Brisbane Grammar School

Brisbane Grammar School

• Educational

Brisbane Grammar School is an independent, non-denominational day and boarding school for boys, catering for boys in Years 5 to 12. The school is a member of the Queensland Great Public Schools (GPS) Association.

​​​​​The Grammar Schools' Act, passed by the new Queensland Government in 1860, provided for the establishment of secondary education in the state. By 1868, public subscribers had raised enough money to enable the establishment of the school, Brisbane's first Grammar School and the first independent boys school. In that same year, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, laid the foundation stone at the School's original site in Roma Street. The school opened in February 1869.

In 1881 the school was moved to its present site in Gregory Terrace, Brisbane. With the opening of the boarding house in 1886, the school became one of the first to provide unified boarding facilities on site.

Brisbane Grammar School houses one of the most comprehensive and cohesive school archives in Australia. The collection documents the life and culture of a school that has played a pivotal role in Queensland society and education since the colonial era, and contains material predating the establishment of Brisbane Grammar School in 1868. (See https://www.brisbanegrammar.com/welcome/history)

Officer in charge: Archivist

Brisbane Grammar School is committed to retaining, preserving, and expanding the collection as it relates to the school. This will ensure the Archives remain a valuable and relevant resource for the school community and general public to access – Old Boys, their families, current and future generations of students and staff – as well as bone fide researchers.

Please contact the School Archivist if you have donations to the collection.

The School Archives are located in a purpose-designed facility on the basement level of the state-of-the-art Lilley Centre. The Archives comprises a reading area for researchers and visitors, a work area and a secure facility for storing and preserving valuable material.

The collection, some of which is of national significance, includes official school records, handwritten publications, photographs, magazines, books, medals, trophies, badges, uniform attire, furniture, artworks, prizes, architectural drawings, oral histories and war memorabilia.

School records, photographs and books are housed in the School Archives, whereas many of the artefacts are on permanent display around the school, including the heritage-listed War Memorial Library, Great Hall and Roe Building.

By appointment with the School Archivist.

Research enquiries are welcome.

Limited copying services available.

• Education (Thematic area)