Established in 1953 Mount Roskill Grammar School stands proudly. It’s a testament to the vision of a community. A community that saw the need for a secondary school in a rapidly developing suburb. Initially on rocky uneven ground Mount Roskill Grammar School opened its doors. 363 students began their journey.
The school’s growth was remarkable. By 1964 it had become the largest school in the country with over 1300 students. Imagine the energy the excitement the sheer scale of it all. Students even helped dig the school pool by hand in 1956. That’s dedication. That’s community spirit.
In 1957 Mount Roskill Grammar School gained its own board of governors. They adopted the phoenix as its emblem. The phoenix symbolizes the pursuit of excellence. It symbolizes renewal and revitalization a perfect fit for a growing institution.
The Maclean Centre opened in 1977. It’s named after Mr BH Maclean the principal from 1966 to 1981. The centre supports disabled students. It shows the school’s commitment to inclusivity. The centre moved to a new building in 2003.
Over the years Mount Roskill Grammar School has seen impressive expansion. New buildings have risen. The Science Block the Maclean Centre and T-Block are significant additions. H-Block was renovated including a dedicated Year 13 Common Room. A new gymnasium and classrooms were built. A Pastoral Care Centre opened in 2010. In 2016 a new Olympic-grade hockey turf was completed. It is a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to providing top-notch facilities.
Academically Mount Roskill Grammar School has shone brightly. The New Zealand Herald called it the best public school in New Zealand in 2007. Metro Magazine ranked it the top school in Auckland in 2009. These are incredible achievements especially considering its low socio-economic decile. In 2013 impressive NCEA results were achieved. Many students went on to university.
Beyond academics Mount Roskill Grammar School offers a vibrant extracurricular life. Numerous sports music and cultural groups thrive. The school boasts groups representing diverse cultures including Indian Chinese Japanese Kapa haka Tongan Samoan Tokelauan Niuean and Cook Islands. The Indian Dance group won a Bollywood competition in 2007. The Boys Chorus achieved national acclaim winning several championships.
The school has five houses named after renowned New Zealanders. Rutherford Ngata Sheppard Hillary and Cooper. Junior students are placed in houses. Senior students stay in the houses they joined in year 10.
Mount Roskill Grammar School has received numerous awards. It won the Goodman Fielder School of the Year Award in 1998. It also won the Goodman Fielder Secondary School of the Year Award in 2002. It was a finalist in 1999 and 2001. In 2017 it won the High School League Premier Division Championships twice.
From humble beginnings on rocky ground Mount Roskill Grammar School has soared. It has achieved academic excellence embraced diversity and fostered a strong sense of community. Its story is one of growth resilience and outstanding achievement. It’s a school that truly lives up to its motto “Sursum” meaning “To the Heights”.