Established in 1925 Wellington East Girls’ College stands proudly above the Mount Victoria Tunnel. Its story began amidst a desperate need for girls’ education in Wellington. Wellington Girls’ High School was bursting at the seams. Over 800 pupils crammed into inadequate classrooms even renting space in nearby houses. Miss A M Batham a teacher at Wellington Girls’ for 22 years saw the problem firsthand. She tirelessly petitioned the Board of Governors until they agreed to build a new school. This new school originally called Mt Victoria Girls’ College was built to alleviate overcrowding. The name was later changed to avoid confusion with Victoria University College.
Wellington East Girls’ College quickly became a vital part of the city’s eastern and southern suburbs. It soon attracted students from all over Wellington the Hutt Valley and Porirua City. The school even established a Special Needs Unit integrating some students into the main school system. The college’s impressive main building a stunning example of interwar stripped classical architecture is a registered Category 1 Historic Place. However its history isn’t without its challenges. In 2011 earthquake strengthening work was halted when engineers found the building met only 17% of the national building standard. The building sat empty until late 2014 when redevelopment began. The project cleverly preserved the heritage fau00e7ade while constructing a new multi-storey block behind it.
The redevelopment involved moving various departments to temporary prefabricated buildings nicknamed “The Village”. These were later removed to make way for a car park. The school’s history is one of adaptation and resilience. Despite numerous setbacks the school continues to thrive. The new Matairangi block opened in 2019. This impressive building boasts open-plan learning spaces a new library canteen art studios food technology rooms music facilities and a media suite. It also includes a Wharenui a Maori learning space. With this expansion Wellington East Girls’ College can now accommodate approximately 1250 students.
The school houses are also a part of Wellington East Girls’ College history. Originally there were six houses named after New Zealand Governors. Later they were reduced to four Sheppard Edgar Cooper and Tirikatane. These houses still compete in various sporting events.
Wellington East Girls’ College has produced notable alumnae. These include politicians like Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan an Order of New Zealand recipient. It has also nurtured artists like Avis Higgs a renowned painter and textile designer. Many successful athletes including swimmers and netball players have also graduated from Wellington East. The school’s legacy extends beyond academics and sports. Its commitment to inclusive education and its strong community ties have shaped generations of young women. Wellington East Girls’ College is more than just a school. It’s a testament to perseverance and a beacon of opportunity for countless students. Its enduring history and bright future make it a truly remarkable institution.