Firbank Grammar School was established as a Christian, day and boarding school for girls in 1909, by the
Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne,
Henry Lowther Clarke who was left a legacy for
educational purposes. The Archbishop purchased 'Gawsworth', a property which stretched between Outer and Middle Crescents, and named the school after
Firbank, his birthplace in
Westmorland, England. He chose the
motto,
Vincit Qui Se Vincit ("She conquers who conquers herself") and gave the School his Archbishop
crest. The school opened and in 1910 there was an experienced head in charge.
Florence Emily Green had founded and run the
New England Girls' School before she sold it. She stood in as a temporary head until 1911 but she was in poor health. Under the leadership of
Maud Cameron, Firbank's longest serving Headmistress, enrolments grew and further land was purchased, including the 'Pen-y-bryn' estate and 'Atherstone' in
Sandringham. Since its foundation, Firbank has maintained a strong connection with
St Andrew's Anglican Church, Brighton where formal school services are held. In 1961 Dorothy Whitehead left the headship of
Ascham School to become the head of Firbank. She served until 1970 and during her time the students were allowed more freedom. She had previously taught with the
Dalton Plan at Ascham. She replaced exams with tests and removed the streaming of students. New buildings were introduced for physical education and to increase the boarding facility. ==Campus==