King’s College opened in 1896. Then situated in Remuera, it was founded with the aim of providing “the best all-round education it is possible to obtain”.
This goal was drawn from a quote by the original Headmaster Mr Graham Bruce and remains a foundational value. What excellence in education looks like has changed since then, but King’s College continues to pursue it.
In 1922, having grown its roll to more than 400 students and amalgamated with St John’s Collegiate, the college moved to its current site. It now sits in Ōtāhuhu, overlooked by the maunga that forms the backdrop for our beautiful campus: Māngere mountain. The 42 acres of whenua upon which King’s College now sits were purchased from the Middlemore Golf Club; now, students participate and excel in a variety of sports on the well-equipped grounds.
The plan for the new site was designed by Old Collegian and architect Richard Atkinson Abbott. Two versions of his plans were made, one printed on the back of a 1918 pamphlet publicising the new location. The other, which most resembles the current layout, was a modification of the first created due to lack of funds and building resources in the post-war period. The foundation stone of the chapel was laid in 1922 when the campus opened to students, and construction was completed in 1925.
For over a hundred years, the school’s commitment to providing an excellent all-round education—and to developing the mind, body, and spirit of its students—has stayed the same.
Many of the earliest buildings remain and are central to College life, including the Abbott Building, and our Memorial Chapel which opened in 1925. The campus has, however, grown significantly to respond to changing needs and technology. Boarding houses have been re-sited on extensions to the property. A gymnasium, assembly hall (The Great Hall), and science and art blocks have all added valuable new spaces and facilities for students.
The school’s centenary in 1996 was marked by the opening of a new library, another science building, more classrooms, and a university-style lecture theatre. Since then, the Roy Kelley Design Technology Centre (1999), the magnificent Campbell sports complex (2007), and the beautiful Chapel Close have been added. Our most recent new building is Toi Manawa, the King’s College Music and Performing Arts Centre which is an unparalleled resource for the performing arts.
King’s College continues to honour the taonga that is its rich history, while looking towards the future to provide students the best all-round education possible.
