History of Wellington College | Founded in 1856
Wellington College was founded in 1856 by Queen Victoria in memory of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington – the British hero of the Battle of Waterloo and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The College was established to honour his legacy following his death at the age of 83.
The College welcomed its first 76 students (all boys) on 20 January 1859. In 2005, Wellington College became fully co-educational, reflecting its progressive and forward-thinking educational philosophy. Today, the College educates more than 1,000 students aged 13 to 19, with over 80% enrolled as boarders.
Our History
Wellington College founded
College accepts first students
College becomes co-educational
First international school opens
Wellington College Bangkok opens
A Leading British Independent School
Recognised as one of the most respected independent schools in the United Kingdom, Wellington College is renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and holistic education. The school continues to pioneer transformative educational practices for both girls and boys in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.
Educational Innovation and Global Impact
In the early 2000s, under the leadership of Sir Anthony Seldon, Wellington College introduced groundbreaking educational initiatives. These included Wellbeing as a core school subject, the adoption of Harkness learning (inspired by leading American preparatory schools), and the launch of EdFest – an internationally recognised annual education festival hosted at the College.
