Celebrating 70 years

In 2026, Edgecliff Preparatory School marks its 70th year as part of Sydney Grammar School. Throughout the year, a number of events will acknowledge this anniversary, including the Edgecliff Prep Extravaganza Fun Day, sports fixtures with St Ives Preparatory School, and acknowledgements during Edgecliff Day, assemblies, and music concerts.

The School’s origins lie with its founder, Isabel Henrietta van Heuckelum, known as Miss Van. Although Honour Boards in the R.W. Billing Hall suggest a founding date of 1913, early programmes and memorabilia paint an earlier picture. A Sports Day Programme from 1918 refers to the 8th Annual Athletics Meeting, pointing to a founding year of 1911.

Pictured: Miss Van, Founder of Edgecliff Preparatory School

Pictured: The Alma Street building completed in 1965

By the early 1960s, enrolments were increasing, and an Infants Department was opened at MacCallum House, 227 New South Head Road, in 1961. Later that year, the trustees began seeking a new site due to State Government works for what is now the Edgecliff Centre and because the School had never owned its original land. In 1963, land was purchased from the NSW Lawn Tennis Association, construction began in 1964, and by late 1965, the School relocated to its current Alma Street campus.

The original sandstone belfry was preserved during the move and now stands in the School courtyard as a link to its earlier history.

Pictured: The original sandstone belfry has been preserved at the School