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The Scots College is located at 1 Monorgan Road, Strathmore Park, Wellington 6022, New Zealand. Strathmore Park is an eastern suburb close to Wellington Airport, and the campus is less than 15 minutes' drive to Wellington's central city. The campus sits on a sizeable site with extensive outdoor space. The College uses Metlink buses and exclusive Tranzit services for transport, with morning services arriving before 8:45am and afternoon services departing around 3:45pm.
Junior School (Year 0–6); Middle School (Year 7–10); Senior School (Year 11–13).
The Scots College is a co-educational school in Wellington for Years 0–13 and offers boarding for Year 9–13 in Gibb House.
Āwhina Learning Support (ALS) provides care and support for students who learn in different ways or who face learning challenges. The ALS team helps with literacy and numeracy, supports learning strategies, adapts curriculum and assessments, and liaises with the Wellbeing team.
New Zealand
Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
Morning transport arrivals occur before 8:45am; afternoon services depart by 3:45pm. The College offers Metlink buses and Tranzit services to support daily travel.
Metlink buses provide public transport to Scots College, and exclusive Tranzit buses serve Scots College students. Nearly all students use a Snapper card for public buses, with top-up facilities available at the school. Morning services arrive before 8:45am and afternoon services depart by 3:45pm, with routes to Wellington Station, Lambton Quay, Karori, and Crofton Downs; Tranzit services run to Crofton Downs, Khandallah, Ngaio, Churton Park, Island Bay, and the Hutt Valley as exclusive College services.
Boarding at Scots College has a long history dating to 1916. Gibb House was revitalised in 2007, and new boarding houses opened in 2015 and 2018, expanding capacity to over 100 and reintroducing seven-day boarding. Boarders are in Years 9–13 from across New Zealand and overseas, with about 50% international.
The Uniform Shop is on-site; new students must have uniform fittings by appointment. The daily uniform consists of a blazer, shirt/blouse, and tie, with either long or short trousers, Ie Faitaga, or a skirt with socks and black leather shoes. Two uniform styles are worn: No 1 on the first day of each term and for Chapel and trips away, and No 2 Monday to Thursday.
Two food options are offered: the Tuck Shop and Chartres Dining Hall. The Tuck Shop is open every day for breakfast, morning tea, and lunch, with a changing specials menu; parents can place orders via MyKindo. Chartres Dining Hall serves day students and boarders; day students can opt in to receive lunch daily by registration or Chartres Lunch Booking Form.
Junior School (Years 0–6) students are assigned to a House for the duration of the Junior School; where there is a family connection, students are placed in the same House. Junior Houses are Bedding, Macarthur, McKelvie, and Potatau. In Middle and Senior Schools (Years 7–13), each student is assigned to a House that remains throughout their time; Houses include Aitken, Fergusson, Glasgow, MacKenzie, Mawson, Plimmer, Smith, and Uttley.
The governing body is the Board of Governors, appointed annually and chaired by Paul Ridley-Smith. It includes representatives of the Presbytery, Scots Collegians' Association, and the Parents' Association, with other members nominated by the Board. It is responsible for finances, the College's future, and the development of new projects.
Scots College offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) across the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with a dual senior pathway granting a choice between NCEA and the IB Diploma. The IB programmes were introduced at Scots College in 2008 (PYP and MYP) and the Diploma in 2010, and the Senior School provides Years 12–13 with either NCEA or IB Diploma. Future-Focussed Learning is embedded, with courses aligning NZ Curriculum objectives alongside IB design. The Junior School uses the NZ Curriculum with an inquiry approach and Te Reo Māori is integrated in the programmes. The school emphasises a holistic, future-ready approach across all three schools.
Class sizes: Year 1 – 15; Year 2 – 18; Years 3–6 – 22; Years 7–8 – 24; Years 9–10 – 25. These target sizes are set to maintain manageable learning environments with occasional variation.
Year 11 no longer offers NCEA Level 1; from 2024, NCEA Level 1 is not assessed. Year 12/13 require 80 credits to achieve Levels 2 or 3 (60 at the target level plus 20 Literacy and Numeracy). NZ Scholarship is available for Year 13. University Entrance (UE) is required to qualify for university admission in New Zealand, with a typical UE standard involving 14 Level 3 credits in three subjects, plus English Level 2 and Maths Level 1 credits, though a points-based system now applies and the minimum often equates to higher overall credit attainment. Upon completion, students choose either NCEA or IB Diploma pathway for Years 12–13.
