Mr D E Swinton became principal in 1947 and, in 1953, after strong representation to the Minister of Education, Waihi College was established as a full secondary school, with an intermediate department attached.

Staff and pupils moved to the new buildings in September 1959 and the college was officially opened on 11 March 1960 by the then Prime Minister, Walter Nash.

The intermediate school remained at Moresby Avenue and sixteen years later Forms 1 and 2 students returned to the college roll.

The motto suggests an implicit ethos expected of students to strive for greatness whilst respecting duties carried under the eternal, the natural, the human and the divine law.

The school teaches National Certificate of Educational Achievement accredited papers, including but not limited to classical studies, history, music, chemistry, biology, physics, English studies, geography, physical education, Māori language, food technology, agriculture, graphic design, horticulture and mathematics.