How It All Started
Heritage, community and a school that continues to evolve Yarranlea's story is more than the history of a school building.
It is the story of a community that has continually adapted, relocated, reimagined and reinvented itself, while holding firmly to a belief that education should be personal, connected and centred on relationships.
Today, Yarranlea is an independent, multi-age school nestled within the Toohey Forest precinct. Yet our story began more than 140 years ago in a very different part of Queensland.
From the Darling Downs to Toohey Forest
Yarranlea began life in 1883 as Hermitage Provisional School on the Darling Downs. The school's historic timber building was constructed in 1888 after local families and community members raised the funds needed to establish a permanent school. In 1890, the school became known as Yarranlea State School and served generations of children from the surrounding rural community.
After almost a century of service, the school closed in 1977. While many school stories might have ended there, Yarranlea's was only entering its next chapter.
A Building Worth Saving
In 1979, the historic school building was carefully relocated to Mount Gravatt
It became part of the Mount Gravatt College of Advanced Education, now Griffith University. Later, through the commitment of education academics, community advocates and supporters who recognised the value of preserving both the building and its educational purpose, the school reopened in 1987 in its current location.
Its heritage significance was formally recognised in 2004 when the building was included on the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register.
A New Beginning
In 2013, the state school closed. Once again, the future of Yarranlea could have ended there.
Instead, families, community members, Griffith University and supporters came together to create a new future for the school. In July 2014, Yarranlea reopened as an independent school, continuing its educational journey while embracing a new model focused on personalised learning, strong relationships and multi-age education.
Small in Size. Significant in Impact.
Throughout its history, Yarranlea's impact has often extended beyond the number of students enrolled at the school. From its origins as a small rural school to its role supporting teacher education and educational innovation, Yarranlea has consistently demonstrated that schools do not need to be large to make a meaningful contribution.
Today, that same belief continues to shape our future. We remain intentionally small, committed to strong relationships and multiage learning, while continuing to evolve and grow within the Toohey Forest community.
Looking Forward
While we are proud of our history, Yarranlea is not defined by its past alone.
We continue to build on that legacy through our multi-age learning model, our connection to Toohey Forest and our commitment to helping young people develop the confidence, capabilities and values needed to thrive in a changing world.
Our story is still being written.