The College offers multiple curriculum pathways tailored for boys. Each year the Curriculum Booklet is published in July and outlines the subjects available, how they are structured into each course of study and where your learning might lead to.

The junior curriculum comprises a broad balanced and comprehensive introduction to secondary education and the national curriculum. While the course content is largely compulsory, there is some flexibility with option courses that allow students to sample areas of interest which could lead on to subject choices in the senior school.

The senior school offers a wide curriculum selection for students to gain credits towards the National Certificate of Education Achievement or NCEA. Students are encouraged to make an informed choice on course selections by considering personal strengths and interests, career options and future study plans along with seeking advice from key staff, family and careers advisors in order to have the best possible outcome.

Nelson College offers NCEA at Levels 1, 2 and 3 as well as University Entrance and NZ Scholarship. For more information on the NCEA achievement standards and assessment system please visit the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website.