Nearly all students gain University Entrance. University Entrance preliminarily qualifies a student to a place at university in New Zealand, with 14 UE credits at Level 3 in three subjects, plus English and Maths credit requirements, though the final admission depends on a points-based system and university variation. NCEA results are recognized by tertiary institutions and employers, and the Senior School offers pathways through Years 12–13 that can lead to NZ and overseas higher education opportunities.
Able & Ambitious identifies academically able students and provides opportunities to extend beyond the standard curriculum, including enrichment events such as the Ethics Olympiad, ThinkTank, World Scholar's Cup, Tournament of Minds, CRISiSLab, and Model UN/EU, with progress monitored by a designated coordinator.
PERFORM is the wellbeing framework at Scots College, comprising Purpose, Engagement, Relationships, Faith, Organisation, and Resilience, with Maintenance. The framework guides pastoral care, classroom practice, tutorials, and assemblies to promote wellbeing and engagement. Explicit teaching of social skills and values supports relational development, and a restorative approach to behaviour management keeps relationships at the centre of pastoral care. The college promotes healthy relationships through explicit social-emotional learning, a health curriculum, and programs such as the House system and student-led activities. The Wellbeing Centre provides confidential counselling and mental health support, and the Wellbeing Team builds student wellbeing capability with strategies that students can use now and in the future. Staff are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid to recognise and respond to mental health concerns and connect students with appropriate support.
The Āwhina Learning Support (ALS) Team cares for and supports students who face challenges in learning or who learn in different ways. Some challenges are short-term (physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing) and others are ongoing (neurological, cognitive, auditory, or visual). The team helps students develop literacy and numeracy, learning and study strategies, and self-belief and work ethic. They support teachers by adapting curriculum and assessments to ensure teaching is diverse and inclusive in approach, running classes for a small number of students at the Principals' discretion, and endeavouring to ensure provision of Special Assessment Conditions. They liaise closely with the Scots College Wellbeing team. Valuing every learner, recognising their potential, growing their achievement.
English is the language used as the medium of instruction and communication, with staff acting as liaison with Māori and Pasifika families. Te Reo Māori and NZSL are embraced and used; Te Reo Māori is taught to all Junior School students as an additional language. In Year 7, students experience a language carousel of Te Reo Māori, Spanish, French, and Chinese, and Middle School students select one of those languages or English acquisition (MTLOTE). Continued language study in Senior School is encouraged but not compulsory (except for IB Diploma students). In the IB Diploma years, students may continue to study an additional language and/or literature in a language where there is native or near-native proficiency when possible. The college actively seeks to support MTLOTE and mother-tongue learning for MTLOTE students.
The Wellbeing Centre provides confidential counselling and mental health support and is open on school days, with the Wellbeing Team consisting of the College Counsellor and Director of Wellbeing who oversee counselling and health services for students and staff. The team delivers counselling and mental health nursing in a safe, confidential space to help individuals talk through difficulties and make changes. Appointments can be made via the Scot-E Wellbeing area or by referrals through the online forms. Scots College has implemented key wellbeing initiatives, including the Komodo Wellbeing Application, the Stand-Up Project (SUP), and Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for staff. Five staff members completed MHFA instructor training to train others and build a network of wellbeing support across the community, with a focus on early intervention and connecting students to appropriate support. The MHFA program aims to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma so students feel empowered to seek help.
Scots College has a Child Protection Policy that applies to any student defined as a child under the Children's Act 2014 and uses a framework for student safety. The policy includes provisions for identifying and reporting abuse and neglect, with Abuse Recognition and Reporting details. Guidance aligns with partnership/mahi tahi, protection/kaitiakitanga, and participation/whai wahi, and te Tiriti o Waitangi, with involvement of family/whānau in decision-making. Student welfare is the primary concern, and the college keeps students at the centre of decision-making, with systems to recognise and respond to concerns. A designated child protection person (the child protection coordinator or deputy) is the primary point of contact for concerns about students, and a child protection team may consult with the coordinator, headmaster, principals, and the board. If a wellbeing concern is raised, procedures for Responding to Student Wellbeing Concerns are followed, and information may be shared with external agencies as appropriate. The school may engage with external agencies to address student protection needs and has a process for information sharing and review of child protection matters. For more detail, see Supporting Student Wellbeing and related procedures.
