By the mid-1930s, the buildings were inadequate for use, and a push for a separate secondary school began.

In 1937, the education board purchased the motor camp "Hillsdene", originally one of the 10-acre (40,000 m2) blocks laid out after the Battle of Gate Pā.

This includes honours boards recognising head students and top scholars and the displaying of memorabilia from old boys who have represented New Zealand.

There are also memorial trees for staff and students who died whilst at the College.

The College won NZSS Boys' First XI Football title, with a 1–0 victory in the final in Napier on 2 September 2022.