History of Keira High School

Wollongong’s Enduring School

Keira High School has a proud and dynamic history, evolving from a technical school into the comprehensive, co-educational institution it is today. Its story is closely tied to the growth of the Wollongong community, reflecting changes in education and society for more than a century.

Early Beginnings (1917–1953)

Founded in 1917 as the Wollongong Junior Secondary Technical School, the school’s original focus was on practical and vocational skills to meet the industrial needs of the region. For many years it operated across several temporary sites, until the government purchased land at Fairy Meadow in 1939. World War II delayed construction, but in 1954 new buildings on Lysaght Street finally opened, giving the school its first permanent home and a strong foundation for the future.

A New Identity and a Changing World (1954–1989)

With its new campus, the school became Keira Boys High School and for almost three decades educated generations of young men. A major transformation came in 1984, when the State Government introduced co-education. The first female students enrolled that year, reshaping the school’s culture and community. The school was renamed Keira High School, embracing a more inclusive identity that better reflected modern society.

Innovation and the Future (1990–Today)

In 1990, Keira was designated a Technology High School, highlighting its commitment to innovation and preparing students for an increasingly digital world. The integration of emerging technologies into teaching and learning gave students new skills and opportunities, strengthening the school’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader in education.

Today, Keira High School honours its history and traditions while embracing a dynamic, future-focused approach. It remains a cornerstone of the Wollongong community—proud of its past, innovative in the present, and ambitious for the future.

Keira High School Timeline

Keira High School Emblem: A Symbol of Aspiration

The Keira High School crest, adopted in 1984 to mark the transition to co-education, takes the form of a traditional shield symbolising strength and protection. At its heart is the school motto Excelsior—Latin for “ever higher.” This enduring phrase, in place since the school’s founding in 1917, continues to inspire generations of students to strive for excellence in all that they do.