150 years: Benalla Primary School

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

Key information

Address:
127-139 Waller Street, Benalla, 3672
Opened:
11 July 1851
Closed:
31 December 2012
School type:
Primary
School number:
31

The history of Benalla Primary School

  • 1850s

    Benalla opened as a national school in 1851. 

    The original school building was brick.

    The first head teacher was William Bennett. John Carter became head teacher in 1854.

    Enrolment increased from 33 in 1852 to 65 by 1859.

  • 1874

    A school building was added.

  • 1890

    The original school building was demolished.

  • 1900s

    Benalla became an adjunct of Benalla East State School (No. 2256).

    Classes were held in a Church of England building in 1909 while the school was renovated.

  • 1940s

    Two teacher's residences were bought in 1942 and 1949.

  • 1950s

    Memorial gates were installed for the school's 100th anniversary in 1951.

    The school was renovated in 1956 and an extra classroom was added.

     

  • 1962

    A pine plantation was planted. It was on the site of Samaria State School (No. 893).

  • 2000s

    The school observed its 150th anniversary in 2001.

    A history publication was authored by the Benalla and District Family History Group for the occasion.

  • 1987

    View across lawn of new single storey building at Benalla Primary School in 1987.
  • 2012

    Benalla Primary School closed. 

    The primary school closed because it was part of a merger. Several other smaller local schools also closed at the same time.

    The schools that merged were:

    • Benalla Primary School (No. 31)
    • Benalla East Primary School (No. 2256)
    • Benalla West Primary School (No. 4850)
    • Benalla College (No. 8810)

    As part of this merging process, a new school, called Benalla P-12 College (No. 8915) opened in their place.

Can you help us find records for this school?

The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) only hold historical correspondence records for this closed school. If you have any, or if you know of any, please let us know by emailing 150years@education.vic.gov.au

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