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What do I need to know?

The information that will assist you to do this search includes:

  • the school name
  • region
  • year

These record are mostly from schools that are now closed. Records from each school vary widely in both type and quantity.


 

How do I search?

Enter the school by name, and the try using keywords for the type of record for which you are looking, for example: pupil, council, teacher

About these records

There are around 1,000 series in our collection that are titled School Records. Pupil registers are within those records but are not indexed by name.

School records created by Government schools that are still operating today are most likely still with those schools. Generally speaking, PROV holds school records for Government schools that have been closed.

Unfortunately records for many schools that operated and closed during the 19th and early 20th centuries do not appear to have survived.

Next Steps

What are in these records?

  • pupil register(s) or, in their absence, other forms of attendance records
  • inspector’s report books or review reports
  • school council records, including council committee records
  • school publications such as newsletters
  • corporal punishment books, and
  • teacher absence books.

Class photographs or student reports are not usually found in these series as it appears most schools did not retain copies of these.

Visit our page on school photographs for more.

 

Material in the Public Record Office Victoria archival collection contains words and descriptions that reflect attitudes and government policies at different times which may be insensitive and upsetting

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be aware the collection and website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

PROV provides advice to researchers wishing to access, publish or re-use records about Aboriginal Peoples