Imagine those first 23 boys in 1903. They gathered in the parish hall of Holy Trinity Church. From such humble beginnings, Trinity Grammar School grew. Today we explore its fascinating history.
Trinity Grammar School’s story began with a vision. Members of Holy Trinity Church, Kew sought to create a school. That vision became reality on November 14, 1902. The vestry made the decision to found Trinity Grammar School. The first classes started in 1903.
Rev. Edward Taffs was the first headmaster. Soon after, Rev. G. M. Long took over. In 1906, Trinity purchased “Roxeth”. It was a property on Wellington Street and Charles Street. “Roxeth” is now known as Henty House. Arnold Hall, the first classroom block, was completed in 1907. Trinity Grammar School was registered as a public school of the Church of England that same year.
The school leased “Molina” in 1908. “Molina” was on the other side of Charles Street. It was the site of the former Kew High School. A science laboratory beside Arnold Hall was built in 1909.
Rev. A. W. Tonge became headmaster in 1911. He succeeded Long. A second classroom building was constructed. It was later demolished. It made way for the Richard and Elizabeth Tudor Centre for Contemporary Learning. Frank Shann led Trinity Grammar School for two and a half decades from 1917. The school grew to 245 boys under Shann. Many buildings were built. These included the War Memorial Library and the Preparatory School classroom.
“Molina” and the neighbouring property, “Elsinore”, were bought. In 1925, “Molina” became Merritt House. “Elsinore” became Roberts House. “Roxeth” remained Henty House.
Alfred Bright became headmaster after Frank Shann’s death. In 1952, a second storey was added to the Preparatory School. The Parents’ and Friends’ Hall was built in 1953. It stood between Merritt House and Xavier College. John Leppitt was appointed Headmaster in 1959. Under Leppitt, the student population grew significantly. It reached 812 students.
The Robertson Science and Administration Building opened in 1959. It was later extended. The Junior School building was extended in 1961. The Shann Building was constructed in 1968. A new sports facility, the Cornell Gymnasium, opened too.
Land near Lake Eppalock was purchased in the 1970s. The Leppitt Outdoor Education Centre opened in 1973. The boarding house closed in 1975 after 60 years. The War Memorial Library was demolished. The three-storey Tonge Building replaced it. The library was relocated to the Shann Building.
Don Marles succeeded John Leppitt as headmaster in 1979. A new swimming pool was added in 1980. The science laboratories were renovated. Merritt House became a music school.
Trinity Grammar School acquired land in Bulleen in 1983. The Marles Playing Fields were established there. The Poynter Building was built in 1989. The tuck shop closed in 1990. A new cafeteria opened in the Shann Building. A dedicated chapel was built in 1992.
Peter Crawley became headmaster in 1993. Trinity introduced a laptop program in 1994. The school adopted Microsoft Office. Bill Gates commended Trinity for its use of technology.
In 1993, Trinity and Ruyton Girls’ School introduced the Coordinate Program. The Peter Crawley Centre for the Arts opened in 1998. Richard Tudor became headmaster in 1999. The co-educational Early Learning Centre opened.
In 2000, Trinity students organized a visit by Nelson Mandela. The Science and Technology Building opened in 2003. A new gymnasium, the Peter McIntyre Sports Centre, opened. In 2005, the school purchased the former Bib Stillwell car dealership.
The Richard and Elizabeth Tudor Centre for Contemporary Learning opened in 2013. It contains a multi-level library. Michael Davies became headmaster in 2014.
The Centre for Business & Social Enterprise opened in 2017. The Junior School introduced the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Trinity Grammar School also introduced Cambridge University’s IGCSE in Years 9 and 10 English.
Trinity Grammar School has five campuses. These are in Kew, Bulleen, Lake Eppalock, Licola and Lake Nillahcootie.
Trinity Grammar School is known for its house system. Houses are named after contributors to the school. These include Arnold, Cowen, Henty, Hindley, Inglis, Kent, Merritt, Roberts and Sutton.
From a small parish hall to multiple campuses, Trinity Grammar School has grown. It has shaped the lives of countless young men. Its history is a testament to vision and dedication. Trinity Grammar School continues to uphold its values of truth, service, courage and community.