The Hutchins School was founded in memory of the first Archdeacon of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), William Hutchins, and is one of the oldest schools in Australia. Hutchins worked tirelessly to establish a faithful ministry, building churches and schools for the improvement of his flock, and laying the foundation for secular secondary education in the colony.
Following Hutchins’ death on , a number of leading citizens established a fund with the aim of founding a school in his memory. Hutchins opened its doors at Ingle Hall, 89 Macquarie Street, Hobart on with J R Buckland as the first Headmaster. The foundation stone of the new schoolhouse, designed by Tasmanian architect William Archer, was laid on , on the block in upper Macquarie Street (now 181), Hobart which was originally home to the Government Garden. Macquarie Street remained the home of Hutchins until / when the School relocated to Nelson Road, Sandy Bay.
The Hutchins School survived its early years by absorbing a number of other schools which helped to bolster the School through difficult times by providing more students, staff, plant and furnishings. Such schools included Christ’s College (–), Buckland’s School (–), King’s Grammar School (–), Franklin House School (–), Apsley House School (–), Gryce School (–) and many others.
