Macleans College principal Byron Bentley is delighted with students’ achievements in end-of-year exams, describing them as among the best in the country.
“The hard work paid off,” says Mr Bentley, who has been principal for 11 years. “We are the latest lot holding the baton.”
Students at the Bucklands Beach school gained 98 NCEA scholarships, including 11 outstanding scholarships and a highly-prized premier scholarship – the school’s sixth in five years.
Twelve pupils earned top-in-New Zealand status in their Cambridge exams and 10 gained top-in-the-world marks.
“The icing on the cake is the fact that we are the top school in the country over the past five years [for premier scholarships],” Mr Bentley told the Times.
A special scholars’ assembly has been held at the school to recognise top achievers in the Cambridge and NCEA exams.
Pakuranga MP Maurice Williamson attended and read out a letter from Education Minister Anne Tolley.
“I would like to acknowledge your success – what a fantastic effort,” the letter said.
“I’m sure both your school and community are very proud of your achievements.”
Previously, the number of students earning NCEA scholarships at the school was in the 50s, 60s and 70s, says Mr Bentley.
“There is no doubt that we are putting more and more emphasis on scholarships.
“You have just got to keep on keeping on. That’s what schools do. It’s our job.”
