150 years: Beaufort Primary School

Learn about the history of Beaufort Primary School, one of Victoria's oldest public schools.

Key information

Address:
2/37 Park Road , Beaufort, 3373
Opened:
29 September 1856
School type:
Primary
School number:
60
Other names:
Beaufort Common School, Beaufort State School

The History of Beaufort Primary School

  • 1864

    Beaufort opened as a common school in 1864. The first head teacher was named Grenfell. There were 56 students enrolled when the school opened.

  • 1869

    A new schoolhouse was built in 1869. It had two rooms.

  • 1870s

    The school became a state school at some stage between 1873 and 1878. 

  • 1908

    The schoolhouse was renovated in 1908. 

  • 1925

    The schoolhouse was renovated again and a new building added. This new building had 2 classrooms. The school became a higher elementary school in 1925. This meant that secondary classes for older students were added, like secondary schools today. 

  • 1928

    A plantation of wattle and pine trees was planted. The trees would be sold for timber when fully grown to raise money for the school. 
     

  • 1929

    A staffroom was added in 1929. 

  • 1936

    A building from Eurambeen State School (No. 1137) was brought in to be used as a woodwork room.

  • 1945

    The wife of the Prime Minister visited the school in 1945. She had been an earlier student at the school. 

  • 1948

    The playground was landscaped.

  • 1952

    The building from Mt Rowan State School (No. 757) was brought in to be used as a cookery centre. 

  • 1958

    Another 2 classrooms were moved to the schoolgrounds. 

  • 1960

    The school split and the High School moved to another building. 

  • 1970

    The school was renamed Beaufort Primary School in 1970.

  • 2022

    Beaufort Primary School is still in operation.

Find more interesting facts about this school

The Public Records Office (PROV) is the archive of Victoria's State and local government. They look after some of our oldest school records, and we can use these records to help us understand what school life used to be like.

Now it is your turn to do some detective work. Take a look to see what info they have on this school.

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