Our history

Founded as a Presbyterian school for boys in 1897, Scotch College enjoys a reputation for providing education of outstanding quality.

Today, Scotch provides educational opportunities for boys in Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 from a variety of backgrounds and geographical locations.

The College symbolically maintains its historical Scottish roots. Tartan ties for individual school Houses and an internationally recognised Pipe Band all contribute to a unique sense of history and community at the school.

A brief history

1896: Mrs Jane Alexander proposes a Presbyterian school for boys in Perth to Revd D Ross, the minister representing the Presbyterian Church in Western Australia, and donates £500.00 towards its establishment.

1897: In February the school officially opens on Beaufort Street, Perth, with an initial roll of 28 pupils. Mr John Sharpe MA is the first Headmaster.

1904: Mr Sharpe resigns and Mr P C Anderson is appointed.

1905: Through the generosity of Mr J M Ferguson, the present Senior school property in Swanbourne is purchased. The new buildings open in 1905, catering for 140 boys.

1914–18: The property to the north of Shenton Road is acquired throughout the period prior to and following the First World War.

1945: The beloved Mr P C Anderson retires as Headmaster.

1947: Senior Assistant, Mr G G Campbell acts as Headmaster until Dr G Maxwell Keys is appointed to the role in 1947.

1968: Dr G Maxwell Keys hands over the post of Headmaster to Mr D H Prest. During Mr Prest's tenure the Parents' Association is formed.

1972: Mr W R Dickinson is appointed Headmaster.

1972–97: Across a 25 year period, the school establishes Moray – an outdoor education camp near Dwellingup; constructs a teaching block, a resource and computing centre, a new dining hall, and physical education centre; and restores Collegians House, the main administration building. Mr W R Dickinson revises the House system, which is the foundation of the pastoral care programme at Scotch.

1998: In January Revd Andrew P Syme commences as Headmaster.

2011: In July Dr Alec O'Connell commences as Headmaster.

Our Archive

The Scotch College Archive houses our historical records and aims to preserve the history and traditions of Scotch College. The Collection dates back to our foundation in 1897 and spans to current day.

The Archive comprises of manuscripts, paper records, maps, plans, photographs, drawings, paintings, movies, audio and textiles, including:

A complete set of school publications, including Clan (bi-annual) and Reporter (annual), which are available online and in hard copy at the J.S. Battye Library of West Australian History, Perth
Provisional Council, Board papers and Head of school records
school attendance register
Staff and student records
A collection of books specific to the military history of past students and Western Australian local history
Honour boards, achievement awards, trophies and memorabilia
Uniform paraphernalia and textiles including caps, boaters, blazers, cadet uniforms, kilts and costumes from College productions
Oral history recordings
Photographs, slides, movies, audiotapes and videotapes
Maps, drawings and paintings

Visit the online catalogue

Tours are available by appointment to a selection of the Collection from Monday to Wednesday. Book your tour.

Please contact our Archivist Yasmin McDonald at yasmin.mcdonald@scotch.wa.edu.au for any research enquiries.

We are delighted to accept donations of material that adds to the richness of our Collection, such as diaries, correspondence and photographs. Please note, due to storage limitations, we are not able to accept all donations and donations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Archive offers a copying and scanning service so items, such as photographs, can be donated digitally with the original object or memorabilia returning to the donator within 24 hours.

If you would like to donate to the Archive, please get in touch.

We welcome new volunteers to support our research, conservation and cataloguing activities, under the guidance of our Archivist. Please contact Archivist Yasmin McDonald if you wish to volunteer.

Ms Yasmin McDonald, Archivist
Tel: +61 8 9383 6888
Email: yasmin.mcdonald@scotch.wa.edu.au