First school was opened in 1877

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 21

First school was opened in 1877

Christchurch Girls’ High School is one of the oldest girls’ schools in New Zealand.

It opened in September, 1877, with 74 pupils in temporary accommodation in Rolleston Avenue. Its new building, next to Canterbury College was ready by February 1878.

This building had five classrooms and was designed for a maximum of 150 pupils. It was soon apparent that another move would Ke necessary and preliminary planning for a school on the present site, in Cranmer Square, began a year later.

The original brick building, on the corner of Armagh and Montreal Streets, was designed in 1880 by William B. Armson. He was one

of Christchurch’s most important nineteenth century architects and it is a good example of his work.

In May 1880, the firm of Grieg and Hunter put in a successful tender for £4567 8s 9d and the Cranmer Square building began. Girls’ High School moved in September, 1881. Additions made in 1907 by the firm, Collins and Harman, continue the architectural character of the earlier building.

According to the Historic Places Trust, the buildings play an important part in defining the architectural character of Cranmer Square and, on their prominent corner site, have a landmark significance within the Christchurch streetscape.

The buildings also form part of a unique group of Victorian school buildings within central Christchurch; the original Christchurch Boys’ High School on Worcester Street, the first Christchurch Girls’ High School, and the old Normal School, also in Cranmer Square.

Cramped conditions at the present site have once again necessitated a move for the school. Efforts to find a new site and get approval for a new school to be built began in the early 19705. The rebuilding of the school, for a roll of up to 800 pupils, was approved by Cabinet in August, 1983.

When the new Girls’ High School is opened next year it will be the most expensive State school built in New Zealand.