Ever wondered what it’s like to attend a school with no uniform policy? That’s just one of the many unique aspects of Princes Hill Secondary College. Princes Hill Secondary College is located in the inner suburb of Princes Hill. It stands only two kilometers from Melbourne City Centre.
Princes Hill Secondary College has a rich history dating back to 1889. It started as Princes Hill Central School. Then it was known as Princes Hill High School. The school’s story began long before its current name. It evolved from the Lygon Street North Carlton school, which had been around since the 1860s. The acting headmaster opened the school on September 2nd, 1889. Hundreds of pupils attended.
A significant event marked Princes Hill Secondary College’s history. A fire on February 8th, 1970, destroyed the original building. The school community needed help fast. Teachers sent a telegram to Prime Minister John Gorton. They requested financial aid. Over 400 students had no classrooms.
The school was rebuilt in 1973. Daryl Jackson designed it in a Brutalist style. New wings were added from 1983. A gymnasium followed in the 2000s. The architecture stands as a testament to resilience. The building won the 1973 RAIA Architecture Bronze Medal.
One of Princes Hill Secondary College’s notable features is its no-uniform policy. Students stopped wearing uniforms in 1971. This tradition continues to this day.
Princes Hill Secondary College offers a wide range of VCE studies. Art, Biology, Business Management, and Chemistry are available. Also offered are Drama, English, French, History, and Italian. Students can also study Literature, Mathematics, Media, Music, Philosophy, and Physical Education. Physics, Product Design, Psychology, and Visual Communication Design round out the options.
The school has achieved academic recognition. In 2008 and 2012 VCE Media and Art students had their work selected for the Top Arts Exhibition. It was held at the National Gallery of Victoria. In 2009, Princes Hill Secondary College was ranked among the top public secondary schools in Australia. It was ranked equal ninth. In 2018, the school ranked 14th out of all state secondary schools in Victoria. This was based on VCE results.
Princes Hill Secondary College has produced many notable alumni. These include Attila Abonyi. He was a member of the Australia national association football team for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. Steve Bastoni is an Australian actor. Lily Brett is an Australian novelist and poet. Kelvin Coe was an Australian ballet dancer. Mikey Goldsworthy is the bassist for Years and Years. Angourie Rice is an Australian actress.
The school is one of the few late-20th-century buildings on Arnold Street. In 2005, parts of the school were refurbished. These included the performing arts center and science laboratories. There is also a small theatre that seats 150. A camp near Mirimbah sits at the foothills of Mount Buller.
Princes Hill Secondary College has evolved. It has adapted to the changing needs of its students. It remains a vital part of the Princes Hill community. The school continues to uphold its motto. It strives for excellence in education.