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Our History

The Illawarra Grammar School was established on 3 February 1959 in West Wollongong.

The Founding Vision

The idea of an Anglican school in Wollongong began with two men who shared a vision for Christian education, Archdeacon (later Bishop) Gordon Begbie and Reverend Roy Gray.
Both were rectors of busy Wollongong parishes. Their personal perseverance, networking skills and ability to inspire others helped generate support for the venture.
As a result of their unwavering efforts, the Anglican Diocese of Sydney was prepared to found The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS).

A Grammar School is Born

In 1958, the Master-of-Orders at Shore School, the Reverend Richard Frederick Bosanquet was appointed as the first Headmaster of The Illawarra Grammar School.
On Tuesday 3 February 1959, with 28 boys enrolled, the School’s first classes were held at St Mark’s Church in West Wollongong.
It was Reverend Bosanquet who established our School Motto, which remains unchanged today: “De Virtute in Virtutem” (From Strength to Strength), from Psalm 84:7.

Building Begins

On 10 October 1959, the foundation stone for the first building at Geard’s Hill (now Senior School Reception) was laid by the new Archbishop of Sydney, Hugh Gough.
Offering glorious westward views of Mt Keira, Mt Kembla, Mt Nebo and other local landmarks, this site provided some surmountable challenges.
A blanket of blackberries and lantana almost made it inaccessible. The School’s Parents and Friends volunteered to clear an entrance and level the site to commence construction.

A Co-Educational School

In 1976, the Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School (SCEGGS), Gleniffer Brae, officially combined with The Illawarra Grammar School, making it a school for boys and girls.
SCEGGS was founded in 1955, as a branch of SCEGGS Darlinghurst, in the manor of the Hoskins family of Gleniffer Brae (now the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music).

The School Expands

Between 1989 and 2003, the School underwent a number of building projects to meet the needs of the growing number of students.
This included the opening of the Illawarra Grammar Centre (IGC), a Kindergarten to Year 6 complex, an Early Learning Centre (now TIGS Prep), a sports oval and more.

From Strength to Strength

The Illawarra Grammar School has seen many changes since 28 students first started classes in the hall of St Mark’s Anglican Church in 1959.
Following the appointment of ninth Principal, Dr Julie Greenhalgh, the school has embarked on a new and exciting phase of growth with a new strategic and campus plan commencing in 2024.

House History

In 1973, Headmaster Mr Ian Chapman implemented a significant reform to the School’s House System at The Illawarra Grammar School. This new system introduced four houses named after Aboriginal people groups: Aranda, Coligan, Kogara, and Wolgal. Each house was designed to foster a supportive, interage structure, where senior students could mentor and assist younger students.

Aranda

Aranda House derives its name from an Aboriginal group originally inhabiting a large area in central Australia along the upper Finke River. Traditionally, the Aranda people were divided into five sub-groups, each marked by dialectal differences.

Coligan

The name Coligan honours the Gulidjan people, an Aboriginal group whose lands are in the Lake Colac area of Victoria. Known by various names, including Coligan, the Gulidjan language is now extinct. They occupied the area east of Lake Corangamite, bordering other Aboriginal groups such as the Wathaurong and Djargurd Wurrung.

Kogara

Kogara House takes its name from an Aboriginal group traditionally residing along the northern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, from Naretha to north of Loongana. This region, spanning approximately 28,600 square kilometres, was home to the Murunitja people, also known as Kogara, a name that signifies “east” or “easterners.”

Wolgal

Wolgal House is named after the Walgalu people, who lived around the snowfields near Kiandra and along the headwaters of the Murray, Tumut, and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Known for their strength, the Walgalu were prominent in the area. Their territory included the highlands of the Kosciuszko region, where they gathered seasonal resources.

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