Wakefield School

About

Wakefield School is a state-funded, co-educational primary school with Year 1-6 students from 5 to 11 years of age.

Story

We are located in the centre of the village of Wakefield, 30km from Nelson City and 14km from the growing retail and service centre at Richmond. It is situated on just over one hectare in pleasant rural surroundings sharing its boundary with Faulkner’s Bush reserve.

Wakefield School has enjoyed modernisation of existing rooms and the building of new facilities over recent years, including a school hall and learning centre. The school hall is used by various community groups such as a gymnastic group, a karate teacher, and the youth section of the local drama group, the Wakefield Country Players. The Learning Centre includes a well stocked library enjoyed by both students and pre-enrol children, and a computer suite.

The school has access to a covered, heated two pool swimming complex, the larger pool being 25 metres by 8 metres. This is a fine school and community asset well utilised by the school and community.

Wakefield School is the oldest school in continuous use in New Zealand. The school was founded in mid-1843 in the home of Mary Ann Baigent. The demand for schooling grew and on 8 November 1843 a Mr Wilkinson established a school in a cob house under the auspices of the Nelson School Society. During Wakefield School’s 168 year history five schools and two household schools have been consolidated on Wakefield School.