1. Applications for enrolments in 2027 and beyond are open. Junior School applications for enrolment in 2027 close on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. Middle School applications for enrolment in 2027 close on Thursday, 2 April 2026. Senior School enrolments are welcome at any stage throughout the year, with limited places available at each year level. 2. How to apply: Within New Zealand, complete the online enrolment form. For international students, use the enroller.app application. After submitting an application, you will be contacted by staff to inform you of the status of your application and to arrange an interview with the Principal. 3. What happens after I send in an application form: You will be contacted by staff to learn the status of your application and to arrange an interview with the Principal. 4. If capacity is reached, a waitpool system is instituted and you will be notified if your application is in the waitpool. Places are filling faster than in previous years. 5. Do you offer scholarships?: Scholarships are available to students in Years 7 and 9, as well as Senior School students (Years 11–13). Applications for 2027 scholarships are now open.
Middle School (Year 7–10) Scholarships: Year 7 offers Academic, Music, General Excellence, and Sport scholarships. Year 9 offers Academic, Music, General Excellence, Boarding, Pipe Band, Sport, and Scots Collegians Association scholarships. Senior School (Year 11–13) Scholarships: International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships; Pipe Band; General Excellence; Boarding; Music; Academic; Hardship/Financial Assistance; Sport; Tup Radford Science Scholarship; Scots Collegians Association Scholarship. Applications for 2027 Scholarships are open for both Middle and Senior School, with deadlines of March 31, 2026 for Year 7–10 scholarships and May 3, 2026 for Senior School scholarships. The College funds scholarships from the Foundation, tuition discounts, and benefactors. Approximately 60% are merit-based and 40% are needs-based; most scholarships cover a portion of tuition fees. Some scholarships are 100% unavailable. Sibling discounts do not apply when one child is awarded a scholarship. External scholarships include Māori Education Trust Scholarships and a Ministry of Education boarding allowance. Scholarships may be awarded based on merit, need, or a combination, and are reviewed annually; Middle School scholarships include an exam component for academic scholarships and a panel/interview process for other categories. External and internal application paths are available. For questions about scholarships, contact the College's Development Team or relevant regional staff.
When capacity is reached, a waitpool system is instituted and applicants are notified if their application is in the waitpool.
53 Hobson Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Preschool to Year 13
Independent Presbyterian day school for girls
Representing over 40 nationalities
Learning Enrichment and support coordinated by Learning Enrichment Coordinator
New Zealand
Presbyterian
Junior School day 8:30am–3:00pm; Senior School day 8:30am–3:30pm
QMC private bus for Wellington's Western Suburbs; Western Coach Service available with morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups; contact reception for details
Boarding at Queen Margaret College offers three accommodation options: Queen Margaret House (QMH), a luxury, purpose-built boarding house on campus; Queen Margaret Residence (QMR), opening in 2026 to provide a senior independent-living pathway for Years 12–13; and Homestays with a local family. Boarding is seven days a week for Years 7–13, with tailored options including short-term boarding. Boarders have access to on-site amenities such as the gym, fitness centre, dance studio, and music practice rooms, and meals are fully catered from a healthy global menu with the option of self-catering for senior students.
The school maintains a uniform, with New Zealand Uniforms as the exclusive retailer. The Uniform Guidelines govern dress and grooming, and there is online access to the NZ Uniforms store as well as information on second-hand uniform sales run by the Parents' Association.
Fully catered, varied, and nutritious meals from a healthy global menu, with the option of self-catering for senior students.
The College is governed by the Queen Margaret College Board of Governors. The Queen Margaret College Foundation Trust, formed in 2005, is an independent registered charity that supports the college's financial security and fundraising for buildings and scholarships, operating with not-for-profit status.
Queen Margaret College is an International Baccalaureate World School. Years 1–6 follow the Primary Years Programme (IB). Years 7–10 follow the Middle Years Programme (IB). In Year 11, students undertake New Zealand's National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 1 and may continue with NCEA Levels 2 and 3 or pursue the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) in Years 12–13. The school emphasizes dual senior pathways to suit individual strengths and learning styles.
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Results 2025: 98% pass rate; average score 34; 9 students (20%) scored 40+; 3 bilingual diplomas; IB Dux Madeleine Wilson achieved a perfect 45. National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Results 2025: Level 1 pass rate 96%; Level 2 pass rate 98%; Level 3 pass rate 98%; endorsements include 81% Merit or Excellence at Level 1, 88% at Level 2, and 68% at Level 3. University Entrance (UE) 2025 pass rate: 98%.
