Our History and Heritage

The Hamilton and Alexandra College emblem, featuring an owl sitting on a book surrounded by the school motto "Knowledge & Wisdom", surrounded by a belt looped with the school's name on it.

The Hamilton and Alexandra College’s heritage runs deep, pairing historic roots with a forward-looking education.

1871

Black and white photograph of a large Victorian-style house and a tower with a clock, situated behind trees and a white picket fence in the foreground. Open grassy area with some livestock grazing.

The formation of the Hamilton and Western District College for boys in 1871 and the opening of both the College and Alexandra College for girls the following year marked pivotal moments in the history of schooling in western Victoria.

1956

A house with a red-tiled roof and multiple white chimneys with reddish-brown tops, surrounded by a lush garden with flowers and trees under a clear blue sky.

In 1956, the council of Alexandra College looked boldly to the future, purchasing the Myrniong homestead and surrounding grounds on the outskirts of Hamilton. Alexandra College had outgrown its original site, and the purchase allowed for continued growth and success as a day and boarding school.

1961

A man with gray hair wearing a red sweater and gray pants is looking at photographs and documents on a desk inside a room decorated with banners, photographs, and memorabilia relating to the school.

In 1961, the Hamilton and Western District College and Alexandra College merged and became the first Presbyterian, co-educational, day and boarding school in Australia. Since then, the combined school has continued to grow and prosper.

1977

A large, Victorian-style house with a steep red-tiled roof, multiple chimneys, and white decorative woodwork. The house is surrounded by greenery, including trees and bushes, and there's a parking lot with marked spaces in front.

Myrniong became home to Hamilton College Junior School and Boarding House in 1977. The Senior School continues to be located on the historic Chaucer St campus, the original home of the boys’ college. 

2001

Aerial view of a town with a clock tower, green sports field, trees, houses, and parked cars under a partly cloudy sky.

In 2001, the College adopted the name ‘The Hamilton and Alexandra College’ to acknowledge the history of both original schools.

2012

Front entrance of a building labeled 'The Kantor Family Music & Performing Arts' with stairs, bushes, and plants in front, and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

In 2012, the Music and Performing Arts Centre opens.

2014

Schoolgirls in navy blazers and striped dresses sitting at desks in a classroom, smiling and engaged.

In 2014, the Middle Years Positive Education Centre opens.

2018

A senior student dressed in a navy blue blazer with patches, sitting at a desk with papers, in a boarding house room with a bed and a blue bulletin board in the background. She is smiling and looking out the window.

The Year 12 Boarding House extensions and new buildings open.

2023

A scenic view of distant mountains framed by lush green trees in the foreground and a grassy field in the middle ground.

In 2023, the school purchased a property at Mirranatwa in the Victoria Valley, a place that will become an outdoor learning facility at the foothills of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park.

2025

Four people standing together in front of an equestrian arena with a roof, smiling at the camera, with horse riders and trees visible in the background.

In 2025, the Wilma Hearn Indoor Arena was officially opened by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC.

If you’d like to explore our full history, please download our history book.

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Related Pages

An aerial view of a town showing a grassy sports field, a clock tower building, residential houses with trees, and parking lots filled with cars.

Our Campuses

Two young girls smiling and enjoying themselves at a playground, with one girl behind the other, hanging onto monkeybars.

Values and Purpose