Key information
- Address:
- 38 Raleigh Street , Essendon 3040
- Opened:
- 29 July 1850
- School type:
- Primary
- School number:
- 483
- Other names:
- Essendon School, Essendon Common School, Essendon State School, Essendon Primary School
- Email:
- essendon.ps@education.vic.gov.au
- Phone:
- 03 9370 7816
How to find enrolment and other school records
If the school is open: contact the school directly to access your records.
If the school has closed: contact the Archives and Records branch via email archives.records@education.vic.gov.au or 1800 359 140 and they will assist you.
The history of Essendon Primary School
1850
Essendon is the oldest school still operating in Melbourne.
This school was founded as Pascoevale National School (No. 483) in July 1850.
The school was originally situated on the banks of the Moonee Ponds Creek near the junction of Five Mile Creek.
1860s
During the 1860s the original building and site was sold. A new structure was built in Fletcher Street.
The school was renamed and became Essendon Common School (No. 483) on the 17 August 1863.
1875
Due to rapid population growth, a new slate roof brick building was erected on the corner of Raleigh and Nicholson Streets.
Essendon Primary School portrait between 1875-1920 when it was called Essendon State School. (Source: Essendon Primary School) 1910
Essendon Primary School portrait in 1910 when it was called Essendon State School. (Source: Essendon Primary School) 1917
An infant block was added.
1920s
Significant additions to the school were added from 1921 to 1922.
The building was officially opened by the Governor of Victoria, His Excellency, the Right Hon. Earl of Stradbroke in 1922.
A monument dedicated to the memory of victims of the first World War was erected in the school grounds in 1923, by the Old Boys' Association of the school.
1933
The school bell was presented by the Mothers' Club, School Committee, Old Girls' Association, and Old Boys' Association.
1955
A weatherboard arts room was added in 1955 but it burnt down that same year.
1956
The E.A. Worcester library room was opened by the Mayor of Essendon, Cr E.B. Basford, JP in 1956.
1970
The name of the school changed to Essendon Primary School in 1970.
2020s
Essendon Primary School is still in operation.
The original school bell still stands in the grounds.
Find more information about this school
The Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) is the archive of Victoria's State and local government. They look after some of our oldest school records, and we can use these records to help us understand what school life used to be like.
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