Pathways after school include opportunities to go to University, a Polytechnic or begin an Apprenticeship; the college presents these options clearly to students in Year 11–13 as part of its Careers and future pathways.
Learning Enrichment lessons and Extension programs provide challenge for high-ability students, with extension activities such as debating, public speaking, essay and creative writing competitions, Ethics Olympiad and Scholarship examinations. New Zealand Scholarships are available for high achievers (IB and NCEA eligible). LEAP and the ELEVATE Year 11 Programme offer accelerated and enriched learning options. Three students earned bilingual IB diplomas in 2025. The school also highlights international-level success of gifted students, such as a World Scholar's Cup team reaching Yale finals in 2024 with multiple medals.
QMC implements a Proactive Wellbeing Strategy to support social and emotional learning, with THRIVE as a wellbeing programme designed for Year 7–13 that builds on six pillars of wellbeing. The school emphasises purpose, accomplishment, engagement, emotional strength, positive relationships and wellness, and provides parent talks through a Parent Speaker Series to help families discuss difficult topics. School wellbeing resources include access to SchoolTV for families.
International students and other students needing English language support receive inclusive English language tuition as part of tuition; additional ESOL tuition is available at extra cost, with regular testing and progress updates, specialist Speech and Drama lessons to boost fluency and confidence, and small classes to cater to individual needs.
Mental wellbeing is supported by on-site school nurses available daily, on-site school psychologists, a school chaplain, and a Kaiārahi who supports Māori and Pasifika students. Restorative conversations guide student behavior, and SchoolTV provides wellbeing resources for families.
Safeguarding is embedded in wellbeing and pastoral care, with a Deputy Principal of Wellbeing and year Deans supporting students; on-site nurses, the Reverend as chaplain, and a Kaiārahi providing pastoral and cultural support. The school uses restorative conversations, Cyber Safety resources, and a Family Harm Awareness alert system developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and NZ Police to support students after incidents.
Domestic Enrolments: Read the Terms and Conditions before starting the online application. Complete and submit the online application with a non-refundable application fee of $180. Following a review of the application, the applicant's daughter will be invited to an interview with the Principal. Following the interview, an Offer of Place may be issued. The applicant should return the confirmation and the non-refundable acceptance fee of $460 within 14 working days. Once the acceptance is received, confirmation of place is sent. International Enrolments: Read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before starting the application. Complete and submit the application with a non-refundable application fee of $250. If enrolling more than one child, use a separate form for each. Following a review of your application, we will advise you if your daughter has been selected for an interview with the Director of International Students. A translator will be provided if necessary. English testing if required. Following the selection process, you may receive an Offer of Place along with a form to confirm acceptance. Once acceptance is received, confirmation of your place at QMC will be sent.
The QMC Scholarship Programme is available to Years 7 through 13 for domestic students. It recognizes the College values of generosity, resilience, respect, integrity and courage, and rewards achievement in academics, sport, the arts, cultural pursuits, service or across multiple disciplines. Scholarships are effective through to Year 13 if the scholarship expectations are met; scholarship types may vary by year level and enrolment availability. The application process has no fee and a maximum of two scholarships may be applied for. Required documentation includes evidence of age, identity and New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency; a CV; a character reference; copies of two most recent school reports; copies of PAT/e-asTTle or NZQA records; evidence of participation in cocurricular activities, service or leadership, sporting excellence or cultural pursuits; a simple passport-style headshot; attendance at the scholarship examination if applicable; and if shortlisted an interview with the Principal. Scholarships open for 2027: Year 7 to 10 open 25 March - 24 April; Year 11 to 13 open 1 April - 1 May. Not currently offering Other Scholarships & Bursaries. For more information, contact enrolments.
Waitlisting at QMC describes a waitlist as a queue-based system. Applicants are eligible for entry but a place is not immediately available. The waitlists are managed chronologically by the date an application is received and do not rank applicants on the waitlist. Factors considered include date of application, family connections to QMC (daughters of Old Girls, siblings, extended family connections, e.g. grandparent who is an alumna), children of current staff, and, in some cases, boarders, international students or diplomats. Scholarships may affect waitlist considerations. Waitlisted families are kept updated, and waitlist movement depends on space availability.
