WPS is one of the oldest schools in Victoria. It opened on 27 January 1873, in the Williamstown Mechanics Institute on Electra Street. Mr James Russell was the school’s first Headmaster and there were 310 students enrolled.

WPS was enormously important to the community. Local tradespeople were given a half-day holiday and other local schools closed as the community attended the opening ceremony.

Military bands entertained the crowds, and the Minister of Education attended. Buildings were decorated with flags and on the Market, Reserve were merry-go-rounds, shooting galleries as well as lolly and fruit hawkers. 18 months later, on 31 July 1874, the Education Department purchased part of the site of Market Reserve from the Williamstown Borough Council. By this time there were over 1,000 children enrolled at the school taught by the headmaster Mr Russell, seven assistant teachers and eight pupil teachers. On 31 December 1876 the Minister for Education approved the plans for the construction of a school in stone or brick to house approximately 800 students.

Stone was readily available in the district and stone masons still resided in the area. The basalt used was quarried on site. The Bluestone Building was constructed with 13 rooms originally. The school proved to be one of the last major stone constructions in the area.

Built at a cost of $6,000, the school was formally opened on 3 September 1878, by the Honourable William Collard Smith – Minister of Public Instruction. The school was considered one of the stateliest in the country and a complete model, including all internal fittings, was sent to exhibitions in London and Paris.

The school remains an integral part of the local community with it consisting of many multi generation families, some going up to 5 generations. A school history timeline can be found below, while further details of our school’s history and its people can be further explored through the attached 150 anniversary history book attached.