1894
The Armidale School opened its doors to the first students in February 1894. It was established by private investors keen for northern NSW to have its own English-style boarding school for boys. Today, more than a century later, TAS, as it is widely known, is a fully co-educational day and boarding school catering for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 from right across the country.
1896
We are Stronger Together
Originally known as the New England Proprietary School, its name was changed to The Armidale School in 1896 a year before it joined the Association of Great Public Schools of NSW (AAGPS) in 1897. TAS is proud to be the only regional and only co-educational member of the GPS, and values highly the close relationships it has with the metropolitan GPS schools.
Over the years TAS has continued to connect with associations and organisations that support its educational philosophy. TAS is a member of the Round Square Association of Schools which upholds ideals of education through adventure, leadership and service. TAS is also an International Baccalaureate World School teaching the Primary and Middle Years Programmes. As a regional school, our connections to the University of New England, New England Conservatoreum of Music and the New England Regional Art Museum are close and the support is genuine.
1898
Third Oldest Cadet Unit in Australia
The TAS Cadet Unit, established in 1898, is the third oldest (and longest continually running) school cadet unit in Australia. In 1899, the Old Boys’ Union was created, later renamed the Old Armidalians’ Union (OAU).
The Chapel was built in 1902, followed by the Maxwell Library in 1923 (now the Lower and Upper Maxwell rooms) and CC Dangar House in 1924; these latter buildings both honouring Old Boys killed in the Great War. While the school had always educated junior boys, Dangar House consolidated their classrooms and dormitories for the first time, effectively creating Junior School.
Survival to Surges
Through the 1930s, the School weathered the Great Depression, implementing measures to ensure its survival. In 1938, the Parents and Friends Association (P&F) was created.
World War II brought one of the School’s biggest enrolment surges, with Sydney parents seeking a safe location for their sons’ education. Post-war expansion saw the purchase of ‘Meadowfield’ for agricultural facilities, boarding and a shooting range, and construction of Memorial Hall. Through the next three decades there was considerable campus expansion including the construction of White, Abbott and Croft Houses; academic facilities and the Mattingley Gymnasium.
Growth and Support
To support continued growth and provide support for students in need, the TAS Foundation was established in 1983. The indoor heated swim centre was officially opened in 1993, one of several facilities projects that coincided with the School’s centenary. In 1998, the School formally joined the global Round Square association, cementing its commitment to education through adventure, leadership and service. A year later, Junior School welcomed its first girls. Recognising the unique academic and pastoral needs of early adolescents, Middle School (Years 6-8) was established in 2000.
The Michael Hoskins Creative Arts Centre opened in 2009, expanding opportunities available to our students and the broader community.
LIGHT AND SHADOWS
Like many schools of its age, TAS too has had episodes in its history of darkness and sadness for some of our students. For each and every victim of abuse suffered in the past at TAS, we are sincerely sorry and ask that you contact the school or the police. Our resolve to be vigilant about the wellbeing of each one of our students past and present is absolute. The future of the school is bright with a strong, connected community of alumni, families and staff.
2010
A Company Structured for the Future
Since 2010 TAS has been a company limited by guarantee, with the school’s board of directors accountable to 24 members, equally representing the Old Armidalians’ Union, Parents and Friends Association, the TAS Foundation and the Anglican Diocese of Armidale. In 2016, TAS became fully co-educational. Nina Macdonald House (2018, formally named 2025) was built as the first girls boarding house, followed by Charlotte May Wright House in 2025; girls now make up 50 percent of boarding enrolments.
Today
TAS serves students from across Australia and overseas, from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. With a global outlook, it is also proud of its strong community connections and its important role in Armidale being a desirable education destination.
Through every challenge and evolution, our story has been defined not just by what we have built, but by how we have built it: with Courage, with Commitment, and with a deep sense of Connection. These values, born of our unique history, remain our guide as we shape graduates of integrity and vision.
TAS Archives
TAS has a diverse collection of written, photographic, filmed, digital and textile items that convey the history of the school and those who have been part of its community from its earliest manifestations to the present day. A selection of the archives is on display in cabinets in the Lower Maxwell Room, originally built as a library. The adjacent Sandilands Studio – named in honour of three brothers who gave their lives during the Second World War – is a memorial to the rich history of military service to the country by Old Boys of The Armidale School. Other items of historic interest are also on display in other locations at the school.
If you are interested in contacting us about the TAS archives, please email [email protected] or call TAS Reception on 02 6776 5800.