150 years: Goldsborough State School

Learn about the history of Goldsborough State School, one of Victoria’s oldest public schools.

Key information

Address:
Inkerman, 3472
Opened:
21 October 1860
Closed:
16 November 1882
School type:
Primary
School number:
321
Other names:
Inkerman National School, Inkerman Common School, Inkerman State School

The history of Goldsborough State School

  • 1860s

    Originally known as Inkerman, the school opened as a national school in 1860. 63 students attended in the first year.

    The name of the first teacher is unknown. The second head teacher was Willlam Barrat Wilson.

    A new school building was built in the 1860s when a land grant for a new common school was given.

    It opened in 1863. Wilson remained head teacher and 83 students attended.

  • 1872

    John Kirkaldie became the head teacher in 1872.

  • 1874

    The school was extended in 1874 when the site was permanently reserved as a school.

    The nearby Goldsborough settlement continued to grow rapidly. This was due to the operations of the mining companies.

    The school became overcrowded. Enrolments reached 156, with 120 students from Goldsborough.

    In 1878, the Minister visited Goldsborough and decided to build a new school.

  • 1878

    In 1878, the Minister visited Goldsborough and decided to build a new school.

    He decided a new school would reduce costs.

    The school was renting the Wesleyen Church for the infant school and paying high rent.

    Three acres of Crown land at Goldsborough was chosen as the site.

    District Inspector Philips specified that the new school should be a wooden structure, easier to move, as mining activities could be temporary.

  • 1882

    The new school was completed in 1882 and had room for 140 students. John Kirkaldie was still head teacher at the time. 

    The old school building was sold for a small amount. 

  • 1888

    The name of the school was changed to Goldsborough State School in 1888. 

  • 1950

    The school closed in 1959.

Can you help us find records for this school?

The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) only hold historical correspondence and building 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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