Our history

Initially the school at Kogarah had 45 pupils, 19 boys and 26 girls, a good crowd of children from around the district. However, the Rev. John Done, the first incumbent, refused to have the church used as a school any longer after 1875.

When a school was held in a church building it was often rather inconvenient for both church and school. At the end of the school week, all desks, maps and equipment had to be put away so that the church would be ready for the Sunday Service. Then, on Monday, what had been put away on Friday, had to be put back.

This photograph, c. 1874, shows the Kogarah Public School as it was when conducted in the St Paul’s Church building on Rocky Point Road. The teacher at that time was William Chapman. The church was altered considerably over time.

The 1876 school was situated directly behind the present day Kogarah High School facing Regent Street. William Chapman is seen here with his students. They occupied a charming building complex which consisted of the Master’s house and the school house. The range of students’ ages is apparent in this historic photograph. This building was demolished in 1900.

The proximity of railway and school (1891 building) may be seen in this photograph. Many students were attracted to the school because of the convenience afforded by rail travel.

During 1909 the Sydney newspaper, The Daily Telegraph published a feature article in photographs of the Kogarah Public School. It highlighted the significance of the school for the surrounding areas.

Kogarah Superior Public School, 1921, described the existing system. At this time the school was an infants, primary and secondary institution, and included a Boys' Intermediate High School (from 1920) and a Girls' Domestic Science School (from 1913).

The land used for the Primary School had a considerable frontage to Gladstone Street. For many years this land was occupied as a burial ground attached to the church. In recent times, however, the tombstones were removed. Many of the pioneers of the district were interred there. Local public school children have used the ground for some time past as a playing area.

Regardless of the prevailing financial conditions some further considerations were given to a separate Infants’ School in 1933 and again plans were drawn up. These took the form of a two-storey building on land in Gladstone Street, adjacent to the Anglican Church of St Paul’s.

The official opening of the new Infants School in Gladstone Street, Kogarah, was held in the school grounds on Friday, April 9, 1954.

An image from 1921, used in various ways such as the cover for the school's magazine.

Class 1C, in 1932. Classes of 40 or more were common at this time.

Miss Edith Jennet Fraser (1894-1986) was the Principal of Kogarah Infants when the transition to Gladstone Street took place.

Class 1G, in 1967. The class photograph was taken in front of 'B Block'.

The school as it looked in 2004.

Addition of K Block.

As student numbers grew, the school had many demountables added over the years, eventually totalling 11.

In 2019, construction began on the Level 33's Kogarah Central apartment complex on Regent Street and continued for several years after.

In 2024, staff lost their onsite parking to accommodate the removal and relocation of the demountables. It was announced by Premier Chris Minns that the school would receive major works to upgrade the Kogarah Public School site. This includes the construction of 24 new modern air-conditioned classrooms, the school’s first new school hall in 155 years, as well as new play areas, new outdoor spaces and a weather-protected outdoor learning area.

Get the latest information about the upgrade project