“ Our story began in 1914 with eight students attending classes in a church hall in Brighton.”
Since then we have grown, moved, innovated, changed and developed to become what we are today – Bayside’s leading independent, truly coeducational school.
We have come a long way since that first day, but the last 110 years are just the beginning. Our story continues to unfold today, as each day over 1600 boys and girls from Early Learning to Year 12 pass through our gates to learn, discover, play and grow. Every student, every parent and every staff member is part of that story, building on the past and contributing to the future of our school.
We are proud of our rich history and the heritage created by those who have gone before us, and we look to the future with hope and confidence.
1914
Miss Rebecca Cullen establishes a private school at St Leonard's Church Hall with eight enrolled students on the first day
Miss Rebecca Cullen establishes a private school at St Leonard's Church Hall with eight enrolled students on the first day
1930
Enrolments grow to 117 requiring the school to move to a larger property in Were Street, Brighton
Enrolments grow to 117 requiring the school to move to a larger property in Were Street, Brighton
1937
Miss Florence Munro becomes Headmistress
Miss Florence Munro becomes Headmistress
1950
Miss Thelma Woolhouse appointed Headmistress.
Miss Thelma Woolhouse appointed Headmistress.
1955
With enrolments reaching 600 the school moves to its current home in South Road, Brighton East
With enrolments reaching 600 the school moves to its current home in South Road, Brighton East
1970
Mr Richard Cornish appointed as the College's first Headmaster
Mr Richard Cornish appointed as the College's first Headmaster
1972
Coeducation introduced with enrolments opening to boys, and the school is renamed St Leonard's College
Coeducation introduced with enrolments opening to boys, and the school is renamed St Leonard's College
1982
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme introduced
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme introduced
1987
Cornish Campus opens in Patterson River
Cornish Campus opens in Patterson River
1990
Dr Timothy Hawkes appointed Principal
Dr Timothy Hawkes appointed Principal
1999
Dr Norman Fary appointed Principal
Dr Norman Fary appointed Principal
2000
Dr Roger Hayward appointed Principal
Dr Roger Hayward appointed Principal
2006
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme introduced in our Junior School
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme introduced in our Junior School
2010
Mr Stuart Davis appointed Principal
Mr Stuart Davis appointed Principal
2011
Cornish Campus closed and sold to the Uniting Church to operate as an independent school, Cornish College
Cornish Campus closed and sold to the Uniting Church to operate as an independent school, Cornish College
2014
St Leonard's College celebrates its Centenary
St Leonard's College celebrates its Centenary
2022
College celebrates 50 years of coeducation, 50 years of outdoor education and 40 years of the IB Programme
College celebrates 50 years of coeducation, 50 years of outdoor education and 40 years of the IB Programme
Jan 2022
Mr Pat Kenny appointed Acting Principal
Mr Pat Kenny appointed Acting Principal
Aug 2022
Mr Peter Clague appointed Principal
Mr Peter Clague appointed Principal