150 years: Rothwell State School

Learn about the history of Rothwell State School, one of Victoria's oldest public schools.

Key information

Address:
Little River, 3211
Opened:
2 July 1856
Closed:
31 March 1894
School type:
Primary
School number:
534
Other names:
Rothwell Common School

The history of Rothwell State School

  • 1856

    Rothwell opened as a national school in 1856. Classes were held in the home of the Rev. Thomas Fullager.

  • 1862

    Rothwell became a common school in 1862. The number of students enrolled at the school was increasing. A stone schoolhouse was built.

  • 1870s

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

    The school closed in September 1877 because there were not enough students.

    The school reopened in July 1879. This was because some children had to walk too far to get to the closest school.

  • 1887

    Rothwell closed in March 1887 and the schoolhouse was sold. The school reopened again September 1887.

  • 1894

    Rothwell State School permanently closed in 1894.

Find more interesting facts about this school

The Public Record Office Victoria (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's your turn to do some detective work. PROV currently only have paper records for this school. Take a look to see what info they have on this school.

Updated