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Our History

From Inception to Today

Founded in 1909, Firbank has grown from a single campus into a ‘One School’ community across three campuses in Brighton and Sandringham, shaped by an enduring commitment to contemporary, progressive education and strong foundations in early learning.

Today, Firbank educates students from Early Learning to Year 12 (with boarding), united by our motto Vincit qui se vincit—one conquers who conquers oneself.

Key Milestones

2025
Redevelopment of the Patricia Lang Science Building.
2022
Firbank's Experiential Education Program was awarded Best Co-Curricular Program (Service, Environmental, Outdoor) at the Australian Education Awards.
2021
Redevelopment of Louis Williams Building — Creative Arts Precinct.
2019
Opening of the Firbank Music Precinct by the Governor Linda Dessau AC (1970).
2019
110 years of Firbank celebrated.
2010
Opening of the Anne Sarros Centenary Student Centre by the Governor Prof David de Krester AC.
2009
Establishment of Firbank's 100 Women of Achievement.
2009
Centenary of Firbank.
1995
Jane Munro Physical Education Sports Centre opened.
1994
Sandringham House becomes fully co-educational from Early Learning through to Year 6.
1988
Houses combined — Alwyn/Cameron; Sheppard/Tyson; Hancock/Crowther; Tonkin/Clarke.
1987
The Patricia Turner Centre for Creative Arts opened.
1974
Boys join Sandringham and progress through the junior years.
1966
Alwyn, Hancock, Sheppard and Tonkin houses formed.
1966
Turner House (Brighton Junior School) opens across Middle Crescent, strengthening Firbank's Early Learning–Year 6 pathway.
1951
Sandringham relocates to Royal Avenue following the purchase and remodel of 'Wool Wool'.
1932
The school community that became Firbank Sandringham begins, via the amalgamation of the school then known as Atherstone with Firbank Brighton.
1924
Cameron, Crowther, Tyson and Clarke Houses formed.
1918
St Andrew's parish supports early learning with permission to build a kindergarten facility on church land.
1909
Firbank is founded by Rev. Henry Lowther Clarke; kindergarten is offered from the beginning (now our Early Learning program).

Our Principals

Jenny Williams
2017 – Current
Heather Norton
2014 – 2016
Dr Anne Sorros
2004 – 2013
Dr Jane Munro
1990 – 2003
Patricia Turner
1971 – 1989
Dorothy Whitehead
1961 – 1970
Joan Blow
1955 – 1960
Maud Cameron
1911 – 1954
Marian Aylwin
1909 – 1910