Our History

Toowoomba Grammar School is officially recognised as an employer of choice by The Educator.

In late 2023 the School published its new Masterplan, a multi-year project which is designed to anticipate the needs of students in a rapidly changing global society and to provide current and future boys with outstanding learning environments and opportunities.

On Sunday, 31 May 2009 the TGSOBA Museum opens.

A formal black-tie dinner was held in the Assembly Hall and the guest speaker was Old Boy, Mr Alan Belford Jones AO (1955-1958).

A Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School (also celebrating the 125th anniversary) cricket team played the TGS First Xl.

A history of the School, Still Playing The Game, authored by former staff member, Mr John Keeble Winn, was published and launched by Mr Alan Jones AO.

Interesting fact: the population of Toowoomba at the commencement of the new decade was approximately 90,000 residents.

The Grammar Art Show as we now know it began in 1993 after the concept was revived by Helen Rose (wife of former Headmaster, Hugh Rose) and then staff member, John Winn.

Dr Rupert Goodman, Senior Lecturer in Education at the University of Queensland wrote the School's official history, A Centenary History.

The Centenary Ball was held at the Toowoomba Indoor Bowls Hall on Friday, 1 August with 768 guests.

Prior to the Centenary Week in August, the Centenary School Dinner was held in the Assembly Hall for 585 people including the Governor of Queensland. The Toast to the School was proposed by Mr Rob Barbour, the son of former Headmaster Mr G Barbour and the School's first Rhodes Scholar.

A tree planting ceremony was held on Monday, 4 August where 100 trees were planted in the grounds by the boys of the School to honour the centenary.

Interesting fact: the School's tuition and boarding fees were $230 and $360 a term respectively for a three-term year.

Interesting fact: in March, colour television broadcasts first commenced in Australia.

Dr Frederick Trenerry, a member of the Toowoomba Grammar School Board of Trustees, was inducted as an Honorary Old Boy in 1967. There are now 17 men and women who have been inducted as Honorary Old Boys.

The first Parents and Friends' Association meeting was held in October 1954, founded by Headmaster Mills.

On 29 December 1888, 25 Old Boys met to form the Association. The Association appears to have ceased for approximately a decade and then was reformed in March 1901.

The first students commenced at TGS on 1 February 1877. There were 44 students, 24 dayboys and 20 boarders. Lessons were in a classroom designed for 160 students which is now known as Old Hall. The first Headmaster, Mr John Mackintosh conducted the School’s first lesson.

The School’s foundation stone was laid on 5 August 1875. School House, the original school building, was designed by Willoughby Powell and remains one of Toowoomba’s most significant heritage buildings.

The Grammar Schools Act 1860 (Qld) enabled the establishment of Toowoomba Grammar School. This Act allowed for the establishment of a grammar school in any town where the residents could raise £1,000, which the Colonial Government would match.