Brief History

In 1888, seventy-eight girls and five teachers entered the boys’ Grammar School on Symonds Street, Auckland. Although they were on the same site, they operated as two separate schools, with significant efforts made to keep the boys and girls apart. The girls had their own quarters, a separate entrance, and a 14-foot wall dividing the playground.

In 1906, due to increased numbers, the decision was made to create a separate Girls’ Grammar School. Annie Whitelaw was appointed as the first Headmistress of this new school, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School, in 1907. The school moved to its present site on Howe Street in 1909.

From its inception, Auckland Girls’ has been a progressive school with a tradition of social responsiveness, closely mirroring the social and cultural developments that have shaped New Zealand society.

Over one hundred years after its founding, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School remains at the forefront of education for young women.