Our history

On 2 February 1983, the bell rang for the very first day of classes at Northholm Grammar School in Arcadia. It was to be a family-centred school which looked upon its students, parents and staff as a welcoming community striving for a common goal.

That first day was a culmination of years of work by the founding parents, School Council and the establishing staff – a passionate community who craved a high-quality educational experience for their children. The name was a reflection of our remarkable environment: our Founding Headmaster, Mr Ronald Chambers, suggested the School’s name include the word ‘Holm’: (a type of oak and a symbol of prosperity, strength, stability and comfort) and Founding Chairman, His Honour Dr John Lincoln AM, proposed to include ‘North’ to suggest Sydney’s Northern Hills and Hornsby Shires which the School would serve.

Ten teachers and 125 students, from Year 6 to Year 11, began that first day with a short Chapel Service led by Deputy Headmaster, the Reverend John Bootle. While much has changed over 41 years of history, we have remained true to our original charter to provide a comprehensive and wholistic education for students irrespective of faith, culture or family background.

Today, Northholm Grammar staff, students and families have strived to build an impressive reputation of academic excellence alongside pastoral and co-curricular achievement. As we have grown, we have maintained our commitment to deliver a distinctive education that offers a personalised approach beyond that available at larger independent schools. Northholm remains a place where each child is known, respected, cared for and cared about as an individual.

Northholm through the years

Read more about Northholm’s history in the special edition of The Arcadian from 2023 below.