Historical Background

Fortitude Valley State School is one of Brisbane’s oldest and most historic schools. The Fortitude Valley was first settled in 1849 when Rev. John Dunmore Lang sponsored a number of Scottish migrants. They arrived on the ship Fortitude. Although there were several private schools in the area, it was not until October 1, 1861, that the Government provided a school for the many children in the area. This was established in rented buildings in Ann Street near Brunswick Street.

In 1860 there were only four Government schools in QLD. By 1861, there were eleven, so Fortitude Valley State School is one of the very earliest of QLD schools In its heyday, the school had a combined enrolment of up to 800 students. Past students (including test cricketer Wally Grout and past Director General of Education, Herbert Watkins), have left their mark on the state in terms of their contribution to scholarship, cultural events, sporting achievements and their record of service in two World Wars.