"It's an outstanding achievement; just to have the recognition for the work we've done throughout the past nine years."
He said after undertaking the role of school principal nine years ago he quickly realised the status quo needed to be changed for a large number of students who were underachievers.
"We're now trying to progress that to our wider community so others can acknowledge the success and learn from it. We are so open to sharing what we do."
A key to the school's success was the "mindset shift" of many of those involved in the school who had to realise the difference they could make to the students' achievement levels, he said.
"It's about focusing on the difference you can make and not worrying about the things you can't change ... everyone's contribution adds up to one big achievement."
The excellence awards, a Government incentive to profile New Zealand's education system both internally and globally, have been running for four years but this year was the first time William Colenso had entered.
Earlier this year the education awards judges toured the Napier school to determine how innovative and effective its teaching practices were.
Judges noted that the college's self-review process identified there was a need for a transformation of the teaching and learning.
They also highlighted the college's past involvement in Te Kotahitanga; a research and professional development programme that supported teachers to improve Maori students' learning and achievement.
This involvement was found to support a change which transformed teachers' knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy, te ao Maori, restorative practice, curriculum design and delivery.
Ministry of Education deputy secretary for early learning and student achievement Ellen MacGregor-Reid said the finalists and winners had "been judged to be among the pre-eminent education practitioners in New Zealand".
"They have set the highest standards in their work and it is making a real difference for the children and young people in their communities."
Mr Murfitt earlier told Hawke's Bay Today the national recognition had already had a positive ripple effect among the school's population.
"It's an opportunity for us to build pride in the students as well, because it's really important for them to feel pride in the school," he said. "If you feel pride in something you belong to, you end up performing better."
The college was a joint winner for the Excellence in Leading alongside Rotorua's Te Kōhanga Reo ki Rotokawa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Education Minister Nikki Kaye celebrated the wide range of winners who covered education in early learning, primary, intermediate and secondary schools.
"Even getting through to be a finalist is hugely significant, and this year the calibre of the entries meant the judges had some difficult decisions to make.
Of the more than 140 entries from throughout the country, William Colenso College stood out as the only school in the country finalised for three of the four categories of the education excellence awards.
As an awards winner William Colenso College will receive $20,000; an amount Mr Murfitt said would be put towards "improving student outcomes".
The overall Prime Minister's Supreme Award was awarded to Manurewa Intermediate which was also the winner of the Excellence in Engaging category.
Excellence in Teaching and Learning was jointly won by Invercargill Middle School and Waitakere College, and a Judges' Commendation also went to Halswell School in Christchurch.
