Key information
- Address:
- 381 Rochford Road, Rochford 3435
- Opened:
- 28 December 1858
- Closed:
- 1 January 1948
- School type:
- Primary
- School number:
- 540
- Other names:
- Rochford School, Rochford Common School
Can you help us find records for this school?
The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) only holds historical building records for this closed school. If you have any, or if you know of any, please let us know by emailing archives.records@education.vic.gov.au.
The history of Rochford State School
1858
Rochford School opened in 1858 with the support of state aid.
It was situated south-west of Lancefield on the Lancefield—Woodend Road.
The first head teacher was Michael Connell.
He was assisted by work mistress Mary Connell.
In the first year 33 students were enrolled, the average attendance was 29.
1863
On the 10 March 1863, the Rochford post office opened at the school.
The first known postmaster was H.H. Henell. The next postmaster was Joseph Edwards.
1870s
The school became a state school in the 1870s.
The first head teacher was Joseph Edwards, the postmaster. He taught at the school until 1881.
1909 to 1917
Night classes were held for children who had left school but still wanted an education.
20 students attended.
1931
Before 1930, the school had a gallery. This was removed in 1931 and a new floor for the school was created.
Former pupils of note are Sir Henry Gullett, MP, and Edith Onions, OBE.
Onions founded the Melbourne City Newsboys' Society, now Melbourne Newsboys' Club.
Many former pupils served in the first and second world wars. Most pupils returned but several were killed in action.
1948
The school closed.
The teacher's house became the house of the Head Teacher of Goldie North State School (No. 2272).
Former Rochford State School between 1971 and 1984. (Source: Pictures Collection, State Library Victoria) 
Rear view of Rochford State School between 1971 and 1984. (Source: Pictures Collection, State Library Victoria)
Updated