Townsville Grammar School is an independent, co-educational, day, International Baccalaureate and boarding school, located in Townsville.
Established in 1888, it is the northernmost member of the Queensland grammar schools. From its foundation the school encouraged a co-educational environment, but in its early decades the number of female students was particularly small; in its foundation year (1888), "20 boys" are recorded as being enrolled. During World War II the school was acquired by the Royal Australian Air Force for use as barracks accommodation for the No. 3 Fighter Sector RAAF.
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School badge
The School Badge was designed in 1902 by a Sydney architect. The background represents the Southern Cross, with the Three Turrets set on the Rock of Christianity, surrounded by the sea of Plenty. The central turret symbolises spiritual values, while the two side turrets represent intellectual and sporting values.
The Latin text on the badge reads "Bonus intra melior exi", translated to English as "Come in good, go out better".
Headmasters
P. F. Rowland is as of 2026 the longest serving headmaster, holding his position for 34 years. During his time, "Boss" Rowland taught the School's two Rhodes Scholars, Chester James Parker and George Frederick Emanuel Hall.
Campuses
North Shore
The Junior School North Shore campus teaches from pre-kindy (for children turning 3 before 30 June). This campus opened in 2015, and continues to grow.
Annandale
The Junior School Annandale campus teaches from pre-preparatory (for children turning 4 before 30 June) to grade 6. This campus opened in 1997.
North Ward
The North Ward campus is situated in the seaside suburb of North Ward at 45 Paxton Street, Townsville, QLD 4810. It comprises the Middle School (grades 7–9) and Senior School (grades 10–12). The School House building is now heritage-listed.
Sporting houses
The four sporting houses are named after former headmasters:
Rowland – Red colour (Percy Fritz Rowland)
Miller – Light blue colour (Fredrick Thomas Miller)
Hodges – Green colour (C. H. Hodges)
Whight – Purple colour (Thomas Burnside Whight)
Notable alumni
Karen Andrews, politician, current member of parliament for McPherson
Charles Davidson, politician and former Postmaster-General & Minister for the Navy
Harriet Dyer, actress
Jarrod Harbrow, AFL footballer
Ted Harding, politician and rugby league player
Remy Hii, actor
Harold Lowes, lawyer and politician
Micheal Luck, professional rugby league player
Agnes McWhinney, first female solicitor in Australia
Greg Norman, former Number 1 ranked golfer
Frederick Perkins, teacher, headmaster and minister
Douglas Reye, pathologist, first to study and namesake of Reye syndrome
Tia-Clair Toomey, world Crossfit champion and Australian weightlifting Olympist
Josh Hannay, rugby league player
Notable staff
Merilyn Manley-Harris, professor of carbohydrate chemistry in New Zealand