Welcome to Tupou College (Toloa)
Established in 1866 by King George Tupou I and the Rev. Dr. James Egan Moulton, Tupou College is the first secondary school in the Kingdom of Tonga. Located on the historic Toloa campus, we are a Wesleyan boys’ secondary boarding school dedicated to fostering a spirit of excellence under the Tongan Core values: “Faka’apa’apa, Feveitokai’aki, Tauhivā and Lototō” (Respect, Sharing, Loyalty, Humility).
The Tupou College emblem, centered around the motto “Ko Tonga Mo’unga Ki He Loto” A Tongan’s Mountain Is His Heart/Strength), symbolizes enduring Tongan identity, faith, leadership, and the strength found in unity and tradition, with symbols like the hermit crab representing belonging, perseverance, and carrying home within oneself, rooted in Christian values and shaping future leaders.
Academic Excellence & Global Standards:
At Toloa, we provide a triple-stream curriculum, encompassing our National, International (NESA), and TVET pathways, meticulously designed to prepare our students for success both locally and globally.
- National Stream: Following the Tonga School Certificate (TSC) and the Tonga Form Six Certificate (TFSC) frameworks to ensure strong local foundations. Form 7 – USP Foundation Programme – For senior students, Tupou College offers the Form 7 USP Foundation Programme, which prepares students for entry into the University of the South Pacific (USP) and other tertiary institutions.
- International Stream (NESA): Delivering a world-class Australian curriculum accredited by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority, offering a direct gateway to global universities.
- TVET Stream: Our Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme provides specialized, hands-on certification in Agriculture, Engineering, and Construction, preparing students for immediate professional impact.
Our Specialist Academies:
Tupou College is world-renowned for its ability to balance rigorous academics with elite extracurricular development through our specialized academies:
- The Music Academy: Music is the heartbeat of Toloa. Our Brass Band and choir are legendary, upholding a rich tradition of choral and orchestral excellence that represents the College at national and international events.
- The Sports Academy: As a powerhouse of Tongan rugby, our Sports Academy focuses on physical discipline, teamwork, and elite performance. While we excel in Rugby Union, our programs also support athletics and other team sports.
- Agricultural Traditions: Our students participate in the maintenance of the Toloa plantation, learning self-sufficiency and the value of hard work—a tradition that has fed the College for over 150 years.
Achievements & Legacy:
- Tupou College continues to nurture well-rounded young men through sustained excellence in academics, sports, and music. The College has a long-standing tradition of strong academic performance, including positive outcomes in its International and National academic programmes.
- Alongside academic achievement, Tupou College has maintained a proud record in secondary school sports, particularly in rugby and athletics, promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical wellbeing. The College is also recognised for its contribution to music and choral performance, where students develop creativity, confidence, and cultural expression.
- Together, these areas reflect Tupou College’s commitment to a holistic education that develops character, leadership, and service — values the College continues to uphold for generations to come.
Faith & Character:
Beyond academic and sporting success, the true hallmark of a Tupou College education is the spiritual transformation of our young men.
- Spiritual Foundation: We maintain a steadfast emphasis on Christian behavior and the Wesleyan faith. Our unique boarding environment fosters a “life of prayer,” where students are encouraged to build a personal relationship with God.
- A Journey of Faith: One of our most cherished achievements is seeing the vast majority of our students accept Christ as their Savior during their time at Toloa. Before they leave our gates, many have made a lifelong commitment to the Gospel.
- Servant Leadership: Our graduates do not just become professionals; they become spiritual pillars. A significant number of our alumni go on to become ordained ministers, lay preachers, and spiritual leaders, providing the backbone of support for local congregations across the Kingdom of Tonga and abroad.
- The “Toloa Spirit”: The discipline and behavior instilled here create men of integrity who lead through service, carrying the College’s spiritual legacy into every village and community they enter.