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Brighton Primary School History - Fun Facts

Prior to 1872, there were three schools in the Brighton District.  These were closed in 1875 and the new Brighton School No. 1542 opened on 1st April 1875 with 625 pupils and 12 teachers.  The official gala opening included a luncheon for the adults and merry-go-rounds and bags of lollies for the children.

By 1920, the school enrolment had reached 1114!  Shortage of accommodation was reaching crisis point, and in 1921, children under 6 were not admitted to school.  

In 1923, the Education Department decided to enlarge the Wilson Street building by adding five red brick classrooms. 

The Outdoor Fireplace: The original plans of the Junior School made provision for an 8th classroom on the Male Street side.  While this was never built, the fireplace on the outside wall still remains.  Many generations of young children played in the fireplace and the edges of the bricks were worn smooth over 90 years of children's games. 

The Shelter Pavilions: Two shelter pavilions were built with locally raised funds as a memorial to past students who had served in World War 1.  These were built originally as lunch/play areas during wet weather.  In 1993, the present Art Room was formed from the second pavilion. 

Lighting and Heating: In the early years, each classroom had a fireplace which gave inadequate heat from a small supply of fuel.  The school was very cold as the ceilings were 18 feet high and some rooms received no sun!  

A benefit from World War 2 came from the Department of Air, which installed extra lighting in 9 rooms, as they were needed for aircraft recognition classes at night. 

The Bell Tower: Terry and Oakden Architects designed the school to be built in brick with a bell tower above the front door.  Sadly, the original belltower was demolished many years ago, as it had become unsafe. However, in 1940, the new Jubilee Bell Tower was coonstructed with funds raised by the Old Scholars' Association.  It became part of the school logo, linking the history of the school with the present, and is still central to our recently updated school logo.