Information sheet: writing school history
Writing school history | Teachers and principals | Past students | Celebration activities | Special guests and requests | Historical displays
Your school's history can be written from school and other education records located at the Queensland State Archives.
A summary of school records is available on the Queensland State Archives website.
Search the Queensland State Archives website for your school's records.
School files may include:
Establishment papers
- first letter requesting a school
- application form
- list of prospective pupils
- inspector's report on application.
Lands papers
- initial acquisition of land
- land changes.
Works papers
- provision of residence
- additional buildings at school
- improvements to buildings/playgrounds
- damage to buildings.
Teacher papers
- teacher's careers
- transfers
- personalities
- living/travelling conditions.
Inspectors reports
If your school opened between 1850 and 1878 there will be brief inspector's reports in the Annual Reports of the Board of General Education and from 1876, Department of Public Instruction for the following years:
- 1864-1866
- 1870-1878.
These reports will provide details about your school's development during those years.
Post 1993
More recent material related to improvements to school facilities is held by the Department of Education, Training and Employment. Further information may be available at your school.