Program Finder

William Colenso College

Robin Stewart

International Director

Description

William Colenso College is situated a few minutes from the centre of Napier city and the seashore. It is a government run, co-educational school catering for about 400 students. The extensive grounds include rugby and soccer fields, artificial hockey surface, tennis courts and netball courts. A gymnasium caters for indoor sports such as badminton, table tennis, basketball and volleyball. There is also a weight-training room.
The school uses New Zealand's NCEA as its main qualification system. NCEA is recognised internationally and more and more international students are seeking this qualification to gain entry into universities worldwide.
As well as the usual academic subjects, William Colenso College also offers opportunities for students to achieve qualifications in subjects such as Photography, Dance, Hospitality, etc. In 2007 our Outdoor Education programme gained the award for best such programme in New Zealand. The Outdoor Education programme gives students the opportunity to experience activities such as kayaking, tramping, camping, etc. Students can learn rock climbing on one of the biggest school based climbing walls in the country.
The college has been accepting overseas students since the early 1990s. We usually host 20-30 international students at one time. Since the mid 1990s we have hosted nearly 80 international students from over 30 different countries.
In 2016 William Colenso College was the only school to receive the Minister of Education' ;s commendation for having achieved improved NCEA results for four consecutive years. In 2017 and again in 2018 won Prime Minister's 'Excellence in Education' award - first school to win two such awards in consecutive years.

Tuition costs

2024/25 Tuition Fees

1 Term: $4,170, 2 Terms: $7,640, 3 Terms: $10,840, 4 Terms: $13,890

Accommodation homestay,

All international students are accommodated in homestay situations arranged by the school - $275 per week.

Student support

The International Department employs five staff members dedicated to the education and welfare of international students. Also available on campus are a student counsellor, nurse and careers advisor.

Type of programs Long-term programs (study for 1 year or more), Short-term programs (study for 3-6-9 month)
English as second language

Up to eight hours per week of ESOL classes are available to those students who may require assistance. There is no extra cost for this.

Years of entry for international students with parents : From : Year 9
To : Year 13
Years of entry for international students without parents : From : Year 10
To : Year 13
Special programs

Cultural activities include: Maori culture, music, debating, drama production. Special events for International Students include a ski trip, Rotorua/Taupo trip, range of end of year activities.

Sports

Summer Sports include:
volleyball, softball, cricket, tennis, kayaking, athletics, swimming.

Winter Sports include:
basketball, soccer, rugby, hockey, netball, canoe polo, badminton, table tennis.

Facilities

Facilities include fully equipped senior catering kitchen, music/drama suite, construction and engineering workshops, largest school-based climbing wall in the country, acres of grassed playing fields as well as artificial surfaces for hockey, tennis, netball, etc.

Application process

No specific qualifications are required, but it should be understood that incoming students will need to have at least a basic understanding of English to enable them to function in an all English-speaking environment.

Features of the local area

Napier is a very pleasant, seaside city with a population of around 55,000. The region is well known for its Mediterranean type climate and production of fruit and wine. With sea, rivers, lakes, mountains and bush all nearby, there are many opportunities for outdoor activities.

Curriculum

Students choose up to six subjects from the following:

  • English: English, ESOL, Media Studies
  • Languages: Chinese, Te Reo (Maori).
  • Mathematics: Mathematics, Statistics, Calculus.
  • Science: General Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Primary Industries.
  • Visual Arts: Art, Painting, Design, Photography, Printmaking.
  • Performing Arts: Music, Drama, Dance, Maori Performing Arts.
  • Hospitality: Food & Nutrition, Cookery, Barista, Hospitality, Catering.
  • Technology: Soft Materials, Hard Materials, Construction, Engineering.
  • PE/Health: Physical Education, Health & Social Services, Armed Forces Physical Training.
  • Social Sciences: History, Geography, Tourism.
  • Outdoor Education.
Send enquiry

+350 points

Programs