150 years: Wallan Primary School

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

Key information

Address:
46-48 Queen Street, Wallan, 3756
Opened:
20 April 1857
School type:
Primary
School number:
664
Other names:
Wallan Wallan Scots School, Wallan Common School, Wallan State School

The history of Wallan Primary School

  • 1858

    The school was opened by Reverend Thomas Craig in 1858. It was known as Wallan Wallan Scots School at the time.

    The first head teacher was Thomas Noble and 34 students were enrolled.

    The weatherboard school building was built on Queen Street.

    Enrolment increased and another brick building was added. Nobel's wife also taught at the school as sewing mistress.

  • 1862

    The school became a common school in 1862.

  • 1870s

    The school became a state school at some stage between 1873 and 1878. It was then known as Wallan State School. R. Strahan became the head teacher. The school bought a small playing area but it was across the road.

  • 1908

    A teacher's residence was bought in 1908.

  • 1958

    A new school building was opened in 1958 by the Minister of Education, the Hon. J.S. Bloomfield.

  • 1959

    The teacher's residence was sold in 1959.

  • 1970

    The school was renamed Wallan Primary School in 1970.

  • 2022

    Wallan 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 information they have on this school.

Updated