Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Wellington

Wellington, offers a variety of educational options for expat and digital nomad families, with a selection of international and bilingual schools that cater to diverse needs and curricula preferences. While Wellington is not as large as cities like London or New York, it still boasts a number of quality educational institutions. Among the most popular are the Scots College and Queen Margaret College, which are known for their comprehensive programs and international curricula. Here is a list of some of the international or bilingual schools within a 40-minute drive from Wellington that are well-suited for expat children.

Scots College

Grades: Pre-school to Year 13
Location(s): Strathmore Park, Wellington
Website: www.scotscollege.school.nz

Scots College is an independent Presbyterian day and boarding school that offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) alongside the New Zealand Curriculum. With a strong emphasis on holistic education, the school provides excellent facilities, including modern classrooms, sports fields, and a performing arts center. Extracurricular activities are abundant, catering to a wide range of interests.

Queen Margaret College

Grades: Pre-school to Year 13
Location(s): Thorndon, Wellington
Website: www.qmc.school.nz

Queen Margaret College is a private girls' school that offers a bilingual option in Mandarin and English. It provides the IB Primary Years Programme and is a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme. The college boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and a sports complex. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and a supportive international community.

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School

Grades: Primary to Year 13
Location(s): Karori, Wellington
Website: www.marsden.school.nz

Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is an independent Anglican school for girls, with a co-educational preschool. It offers the New Zealand Curriculum as well as the IB Diploma Programme for senior students. The school is known for its strong academic record, excellent pastoral care, and a wide range of cultural and sporting opportunities.

Wellington International School

Grades: Year 1 to Year 13
Location(s): Wellington City
Website: www.wellington.school.nz

Wellington International School is a co-educational school that offers an international education to students from diverse backgrounds. The school follows the Cambridge Curriculum and prepares students for the IGCSE and A-Level examinations. With a focus on global citizenship, the school provides a supportive environment for international students and offers a range of extracurricular activities.

Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School

Grades: Kindergarten to Year 13
Location(s): Lower Hutt, Wellington
Website: www.raphaelhouse.school.nz

Raphael House Rudolf Steiner School offers a holistic education based on the Steiner philosophy, which emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The school provides a nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on the arts, crafts, and outdoor education. It is a unique option for families seeking an alternative to mainstream education.

Chilton Saint James School

Grades: Preschool to Year 13
Location(s): Lower Hutt, Wellington
Website: www.chilton.school.nz

Chilton Saint James School is a private single-sex girls' school with a co-educational preschool. It offers the New Zealand Curriculum and Cambridge International Examinations. The school is known for its performing arts program and provides excellent facilities, including a dance studio, music rooms, and a swimming pool. It also has a strong focus on pastoral care and student well-being.