Forest Hill State School

The small country town of Forest Hill was once a major agricultural producer for Queensland and developed rapidly at the end of the 19th century. By 1890, the town comprised a hotel, produce business and blacksmith. As the town grew, so did the need for a local school. A school committee was established and fundraising for school construction was underway by September 1890. Forest Hill Provisional School was built in 1892 to a standard government design and the charming timber school building was officially opened in January 1893. It comprised one classroom as well as front and back verandas. Due to population growth, the provisional school became a state school in 1899. The original building was converted, with additions, to a teacher’s residence. By 1910, two bunya trees were planted on either side of the front gate to the state school building. Both trees survive to the present day. The town continued to prosper, especially due to increased railway infrastructure, and Forest Hill State School reached peak enrolment in 1914, with 166 pupils. The state school buildings have since been replaced; however, the former provisional school building is still used as a teacher’s residence today.