Caulfield Grammar School

Founded in 1881 Caulfield Grammar School stands proudly on Glen Eira Road. It began as a small boys’ school with just nine pupils. Its founder Joseph Henry Davies a missionary from southern India had a vision. He wanted a thoroughly Christian school. A place dedicated to Christian service. The school’s name is a bit of a mystery. It was originally in Elsternwick. However it’s believed the name Caulfield Grammar School was chosen because Caulfield was the broader region. Suburban boundaries were unclear back then. The vicar of St Mary’s Anglican Church in Caulfield helped Davies establish the school. This explains the Anglican connection. A year later the school grew to 32 students. They soon moved to a larger building. Sadly this building was destroyed by fire in 1890. In 1896 Caulfield Grammar absorbed Hawksburn Grammar School. This added 55 students to the growing institution. The school’s current location a property near Sir Frederick Sargood’s Rippon Lea Estate was acquired in 1909. Classes started there on February 9 1909. A boarding house opened in 1912. By 1931 the 50th anniversary the school had 500 students. It was still small compared to other prestigious Melbourne schools. That year it transitioned from private ownership to a registered company governed by a School Council. This structure remains to this day. The school’s history is full of interesting turns. In 1948 it was renamed Malvern Memorial Grammar School. This was to honor old boys who fought in World Wars I and II. The name Caulfield Grammar School was reinstated later. Throughout the decades Caulfield Grammar School has shown remarkable adaptability. It embraced co-education in 1981. This was a significant step in its evolution. The school’s innovative spirit led to the establishment of Australia’s first outdoor education campus at Yarra Junction in 1947. In 1998 it opened a campus in Nanjing China a groundbreaking move for an Australian school. Today Caulfield Grammar School is a vibrant institution. It boasts three campuses in Victoria and a student center in Nanjing. It continues to provide a high-quality education for over 3000 students. Its legacy is one of innovation and commitment to Christian values. It stands as a testament to its founder’s vision. A place where students receive a holistic education preparing them for life.