Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate

Did Sir Edmund Hillary ever imagine a school bearing his name? Here at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, his legacy lives on. Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate isn’t just one school. It’s a unified campus with three distinct levels: junior, middle, and senior. Opened by Sir Edmund himself in 2004, the collegiate embodies his adventurous spirit and commitment to education. The school’s motto, “Towards Far Horizons,” reflects Hillary’s own drive to push boundaries. Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate was formed by merging three existing schools: Hillary College (originally Otara College), Bairds Intermediate, and Clydemore Primary. This creates a unique educational pathway for students from Year 1 right through to Year 13. The school embraces the values of excellence, respect, and ‘Whanaungatanga’, a Maori term signifying a sense of family and connection. These values are woven into the fabric of the collegiate, guiding students towards becoming global achievers. The history program at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate is particularly strong. Students delve into local and global conflicts, exploring how these events have shaped our world. They even have the opportunity to visit historical sites, connecting with the past in a tangible way. Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate faced a challenge in 2009 when the board of trustees was dismissed due to concerns raised in an Education Review Office report. A new board was elected, and the school continues to strive for improvement. Walking through the campus today, one can sense the vibrant energy of the students and the dedication of the staff. It’s a testament to Sir Edmund’s vision, a place where young people are empowered to climb their own mountains, both literally and metaphorically. Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate continues to inspire students to reach towards far horizons, just as its namesake did.