About Ellesmere College

Located in the takiwā of Te Taumutu Rūnunga, Southbridge District High School opened in the grounds of Southbridge School in 1903  and was housed in some of the primary school’s buildings. The primary and district high school remained merged until 23rd October 1924 when buildings were destroyed by a suspicious fire. Southbridge District High School was rebuilt on the same site while the Southbridge School was rebuilt on the opposite side of the street. In 1981, Southbridge District High School was closed and Ellesmere College – Te Kāreti o Waihora was founded in Leeston.

The buildings which make up 95% of the school were built in Timaru in 1980 and transported to the present site in Leeston. During transportation one of the buildings came off the back of a truck as it crossed the Rakaia with the classroom ending up in the river!

The College opened in February 1981 with a blessing from prominent Te Taumutu Rūnunga kaumātua and Ngai Tahu rangatira the late Riki Te Mairaki Ellison. The school gym is named in his honour and at the time of his death, Matua Riki was a member of the Board of Governors. On opening day, the school was dedicated as a Marae by Riki Te Mairaki Ellison and for several decades it is believed that it was the only secondary school in the South Island to be opened and dedicated as a Marae. 23 staff and 380 foundation pupils started that year. 

We’re proud of the role we play in the community and understand the importance of maintaining a strong community-focus, actively engaging with local community groups and offering our students work experience programmes with local businesses.