150 years: Hoddle Street State School

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

Key information

Address:
Hoddle Street, East Melbourne , 3002
Opened:
1 January 1855
Closed:
30 April 1877
School type:
Primary
School number:
303
Other names:
Simpson's Road School, Trythall's school, Hoddle Street Common School

The history of Hoddle Street State School

  • 1855

    This school was opened in 1855 by the Church of England Trinity Church.

    The head teacher was Stephen Trythall and the school was known as "Simpson's Road" as well as Trythall's school.

  • 1857

    Hoddle Street became a national school in 1857.

    Classes were taught in three leased buildings. The buildings were on Islington Street, Simpson Street and the corner of Hoddle and Victoria.

    Victoria Street was known then as Simpson's Road. Overcrowding led to issues with sanitation, lighting and drainage.

  • 1875

    Enrolment reached 1,348 but the average attendance was only 600.

     

  • 1877

    The school closed in 1877.

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

Updated