How it all began
Our history starts with James Dilworth, founder of the Dilworth Trust Board and School.
A farmer, investor and philanthropist, James Dilworth was born in 1815 in Northern Ireland. He was educated at the Royal School Dungannon and throughout his life, was profoundly influenced by his education, an opportunity given to him by his great-aunt, Anne Dilworth. It shaped his thinking and set him on the path to give other young men the same experience and advantages.
After completing school, James worked in the Northland Bank in Dungannon and it was here that he began developing the astute business acumen that would be fundamental to his prosperous career. He left Ireland for Australia and New Zealand in the late 1830s, in search of better prospects.
He married Isabella Hall, from Otahuhu (originally from Aghalee, Ireland), in 1853. Together, they became pillars of St Mark’s Church in Remuera, contributing greatly to its upkeep and expansion.
James Dilworth died in 1894, aged 79, without children of his own. He left most of his considerable estate to establish a school, known then as the Dilworth Ulster Institute.
Dilworth School opened as a boys-only boarding school on 12th March 1906. Since then, the endowment that funds the school has grown substantially. Thanks to the legacy of James and Isabella Dilworth, the Dilworth Trust Board is a owner of assets that have supported thousands of students to attend Dilworth.
Thanks to the legacy of James and Isabella Dilworth, today Dilworth School provides fully funded scholarships that support and enable young men to achieve things they might not have dreamed were possible.
Our mission and vision
Dilworth’s mission and vision have stayed true to the intent expressed in James Dilworth’s will over 100 years ago.
Mission
To support young men to reach their potential and become good and useful members of society
Vision
To develop young men of good character, achieving personal excellence, who flourish in life.