Secondary Education for Tauranga properly began with the establishment of a District High School at the  beginning of the 1900s, as part of the Tauranga Primary School on Cameron Road. By the mid 1930s however, the buildings were inadequate for the task and a push for a separate secondary school began.

In 1937 the Education Board purchased “Hillsdene”. Originally one of the ten acre blocks laid out after the Battle at Gate Pa, it had been a private residence before it became a motor camp. 

World War Two delayed building on the new site and it was only when men and materials became available in 1944 that a start was made. The new school, Tauranga College, was opened on February 5 1946 and the buildings consisted of the Administration block and what is now the Business Studies block down to A4. 

After 12 years as Tauranga College the school had grown to such an extent that the decision was taken to split the school into Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges with the girls moving down Cameron Road to their present site. 

Tauranga Boys’ College came into being in 1958 and has continued to grow considerably ever since.

The College seeks to honour our past while creating our future. This includes recognising top scholars and New Zealand representative sportsmen, the naming of buildings after former principals and assorted trees and memorials for World War II casualties and students who died whilst enrolled.

PERGO ET PERAGO

The selection of Myron's Discobolus as the College crest was based on the values it represents.

The figurine of the discus-thrower embodied Greek beliefs that life should be studied closely and reproduced exactly, complete with grace, proportion, poise, discipline and exactitude.

This central concept gave rise to the College motto, "Pergo et Perago," meaning "I pick up the work and carry it through." 

In conjunction with this motto, all boys are encouraged to strive for excellence in their various pursuits.