Our History

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Varsity College embarked on its journey on January 29th, 2001, welcoming 354 students to its Prep Campus. Under the leadership of Mr. Michael Roberts as the Preparatory School Principal and Mrs. Julie Grantham as the College Principal, the college took its first steps towards academic excellence.

The inauguration of Stage 1 by the Honourable Peter Beattie, Premier of Queensland, on July 25th, 2001, marked the official beginning of Varsity College's commitment to providing quality education.

The subsequent years witnessed remarkable growth and development at Varsity College. In 2002, enrolment expanded to include students from Year 4 to Year 9, leading to the establishment of the Secondary Campus, initially known as the Varsity College Middle School.

Stage 2, inaugurated on August 13th, 2002, under the auspices of Anna Bligh, MP Minister for Education, marked a significant milestone with the addition of 27 new buildings on the Primary Campus and the unveiling of crucial facilities on the Secondary Campus.

This period also saw the filming of the TV adaptation of 'The Sleepover Club' at Varsity College, showcasing the vibrant school community to a broader audience.

Over the years, Varsity College continued to evolve, introducing innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities to nurture student potential. From the inauguration of the Senior Learning Centre (SLC) in 2010 to the opening of the Junior Learning Centre (JLC) in 2015, the college remained dedicated to providing a holistic learning environment.

The college's commitment to excellence extended beyond academics, as evidenced by the hosting of the first whole College musical in 2017 and the construction of 'The Hangar,' a multi-purpose sports complex, in 2019. In 2023, Mr. Nigel Hughes became Varsity College's Executive Principal, ushering in a new era of education and reaffirming the college's dedication to preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

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2020

2020 saw Varsity College move online as the world reacted to the global pandemic crisis.

Multi Purpose Court Opens

The Secondary Campus saw the addition of a brand new outdoor multi purpose sports complex, affectionately known as 'The Hangar'.

2019

Oliver - Whole College Musical

"Please, sir, I want some more." Oliver was Varsity College's first ever Prep to Year 12 musical. This inclusive production was held at The Arts Centre Gold Coast and showcased the array of talents from our college community, leaving the audience begging for more.

2017

In 2017 Varsity College hosted our first ever whole College musical. Students from Prep through to Year 12 performed in this spectacular production.

Junior Learning Centre

Our Junior Learning Centre opened in 2015, revolutionising the way teaching and learning spaces are presented to students. The JLC features multiple levels of standard and specialist teaching spaces.

2014

Construction for the Junior Learning Centre (JLC) started in early March.

Digital Learning Centre

The DLC provided students with a future-driven space that reworked the nature and purpose of learning spaces towards linking students modalities with spatial settings that supported their learning. The DLC provided teachers and students five distinct zones that linked pedagogy and space in a way that drove student centred learning through a digital medium.

2013

The Digital Learning Centre (DLC) was officially opened, redefining modern education at Varsity College. The centre was opened on the 15th March 2013 by Hon John-Paul Langbroek. The DLC was originally opened as the Reading and Research Centre.

Junior LENSE Opens

The Junior LENSE building was officially opened.

The LENSE, also known as the 'Learning Enhancement in a Nurturing Supportive Environment' opened with an extensive Library, ICT Hub and flexible learning spaces, including art rooms and science labs.

2011

Y Block on our Primary Campus was renovated, becoming the Primary Hall. This building was officially open on the 27th May 2010 by HON Cameron Dick MP.

Varsity College also celebrated our 10th Anniversary in 2011. Varsity College became the first school in Queensland to have over 3000 students enrolled.

Senior Learning Centre Officially Opens

The Senior Learning Centre (SLC) originally known as the Chinese Language & Cultural Centre of Excellence was officially opened.

The SLC was designed to provide students a modern learning space with the latest technology, supporting their learning needs. With learning spaces across spanning across 5 levels, the SLC became a central learning hub for our senior students.

2010

Both the Secondary Learning Centre (SLC) and the Junior Campus LENSE were constructed throughout the year.

2009

The College's highly successful One2One program was officially launched, with a full rollout completed by January 2010.

2007

The new preparatory eduction started at Varsity College. 72 prep students started the new initiative at our College.

2006

Varsity College reached over 2500 enrolments across both campuses.

2005

The Lake Orr footbridge construction was completed, connecting our two campuses!

With the addition of Year 12, Varsity College inducted our first ever College Captains. Our first elected captains were, Josh Cushing, Rebecca Tonkin, Cameron Downham & Jasmine Wilson.

2004

Our Senior Sports Centre, Performing Arts Centre and the Senior General Learning building were all officially opened by Senator George Brandis on the 3rd of April 2004.

2003

Construction of the our Sports Centre, Senior Performing Arts Centre and the Senior General Learning building.

2002

In 2002 Varsity College welcomed enrolments from Year 4 to Year 9. 2002 also saw the opening of our Secondary Campus, then known as the Varsity College Middle School. With the addition of more grades, the college saw enrolment numbers climb to over 1200 students.

Our Primary Campus Multi-Purpose Courts were also officially opened by John Newcombe AO OBE on 3rd of June 2002.

The Prime Minister Visits

Prime Minister John Howard, Laurie Lawrence and Federal Member, Margaret May joined students from Varsity College and surrounding schools in our brand new senior performing arts centre to launch Lawrence’s Water Safety Program “Do The Five”. A program designed to help combat childhood drownings in Australia.

The Sleepover Club

In 2002, Varsity College was also home to the students from Crescent Bay High. Season 1 of the TV adaptation of famed books 'The Sleepover Club' was partial produced onsite at Varsity College.

Production used Varsity's school uniforms, with some actual students featuring in the background of some shots.

Stage 2 Officially Opens

On the 13th of August 2002 Stage 2 of Varsity College was officially opened by Anna Bligh, MP Minister for Education. Stage 2 included cost $18,000,000 and was funded by both the State and Federal Governments.

Stage 2 included included 3 substages. Stages 2A & 2B included 27 new buildings on the Primary Campus. Stage 2C was the opening of our Secondary Campus which included, Student Services, the Reading and Research Centre, Middle Performing Arts, Science and Industrial Technology, Fine Arts and Foods, 16 General Learning Areas and Staff & Student Facilities.

Official Opening

Stage 1 of Varsity College was officially opened by Hon Peter Beattie Premier of Queensland on the 25th of July 2001. Mr Micheal Roberts was the Preparatory School Principal and Mrs Julie Grantham was the College Principal.

Last reviewed 02 May 2024

Last updated 02 May 2024