East Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
The Old Model School
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026
1. The Old Model School Marker
The National Board of Education also established schools in the suburbs and in regional areas throughout Victoria, including the first Teacher's training college in Victoria and Mac. Robertson Girls' High School. The 'Old Model School' became the hub of this network, and eventually evolved into the Department of Education.
The school building was closed in 1904-05 for a complete refurbishment, and in 1912 it was renamed Melbourne High School. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) commenced a lease in 1933, when the building was derelict and subsequently demolished. A new building was constructed in 1934 with additions being made in 1965 and 2003. The formal acquisition of the site by the RACS was completed in 1993. Since the 1930s the gardens have been maintained as a public park.
(Photo Caption) The Old Model School in 1859. Photographer: Charles Nettleton, courtesy
this page online
Erected by City of Melbourne.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 37° 48.545′ S, 144° 58.355′ E. Marker is in East Melbourne, Victoria, in Melbourne. It is at the intersection of Lonsdale Street and Nicholson Street, on the left when traveling east on Lonsdale Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 250-290 Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Oceania, in Australasia, in the Pacific Ocean, in South Pacific, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Melbourne High School (here, next to this marker); Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (a few steps from this marker); Scotch College 1851 (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Former Church of England Mission (about 90 meters away); Ti Cum Ah Chung, 1903
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026
2. The Old Model School Marker in front of the RACS Building
Also see . . . Model School. eMelbourne<blockquote>The central school and headquarters of Victoria's National Board of Education (created 31 December 1851) was located in East Melbourne, on the present College of Surgeons site, and opened on 13 September 1854. The buildings contained administration offices, a 'model' school with separate girls', boys' and infants' departments, and a 'normal' school for teacher training. Known as the Central Common School after the Common Schools Act, 1862 replaced the National Board, it became state school 391 following the Education Act, 1872. The Education Department's offices were located there until 1878. Teacher preparation, which had ceased in 1859, recommenced in 1870, before transferring to new buildings near the University of Melbourne in 1889. After 1890 the school gradually declined as the central city's residential population decreased. After it closed in December 1904 the girls' and boys' departments of the new Melbourne Continuation School occupied the buildings from 1905. The boys' school was transferred to the present Melbourne High School site in 1927 and the girls' school (later MacRobertson Girls' High School) was removed in 1931. The Model School was demolished in 1933. (Submitted on June 13, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 32 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
