Queens Wharf to Days Bay takes about 25 minutes and runs during school commute times. It’s a popular, reliable and enjoyable option for many Wellesley families.
Uniform & Equipment
Uniforms are available from NZ Uniforms in Wellington (Thorndon Quay) or Lower Hutt (High Street), and online via the NZ Uniforms website.
Yes. Parents can join our private Facebook group for buying and selling uniforms, or you can arrange to visit our on-site second-hand shop at school.
All boys wear a blazer, shirt, tie, grey shorts, wool jersey, socks, Wellesley sun hat, Wellesley rain jacket, and black leather school shoes. PE gear, from Year 3 upwards, includes a Wellesley PE shirt, shorts, the Wellesley School Tracksuit and tote bag.
Years 1–2 only need sneakers for PE. From Year 3 onwards, boys wear the full PE uniform.
Devices & Digital Learning
Years 1–4 use school-provided devices. Years 5–8 follow a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model with approved options listed via our ICT partner, Cyclone.
Devices need to be Windows compatible Laptops, should have at least a 9-hour battery life, 11” screen, touchscreen with stylus, physical keyboard, and compatibility with Office 365.
We partner with Linewize and Qustodio for both on-site and off-site filtering. Families can access our Online Safety Hub for guidance on digital wellbeing and responsible use.
Yes. All students and parents sign our Digital Technology Acceptable Use Agreement to ensure safe, responsible use of devices.