The Claremont Story

Our story has spanned over three centuries. During this time, our campus has grown and evolved to reflect the changing needs of our community and the world. The Claremont story is one of adaptability, innovation and excellence that has stood the test of time. We are recognised internationally and we have been reinventing education by embracing both tradition and change in equal measure.

Our experienced educators have consistently been at the forefront of teaching and learning, redefining education and earning a reputation for excellence. Claremont College remains an exceptional school, attracting both outstanding teachers and students. Secondary schools value our graduates as they transition to high school with confidence and a collaborative spirit. 

As an Anglican School, we look to the way of Jesus, His example and His teachings, to guide our school community and to instil the values that are foundational in a child’s character and spiritual growth and development. 

The school motto ‘Mente animoque agamus’ means/translates to ‘let us work with heart and soul’ and this remains at the core of all that we do.

1882

The School was founded by Janet Hyland at Judge Street, Randwick.

1896

Miss Joyce becomes the second Principal. The School has grown to 60 students, including 20 boarders.

1896-98

School motto developed. ‘Mente animoque agamus’

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1902

A second house called ‘Iona’ was purchased by the Principal, Miss Beatrice Fullerton.

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1909

Miss Minnie Wearne and her sister, Miss Amy Wearne purchase the School and become joint Principals.

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1918

A third house ‘Glenara’ was rented.

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1921

The first school library was formed after each student donated a book.

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1927

The School moved across the street to a house called ‘St Helen’s’ on Coogee Bay Road. The school song was also written.

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1930

The House System was introduced with three houses, Hyland, Wearne and Storey.

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1935

The school uniform changed from blue to green.

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1947-48

Ownership of the School by Principals ended when a group of parents in the P&F formed a company to purchase the school.

1959

The Anglican Church took control of the School after large debts were accumulated. Half of the property was sold in order to save the future of the School.

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1966

A fourth House, ‘Austin’, was introduced to honour former student (and School Captain) Janet Austin who had died after graduating from the College.

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1975

The campus saw a major transformation, with the addition of a school hall and two new classrooms.

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1978

The College became fully co-educational.

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1982

The College celebrated its centenary.

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1990

The SK Austin Building was built.

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1997

The School purchased the Randwick police station to house the staffroom.

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1999

A new library was built.

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2004

‘Clondarra’ was purchased to house a modern Music Centre and accommodate new Year 6 classrooms. This expansion allowed the school to become two streams.

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2005

Kindy and Year 1 classrooms were built.

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2012

The school hall was modernised and expanded

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2013 – 2020

Our learning spaces were refurbished to facilitate collaborative teaching

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2024

A Development Application has been submitted to Randwick City Council to further expand with a ‘School Readiness’ (Pre-K) entry program.