Our History

Canberra Girls Grammar School was built on a foundation of determination, resilience and visionary thinking.

In 1926, at the request of Bishop Lewis Bostock Radford, members of the Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC)founded our school based on the belief that every young woman should receive an education. Sister Hilda and Sister Phyllis from the Waverley, Sydney home of the CSC, were the founding educational leaders who followed in the footsteps of Mother Emily Ayckbowm.

Driven to see young women flourish in their education, the founders not only built a school, but created a culture of learning and forward-thinking.

In a time when the expectations of women’s education weren’t overly high, this vision was revolutionary to say the least.

The sisters' conviction to open up pathways for women, set the tone for the School. Mother Emily’s example of , zeal, pioneering spirit and good humour remain an enduring role model for our community.

From those humble beginnings, Canberra Girls Grammar became and continues to be the home of courageous and brave-hearted children and young women.

*Banner photo: An aerial view of the School in 1960.