Nelson College For Girls
Trafalgar Street, Nelson · Nelson, Marlborough & West Coast
Composite score
Established
Below median
Rank #148 of scored NZ schools
Best suited for
Students aged 13-18 in Nelson looking for a state-funded setting with an established ERO profile.
Is Nelson College For Girls a good school?
Based on the most recent Education Review Office report, Nelson College For Girls scores 68/100 (Established) on our composite — below median of scored NZ schools. Trajectory has declined across recent review cycles. Read the underlying ERO report below for the full evidence.
Strengths from the latest ERO report
- Sustained, high levels of achievement across the school
- Strong, respectful relationships and a positive environment conducive to learning
- Effective pastoral systems and a strong focus on promoting wellbeing
Summary derived from ERO reports + audited financials + MoE records. Every claim links to its source — see data transparency at the bottom of this page.
Latest ERO review
2020-03-13 · Dr Lesley Patterson, Te Tai Tini
- College has been effective in achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for most students with sustained high levels of achievement
- There is a persistent difference between overall achievement levels in NCEA of New Zealand European students and Māori students that the school is acting to improve
- Curriculum requires modernising and needs to increase its response to students' needs, with focus needed on strengthening response to culture, language and identity
- School hostel effectively complements and supports pastoral care and learning; next steps include developing self-review and evaluation and strengthening routines
- Strong, respectful relationships and positive environment conducive to learning are clearly evident with high student engagement
"On the basis of the findings of this review, ERO's overall evaluation judgement of Nelson College For Girls performance in achieving valued outcomes for its students is: Well placed."
Trajectory across review cycles
Year-over-year change per dimension based on consecutive ERO reviews.
Governance weakened significantly between 2016 and 2020. The 2016 report praised trustees as "very aware of their stewardship role" with "a strong focus on improving student achievement," while the 2020 report noted that "The newly-elected board of trustees need to further develop their understanding of governance roles and responsibilities," indicating a gap in governance capability.
2016-05 → 2020-03 diff source
The curriculum assessment shifted from positive to concerning between 2016 and 2020. In 2016, the curriculum was praised for its "strong values and skills emphasis" and effective promotion of girls' learning. By 2020, ERO identified that the "curriculum requires modernising and needs to increase its response to students' needs, with focus needed on strengthening response to culture, language and identity."
2016-05 → 2020-03 diff source
Between 2016 and 2020, Nelson College for Girls shifted from describing lower achievement for Māori girls as "a current focus for school-wide improvement" to acknowledging "a persistent difference between overall achievement levels in NCEA of New Zealand European students and Māori students" that the school is actively working to address. While the 2016 report highlighted increasing visibility of Māori language and culture, the 2020 report indicates the curriculum still needs to strengthen its response to culture, language and identity.
2016-05 → 2020-03 diff source
Leadership was described as 'strong' in 2016 with clear positive impact on teaching and learning. By 2020, while relationships remained strong, ERO identified a specific gap: school leaders need to strengthen shared understanding of evidence-based evaluation and inquiry to measure impact of initiatives on learner outcomes.
2016-05 → 2020-03 diff source
Teaching practice improved from 'ongoing improvements being made' (2016) to 'good systems and processes to support teachers to improve their practice' with a new coaching and mentoring system (2020). However, the curriculum itself became a concern area, requiring modernisation and increased responsiveness to student needs.
2016-05 → 2020-03 diff source
Schools nearby
Within 15km, sorted by distance. Add any to compare with Nelson College For Girls.
- no score yet
Nelson College For Girls Prep School
Intermediate · 0km · 96 roll
- no score yet
St Joseph's School (Nelson)
Full Primary · 0.4km · 363 roll
- no score yet
Nelson Central School
Contributing · 0.5km · 397 roll
- no score yet
Hampden Street School
Contributing · 0.8km · 449 roll
- no score yet
Nelson College
Secondary (Year 9-15) · 0.9km · 949 roll
- no score yet
Nelson College (Prep Dept)
Intermediate · 0.9km · 96 roll
Frequently asked
Is Nelson College For Girls a good school?
Based on the most recent Education Review Office report, Nelson College For Girls scores 68/100 (Established) on our composite — below median of scored NZ schools. Trajectory has declined across recent review cycles. Read the underlying ERO report below for the full evidence.
What does the latest ERO review say?
ERO's 2020-03 review identified 6 key findings. College has been effective in achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for most students with sustained high levels of achievement
How do I enrol my child at Nelson College For Girls?
Contact the school directly on 03-5483104, email admin@ncg.school.nz, or visit www.ncg.school.nz. For state schools, check your home address against the school's enrolment zone — some schools are in-zone-only.
What are the fees?
Nelson College For Girls is a state school. There is no tuition fee for domestic students; voluntary donations may be requested.
What is the roll size?
Nelson College For Girls has 921 students, with an EQI of 442 (mid-range socio-economic context). It is a girls school-only school.
When was the school last reviewed by ERO?
The Education Review Office last reviewed Nelson College For Girls in 2020-03, signed by Dr Lesley Patterson. 2 ERO reports are on file in our archive.
Data transparency
Every fact on this page links to its source. We never publish a claim without provenance — read our methodology for the full rules.
Sourced from
- ero.govt.nz
- schoolsdata.co.nz
- crimestats.co.nz