It was created in 1963 when the roll of Kelston High School (formed in 1954) became too large for the site on the corner of Archibald and Great North Roads.

At the time Board chairwoman Rosemary Caldwell commented that the name change would help to attract international students.

It prescribes that the student is at the centre of learning in the classroom and that culturally responsive relational trust is the focus of all teachers.

As of 2014 the school's ethnic composition was as follows:[7][obsolete source] Kelston Girls' College receives a number of students who have come to New Zealand as refugees.

Students have access to a doctor, registered nurse, physiotherapist, guidance counsellors, youth work, social worker and family planning services.