ABOUT US
OUR SPECIAL CHARACTER
Our Special Character is at the heart of our school. The teaching of Christian values and our family environment are an important part of the special character of Solway College. This means:
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Solway College has an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church but is non-sectarian and inclusive in its enrollments.
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The education provided includes religious observances attended by pupils, and includes Christian education and worship.
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Solway College is a multi-racial school providing education to pupils from families in all walks of life.
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Solway College is primarily a boarding school (with a very limited number of day girl places) and encourages close friendship and sister to sister relationships between pupils.
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Solway College makes cultural activities and sporting programmes major traditions in which all pupils are expected to take part and learn to achieve, by supporting one another through team work.
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Solway College is a family and, as a family, we encourage the involvement of teaching staff, Board members, parents and former pupils in all major school activities.
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Solway College emphasizes the place of "Religious Faith" in everyday living.
Our VISION
Solway College is an educational leader with God as our foundation. We empower our young women to thrive and lead with purpose, today and in tomorrow's world.
Our MISSION
To provide a holistic education for young women in an inclusive, Christian, family environment.
Our MOTTO
'Timor dei principium sapientiae'
Being in awe of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom
Our VALUES
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Excellence is our goal
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Pursuing purpose is our means
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God is our foundation
OUR FACILITIES
OUR BEAUTIFUL HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Solway College is set within extensive park-like grounds in Masterton, Wairarapa, just 90 minutes drive from our capital city, Wellington.
Our facilities include a specialist equestrian centre, sports grounds and swimming pool; newly refurbished learning and living areas and two brand new hostel dormitories on their way, ready for the start of the 2021 school year.
Our House WHANAU
STRONG TRADITION, FIERCE COMPETITION, EVERLASTING SISTERHOOD, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - FUN!
Our SCHOOL SISTERS
Within each house, each student is paired with their very own school sister. There are a number of fun school sister events and activities that occur each term.
School sisters form close peer mentoring relationships and lifetime friendships are created.
OUR STAFF
At Solway College, our staff are more than teachers or hostel matrons; every staff member is part of our Solway whānau too.
Our dedicated staff go above and beyond to ensure that every student is cared for, supported to reach their full potential and, empowered to thrive in tomorrow's world.
OUR HISTORY
Solway College has a very rich history. It was established in 1916 by the Reverend Laurence Thompson and his wife Mrs Marion Thompson, who was also the first principal. The aim was, and remains, to provide a holistic education based on Christian teaching and values, an education that developed the whole person: intellectual, physical, cultural and spiritual.
The school opened in February 1916 with a roll of nineteen boarders and two day girls, followed by 61 pupils the year after and 100 by 1918.
In 1978, Solway College became one of the first girls' boarding colleges to become integrated under the government's Integration Act (1975). The integration agreement defined the 'special character' elements the school wished to retain, as being:
* non-sectarianism but affiliation with the Presbyterian church
* importance of the Christian faith, and its moral and ethical standards, in society, cultural heritage and daily life
* a multicultural school providing education to pupils from families in all walks of life
* expectation of day girls to participate fully in all activities of the school both in and out of school hours
* creating a family atmosphere where girls can learn and attain the correct attitudes for responsible citizenship.