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Schools in Ellesmere
Description
NameSchools in Ellesmere
DescriptionThere were 12 Primary schools in the Ellesmere District.
South Selwyn 1865 (later Brookside 1869), Leeston 1867, Southbridge 1868, Killinchy 1871, Upper Selwyn 1871, Little Rakaia 1873, Lakeside 1875, Doyleston 1876, Irwell 1879, Dunsandel 1879, Sedgemere 1883, St. Joseph’s 1898.
The schools were consolidated gradually in Leeston, Southbridge and Dunsandel.
Ellesmere Technical Association was formed in 1897.
Southbridge District High School started in 1903 and closed in December 1980. A manual training block was added in 1928 and was used by other schools in Ellesmere.
Ellesmere College opened in Leeston in February 1981.
DescriptionThere were 12 Primary schools in the Ellesmere District. South Selwyn 1865 (later Brookside 1869), Leeston 1867, Southbridge 1868, Killinchy 1871, Upper Selwyn 1871, Little Rakaia 1873, Lakeside 1875, Doyleston 1876, Irwell 1879, Dunsandel 1879, Sedgemere 1883, St. Joseph’s 1898.
The schools were consolidated gradually in Leeston, Southbridge and Dunsandel.
Ellesmere Technical Association was formed in 1897.
Southbridge District High School started in 1903 and closed in December 1980. A manual training block was added in 1928 and was used by other schools in Ellesmere.
Ellesmere College opened in Leeston in February 1981.

Connections
CollectionCommunity Life in Ellesmere
OrganisationEllesmere Historical Society
OrganisationEllesmere Historical Society
Schools in Ellesmere. Selwyn Stories, accessed 14/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6090




