The foundations for Alphington Grammar School were established in 1988, after the Greek Community purchased the land that was previously home to an all-boys Catholic Junior school.
Fuelled by the desire for a non-denominational school that still retained its connection to the Greek Community and paid respect to its Hellenic background, Mr Nicholas Bates was appointed Establishment Principal. He was entrusted with laying the foundations for a small, family-oriented school prioritising student welfare and leading to a tertiary pathway. With this vision in mind, Alphington Grammar School opened its doors one year later, in 1989.
When it first opened, Alphington Grammar had a small and intimate number of students of both Greek and other cultural backgrounds. It began with modest facilities and furnishings; in these early years, the School was a project of passion and love for many people in the Greek Community. Since then, the school community has grown exponentially, and the campus has seen drastic changes and new developments.
The Andrianakos Centre boasts a school hall with a multipurpose space suitable for assemblies, sports, and theatrical performances.
It was opened in 2011, followed by a new Primary wing the following year. In 2013 our current Principal, Dr Vivianne Nikou, was appointed the school’s first female Principal. This ushered in a new era of growth with the Lyceum Centre, a conference space and staff room. The renovation of the administration wing and student amenities block followed soon after. The school also opened a state-of-the-art STEM wing and modern Library in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Today, Alphington Grammar is home to a vibrant student and staff learning community that builds on the traditions of years past, aspiring to excellence in all that it encompasses.
The school boasts academic success to rival its competitor schools and a wealth of programs both in and outside the classroom.
The flagship Gateways program, introduced in 2014, provides opportunities for students to travel internationally or interstate, experience new cultures, and connect to the school’s Greek heritage.
In 2023 over 115 students travelled to iconic locations in London, Italy, Sicily and Greece, including the Acropolis in Athens, the Samaria Gorge in Crete, archaeological sites in Delphi and monasteries of Meteora.
In some ways the school is unrecognisable, with its updated classrooms, luxe learning spaces and modern features. Yet, the spirit at the heart of it all remains the same.
Looking into the future, the school will continue to expand to meet the ever-growing demand for a quality independent school education while maintaining the strong community feel that makes it unique. As the school grows, an additional custom-designed classroom block will be opening in early 2024, with further plans for an additional building, upgraded basketball courts, new sports facilities that embrace its idyllic setting on the Darebin Creek, and an underground carpark currently in the planning stages for future years.
“Over the course of its lifetime, Alphington Grammar School has benefited from the support of countless staff, students, parents, and members of its extensive community. In the year of its 35th anniversary, the school would like to acknowledge the support of the Greek Community that has helped make developments possible. May the journey long continue,” said the Principal, Dr Nikou.
In 2024 Alphington Grammar School celebrates 35 years since their gates first opened in 1989.
Experience the Alphington difference yourself at their Open Day on Saturday 16 March 2024, 10am to 1pm, at 18 Old Heidelberg Road, Alphington VIC 3078.
