Our Stories
Our Stories
The hallmark of a Launceston Grammar education is one of inspiration and courage. Our history shows that each student who passes through leaves an enduring mark for the next generation to follow.
The passion and determination to strive for what is right and just; and the desire to change our world for the better is evident in our classrooms and extracurricular activities as well as in our community connections. We are proud of our current and past students who dare to question, dream and pioneer in tomorrow’s world.
At Launceston Grammar we inspire our students to be courageous as they embrace challenges with integrity and justice; curious in exploring and examining our world; creative as they discover and design solutions for current and future challenges; and compassionate in seeking and serving the needs of our world.
At our School you will discover a strong, supportive community reflected in the genuine warmth and connection between students, families, alumni and staff.
We are Australia’s oldest continuously operated independent school, giving the gift of outstanding learners and leaders since 1846. We are now home to over 860 students, 50 of whom board.
The unique qualities that characterise our students
- Courage as they embrace challenges and strive for what is right both at school and in the community
- Curiosity as they explore and examine the world
- Creativity in discovering and designing solutions for the world
- Compassion as they seek and serve others
Our History
From where we have come
Launceston Grammar was founded on 15 June 1846 with Reverend Henry Plow-Kane chosen as founding Headmaster. The school opened in George Street with 24 boys of varying age – all at a time when Launceston was described as ‘a small town with a population of about 8 000 people’. In 1847 students were relocated to purpose-built premises in Elizabeth Street.
The School grew in the ensuing years and, in 1896, celebrated its 50th year under the Headmasters Wilkinson and Gillett with a Jubilee Service at St John’s Church and ceremony at Albert Hall. By 1920 the School had again outgrown its site, and after three years of planning, moved to a new 25acre site on Stephensons’ Farm in Mowbray. The move was supervised by the ninth Headmaster, the Reverend J W Bethune.
During the First World War, Launceston Grammar showed its loyalty to the Empire by providing the highest number of soldiers for its size of any Australian school. During the Second World War the School was affected deeply by the loss of Headmaster Captain N Roff who was amongst those killed in action.
In the 1940s, under the leadership of Headmaster Vernon-Jones, the School had trebled in size. In 1946 the school community celebrated its centenary.
Launceston Grammar became co-educational in 1972; although 100 years before in 1872 Edith Savigny and Mary Archer both attended the school for several years. In 1899, the enrolment was recorded as 150 boys and one girl: Joyce Wilkinson. In 1921, Charlie Irvine, daughter of the Matron, Mrs Irvine, also attended the School. In 1981 the School amalgamated with the Broadland House Church of England Girls’ Grammar School.
The school celebrated its 175th anniversary on 15 June 2021.
Our Future
To where we will go
From the youngest student in Early Learning through to our Grade 12 students, boarders, parents, grandparents, staff, alumni, and volunteers, the School seeks to grow together as we engage with each other and our world.
More than any generation before, students who graduate over the coming decade will live, study and work across a diversity of cultures and languages in an increasingly mobile and interconnected world. Learning must provide students with the skills and inter-cultural understanding they need to contribute to local and global networks and shape communities near and far.
As a School we remain committed to ensuring our students benefit from a growing number of experiences which will prepare them to confidently face challenges and stand up for what is right and just.
We remain committed to equipping our students with the skills they will need to love learning, questioning and thinking critically throughout their life.