A Brief History of Ararat Primary School
Monday May 15, 1865 was the first day of operation of Ararat Common School which later became Ararat State School and then Ararat Primary School. First known as the Ararat Common School No. 800, the school was created and opened on the Ararat goldfields following the amalgamation of the Church of England School No. 10 and the Presbyterian School No. 13. With the approval of the Board of Education, the small denominational school buildings were used, but by October 1865, 230 children were enrolled so the decision was made to erect a school on a site purchased in High Street Ararat for £55.00. The foundation stone of his building (now the front section of the Ararat Fitness Centre complex) was laid by George Thompson, and the final contract payment of £1,180 for erection of the building was made in March 1868.
Although May 15 marks 150 years since the school's establishment, it hasn't always been in the same location. By 1873, the High Street school was quite inadequate for the enrolment of new students and, before the end of the year, the Board of Advice requested the Minister of Public Instruction to reserve five acres at the intersection of Moore and King Streets as a school site - the current school site. The school is anticipating a further sesquicentenary celebration in 10 years time, when Ararat Primary 800 at Moore Street turns 150.
Tenders were called for a brick building designed by Henry Bastow, along the lines of the 'Philadelphia Schools', which were highly fashionable in educational circles at that time. The successful tenderer was G.W.H. Grano, and the construction price was £5,509. The Honorable W. McLellan MLA laid the foundation stone and the current school building was opened in November 1875 with an enrolment of 509 children. An eastern wing at Ararat Primary was provided for in construction but never built.
Interestingly, Beechworth Primary School is a twin to Ararat Primary School, but is complete, with a symmetrical layout of a wing at each end - and it still has its bell tower.
Although May 15 marks 150 years since the school's establishment, it hasn't always been in the same location. By 1873, the High Street school was quite inadequate for the enrolment of new students and, before the end of the year, the Board of Advice requested the Minister of Public Instruction to reserve five acres at the intersection of Moore and King Streets as a school site - the current school site. The school is anticipating a further sesquicentenary celebration in 10 years time, when Ararat Primary 800 at Moore Street turns 150.
Tenders were called for a brick building designed by Henry Bastow, along the lines of the 'Philadelphia Schools', which were highly fashionable in educational circles at that time. The successful tenderer was G.W.H. Grano, and the construction price was £5,509. The Honorable W. McLellan MLA laid the foundation stone and the current school building was opened in November 1875 with an enrolment of 509 children. An eastern wing at Ararat Primary was provided for in construction but never built.
Interestingly, Beechworth Primary School is a twin to Ararat Primary School, but is complete, with a symmetrical layout of a wing at each end - and it still has its bell tower.
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By 1902, structural changes were needed to implement the new policy of reducing the size of classes. These were made in 1908 and included the improvement of lighting and classroom re-arrangement, with windows through internal walls and larger external windows to let in more natural light. In 1912, plans were drawn for further changes to be made by the Public Works Department to provide for 632 students. This resulted in the removal of the central bell tower and spire and the erection of wooden offices across the front of the school, where the offices and entrance now sit. This work was completed during 1914. Further renovations and upgrades have taken place over the years, with the biggest refurbishment occurring 12 years ago, which included the construction of the front entrance and rammed earth facade.
Visitors to the school are known to occasionally ask where the number '800' comes from? The reason is historical, as all schools are given a registration number upon establishment. In theory, Ararat Primary School was the 800th established in Victoria.
Visitors to the school are known to occasionally ask where the number '800' comes from? The reason is historical, as all schools are given a registration number upon establishment. In theory, Ararat Primary School was the 800th established in Victoria.