History

Today traditional values are blended with best teaching practice to provide an achievement based education for the 21st Century.

Our History | Tō Tātou TalasōpokoExplore the milestones that shaped us through relocation, earthquake, and flood into the oldest state secondary school in Hawke’s Bay.

For over 150 years this school has been a leading secondary school in New Zealand and is the oldest State Secondary School in Hawke’s Bay.  Leaders in all occupations and professions have been educated by the school since its beginning in 1872.

Napier Boys’ High School has retained a philosophy of education consistent with this status. Emphasis is placed on academic rigour, competition, ‘the basics’, strict discipline, strong values, extra-curricular activities, formal occasions, school uniform and pride. These qualities engender a high level of success for students in all aspects of school life. While traditional, Napier Boys’ High School is not conservative and is a dynamic learning environment aiming to future proof tomorrow’s citizens. 

Today traditional values are blended with best teaching practice to provide an achievement based education for the 21st Century.

The School is proud of the achievements of its young men.

The history of Napier Boys’ High School reflects both evolution and resilience. Established in 1872, the school began in a modest two-storied house on Carlyle Street with only 30 pupils. As enrollment increased, the institution relocated in 1875 to its iconic site on the slopes of Scinde Hill. For more than fifty years, the Victorian brick buildings overlooking the town shaped the school’s identity, creating the enduring "Scindian" spirit and inspiring the name of the historic boarding hostel, Scinde House.

A defining moment in the school’s history occurred on February 3, 1931, when the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake rendered the hillside buildings unsafe. This event necessitated a significant decision, and in 1932, the school relocated from the confined hills to the expansive 30-hectare site at Te Awa.

During the transition, classes were temporarily conducted in tents and makeshift structures. The relocation enabled the development of a distinctive Art Deco-inspired campus and provided space for world-class playing fields and the school farm, both of which remain hallmarks of the Napier Boys’ High School experience.

Although the school’s origins were on the hill, its future is now shaped on the plains. Today, Napier Boys’ High School is a forward-looking institution with approximately 1,200 students, dedicated to supporting the success of modern young men.

Napier Boys’ High School has retained a philosophy of education consistent with this status. Emphasis is placed on academic rigour, competition, ‘the basics’, strict discipline, strong values, extra-curricular activities, formal occasions, school uniform and pride. These qualities engender a high level of success for students in all aspects of school life. While traditional, Napier Boys’ High School is not conservative and is a dynamic learning environment aiming to future proof tomorrow’s citizens.

Today traditional values are blended with best teaching practice to provide an achievement based education for the 21st Century.

 

Simon Coe (2024 - Present)

He brings extensive experience in boys' education to his role as Headmaster. His connection to Napier Boys’ High School began early in his career, when he spent nine years teaching science here. He returned to lead the school in 2024 after a successful seven-year tenure as Rector of Southland Boys' High School.

Jarrod Williams (2021 - 2024)

As the first Headmaster of Māori descent (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou), Mr Williams emphasised cultural identity and community. His leadership fostered strong connections and guided the school through its 150th Jubilee. He now continues his dedication to education, serving as a Headmaster in Hamilton..

Matt Bertram (2016 - 2021)

​He modernised the school's curriculum and infrastructure while upholding traditional character development and academic standards. He also promoted regional educational collaboration through the Super 8 network.

Ross Brown (1997 - 2015)

He is one of the longest-serving modern Headmasters, having led the school for nearly two decades of steady enrolment growth, significant campus upgrades, and outstanding sporting and cultural achievements.

Mark Hensman (1993 - 1997)

Led the school through educational restructuring in the mid-1990s, emphasising student leadership, academic tracking, and the expansion of regional sports exchanges.

Bruce Davie (1977 - 1993)

Guided the school through 16 years of transformation, achieving substantial enrolment growth, cultivating a strong family culture in both the day school and hostel, and building enduring staff legacies..

Darcy Caird (1964 - 1976)

He guided the school through the social changes of the 1960s and 1970s. His tenure as headmaster was defined by strong disciplinary standards and a greater emphasis on the arts, outdoor education, and community service.

Hugh Henderson (1953 - 1963)

He led the school through a period of significant post-war growth. In recognition of his contributions to the community and campus culture, Henderson Hall was named in his honour.

William Foster (1928 - 1952)

He served an extraordinary 24-year tenure, guiding the school through both the Great Depression and World War II. He also led the essential post-earthquake reconstruction in the iconic Art Deco style. In recognition of his outstanding leadership and resilience, F Block was named in his honour.

William Allan Amour (1916 - 1928)

He was a transformative leader who improved the school’s academic standards, public reputation, and sports programs. In 1927, he led the relocation of the campus from Bluff Hill to Te Awa. In recognition of his legacy, the science building (A Block) is named after him.

A.S.M Polson (1902 - 1915)

​Led the school through its most traumatic event—the 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake. He famously kept the school running in tents and temporary structures and oversaw the rebuild in the Art Deco style seen today.

William Wood (1888 - 1902)

He played a key role in the school's early history, shaping its sporting spirit and traditions. Both the annual 1st XV rugby exchange with Palmerston North Boys' High School, known as the Polson Banner, and P Block are named in his honour.

John Innes (1886 - 1887)

Held a brief yet important tenure during the school's formative late-Victorian era, maintaining high academic standards and supporting student welfare on the hill.

Campbell Heath (1884 - 1886)

The first Headmaster led the school following its official amalgamation under the High School Act and relocation to Clyde Road. He brought the school’s first ten boarders from land and established Scinde House. C Block is named after him.

Rev. John Campbell (1872 - 1883)

he founding headmaster during the trust era on Bluff Hill established the school's first classes in 1872, laying the groundwork for one of New Zealand's oldest and most prestigious state secondary boys' schools.