The college was officially opened on 2 October 1953 by
Charles E Beeby, the New Zealand Minister of Education. Samoa's education system is historically associated with New Zealand. Before the official opening of Samoa College, a system of 'accelerated' learning was developed in 1949 for selected pupils with top marks in exams from around the country. These pupils would make up the core of the new college. The accelerated pupils went to school at a
fale in
Malifa, near the capital
Apia and later moved to the new school once it was opened. Former students include writer
Albert Wendt who became the school principal 1969 to 1973. His tenure saw the broadening of the curriculum to include arts subjects. ==Alumni==