Nelson College for Girls is a single-sex state school in Nelson, New Zealand. Established in 1883, it has close ties with Nelson College and has a private Preparatory School. Nelson College for Girls was one of the highest rankings school in the Nelson region for NCEA with an average of 71% of Year 13 students achieved NCEA Level 3 in 2005. (This compares with a National average of 51.2% and Decile 7 Girls' schools - 68.9%) The boarding house, Clarice Johnstone House is headed by Mrs. Barbara Symonds and caters for around 120 girls from years 7-13. The school has a proud sporting and cultural background and presents students with opportunities to excel in any field which she may have an interest in. Netball, Rowing, Rugby, Cycling, Shooting, Swimming, Tennis, Basketball and Hockey are just a few of the sporting events and teams which girls can participate in. Music and Arts are also very strong at the school, choirs, jazz band and orchestra and private tuition available for the musically inclined.