Heritage

Scots College has a rich history that spans over a century, rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.

Scots College was founded as a Presbyterian Boys’ College in 1916 by the Rev. Dr James Gibb (Chairman of the Board of Governors 1916-1928) and the Hon. John Aitken (Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors 1916-1921).

The College spent the first three years of its life at 53 Hobson Street in Wellington, before moving to its present site in Strathmore. This allowed for a purpose-built school, boarding facilities, and playing fields. Since the College’s inception, it has been run by the Board of Governors, who up until 1930 were also responsible for Scots’ sister school, Queen Margaret College, which was established in 1919.

Today, Scots College aims to provide a mature environment where sound work ethics, self-discipline, and independent learning skills are fostered. A key objective is to develop young people who will be recognised for the quality of their citizenship and their ability to learn creatively and independently beyond school.

The School Song

Hurrah for Scots of noble name from north across the sea!
We’ll pass it on in the fairest fame for the years that yet shall be.
We’ll stride along and meet with song whatever life allots!
And play our game or chant our rhyme with a great ‘All hail!’ for Scots

So we sing a song of those that were
Whose example today you see:
And we brace ourselves to do and dare,
As those who are to be.

Then make the sounding rafters ring with lusty strains and long:
Our hearts leap in the song we sing with chorus full and strong.
Let God and right the watchword be, let Scots have honoured name:
And joy be ours to know that we were heralds of its fame.

So we sing a song of those that were
Whose example today you see:
And we brace ourselves to do and dare,
As those who are to be.

Images above (L-R)
Hobson Street Main Building 1916
Scots College from Broadway 1919
Grand Opening of Grandstand 1931
Chapel Assembly Hall & Richard Plimmer Gates 1963