“It obeys all the rules of architectural language - good proportion, symmetry and setting - it’s a beautiful building that still resonates 150 years later.”— Ms Stephanie Keays
In the latest episode of Ompelliargo, our G150 podcast, we travel back to 1875 to learn about School House, still the heart of our campus.
Constructed in 1875, School House is more than just a structure - it’s a symbol of the community’s commitment to education and a cornerstone of the School’s heritage. Designed by Toowoomba architect Willoughby Powell and built by local craftsman John William Garget, the building reflects the Gothic Revival style, a design language that blends classical proportions with pointed arches, intricate fretwork and a sense of grandeur.
Heritage architect Ms Stephanie Keays, a former Chair of the Toowoomba National Trust and advisor to both the Toowoomba Regional Council and TGS, shares her admiration for the building in this episode. With over 30 years in the region, she still counts School House among her favourite buildings in the city.
Built using local materials like Murphy’s Creek bluestone, red clay bricks and Toowoomba timber, School House was ahead of its time. It incorporated not only classrooms and a headmaster’s residence but also modern features for the era, such as a sick room and laundry facilities - all thoughtfully designed to serve a growing boarding school in a young colony.
The building’s enduring beauty and functionality are a testament to the vision of its creators and the community that rallied to establish the School under the Grammar Schools Act of 1860. That same spirit of innovation and pride continues to shape Toowoomba Grammar School today.
Listen to Episode 2 of Ompelliargo to explore the full story.
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