Head Teacher's Residence, Atherton State School (former)

This historic site in central Atherton survives as a rare and significant example of an early teacher’s residence built according to a non-standard design. It is one of only three residences built in 1893 and 1914 which demonstrate this particular design, characteristic layout, materials and setting. The former teacher’s residence is an excellent example of a purpose-built school residence. Atherton grew to a town of 1186 by 1911 due to the prosperity brought by the railway system. John Johnson was appointed head teacher the same year and moved to the school with his family of eight. An early school, including a small residence, was opened in Atherton in 1891. Due to the insufficient size of the existing school residence, it was removed and a new ten-roomed timber and corrugated iron residence – designed by architect Thomas Pye - was constructed in 1913. The Johnson family moved into the spacious residence in October 1913 and John Johnson remained there until his death in 1930. Today, the former head teacher’s residence, remains part of the school campus, and is not open to the general public.