Nelson Education a past look

Schools were established in Nelson just months after the establishment of the first settlement. Some of the early schools were located at Wakefield (1843), Spring Grove (1845), Stoke (1845), Waimea West (1846), Richmond (1846), Waimea East (1848) and Riwaka (1848). Other schools were established at Clifton Terrace, Hope, Motupipi (in Golden Bay) and Appleby.

Education was controlled by the Provincial Council, formed in 1854, and by the Central Board of Education. In 1875, education became a national duty.

The Education Act of 1877 provided for the compulsory and free education of children.

Nelson College was opened in 1856 in temporary facilities in Manuka Street. The college foundation stone was laid in 1859 and Nelson College was subsequently opened in 1861.

An Act was passed in 1882 allowing permission for Nelson College for Girls to be built. Currently, the Nelson College building is the third to occupy its hill location. A fire in 1904 burned down the college and the 1929 Murchison Earthquake seriously damaged the college's brick building.