Wadestown School is a state co-educational full primary school with approximately 254 students. The school is situated on two sites.
Our History
Wadestown School was first opened at Weld Street on 1 June 1881. One of the earliest schools in Wellington, it was built as a single classroom schoolhouse. By 1896 it had been extended twice and is now a four-classroom school. The building was demolished after World War II and rebuilt in the current layout, being officially opened on 15 June 1946. Until recently the Weld Street site was known as the Side School.
At Rose Street, two classrooms were built, and opened in February 1917. There have been a number of renovations and building developments that have occurred on the site since. Until recently the Rose Street site was known as the Main School. In 2018, two new buildings were placed on the lower grounds.
A full and detailed written account of the history of the school was written in preparation for the 125th Anniversary in November 2006. Copies of this book are available from the school.
Our Site
The latest refurbishment of Weld Street took place during 2008. The school is proud of the significant improvements to the Weld Street and that the historic nature of the buildings has been retained. There are four classrooms, a library and a designated Reading Recovery room. The grounds include landscaped gardens, a playground with a slide and decks, and a playing field. The Deputy Principal has an office at Weld Street and one in the Rata Block at Rose Street.
Rose Street began as two classrooms opening in February 1917. There have been a number of building developments at the school due to a growing roll. A full and detailed written account of the history of the school was written in preparation for the 125th Anniversary in November 2006. Rose Street is one kilometre from the Weld Street and accommodates children from Year 2 to Year 8. Access to Rose Street is by footpath from Mairangi Road and limited vehicular access is available. There is also pedestrian access from Wilton Road via Purakau Avenue.
Rose Street has three classroom blocks at different levels with a total of 12 classrooms. Our blocks are called Rata (Year 3-4 and also contains the Library), Rimu (Year 5-6) and Kōwhai (Year 7-8). The Admin Block contains the Principal’s office, school office, medical room and hall and is beside Rata. Despite the hilly site, the Rose Street grounds include landscaped gardens, a playing field, a large flat playground, nature garden, science garden, tennis court, half court and large concrete quad. Our Rata block has undergone a recent refurbishment of in 2023.
Parents have high expectations for their children’s learning and progress, and take an active interest in the school. The school maintains close links with a number of early childhood institutions and secondary schools. Wadestown School has an enrolment scheme in place and details can be found here. The school has a very active PTA and successful fundraising ventures undertaken by this group support the school’s strategic direction.