Early days The idea of a Catholic secondary school in Gore was that of long-serving parish priest (1947–1972), Father (later Monsignor) Finlay. The 30-acre (12 hectare) site of the college was gradually purchased during the 1950s and 1960s and appeals were launched for funds in those decades for the construction of the school. In 1961, the
Capuchin Fathers undertook to provide the staff and they became involved in the fund-raising activities in Gore. The first building work commenced with the object of opening the school in 1964. However, after the completion of the staff house and one dormitory, the Capuchins withdrew from the project. Fund-raising continued and in 1965 the Rosminians committed themselves to staff the school. The "advance guard" of Rosminians, Father S Marriott and Brother J Tedesco arrived and they worked with the "central committee" on the fund-raising project. A classroom block was built. In 1968 Father L Hurdidge was appointed Headmaster. At the time of his appointment he was Deputy Head at
St Gregory's College, Huddersfield which was a co-educational school. From the beginning of the project it was assumed that the Gore school would be boys-only but at the time of Father Hurdidge's appointment it was evident that it should be co-educational. His experience in Huddersfield was relevant to the decision to do this. The name of the School, St Peter's, was adopted and it was agreed that it would be staffed by the
Sisters of Mercy and the Rosminians. The college was opened by
Bishop Kavanagh of Dunedin on 26 January 1969, commencing with classes Form 1–3 (Years 7–9). The first staff consisted of: Fathers L Herdidge (Headmaster), J Buckner, B Hogan, Brothers J Tedesco, E Willett, J Wallace, Sisters Mary David (Senior Mistress), Mary Fidelus and Mary Stephena. Some of the Rosminians came from
Rosmini College, Takapuna. The science block was completed soon after the school opened and later a gymnasium and two technical blocks were added. It was decided to build only one of the three proposed dormitory blocks, "Rosmini House", but a house bought on land in Kakapo Street opposite the school was renovated as a hostel for senior boys. It was named St Paul's Without the Walls and known as St Paul's.
Chapel The school chapel, built to an interesting and unusual design conducive to a prayerful atmosphere of peace and serenity, was opened in 1978. One important personality in the early years of the school was Brother Tedesco ("Brother Ted"). He was in charge of St Paul's and his service to the wider community included being elected to the Gore Borough Council. The Rosminians also took up some parish duties in the wider area. Fathers Kearns and Moynihan were successively parish priests of
Mataura. The school became a State-integrated school on 1 February 1982. The school is now completely lay-staffed.
Challenges During the
2023 southern New Zealand floods on 21 September, the college campus sustained significant flooding including damage to its carpets. All but two of the school's ground floors were inundated by floodwater. In 2023 and 2024, St Peters went through a period of limited statutory management under the Education and Training Act 2020. In 2025 the principal indicated that the hostel could be reopened but that it would have to be substantially upgraded first. ==Notable alumni==