Prahran High School

Location
138 High Street Windsor 3181

New School

  • Start

  • Planning

  • Design

  • Construction

  • Finish

    Q1 2019

The above dates are forecast only and subject to change.

About the project

Prahran High School is a co-educational secondary school we've built for 650 students. The school opened in Term 1, 2019 with its first Year 7 students. This school, designed by Gray Puksand, was the winner in the 'Best Project Above $10 Million' category in the 2019 Victorian School Design Awards.

We built this innovative, vertical school next to an existing educational precinct that includes Melbourne Polytechnic and the National Institute of Circus Arts. 

Prahran High School has a new school website and official Facebook page. Follow both for all of the latest updates. ​   ​ ​ ​

Facilities

Prahran High School features an open atrium at the centre of the building, contemporary teaching areas, a main performance space and outdoor terraces on every level.

  • A series of cascading bleachers (tiered seating with stairs) connects the various levels, allowing easy circulation and promoting social interaction and physical exercise. All levels also have lifts to ensure accessibility for all.
  • Library, music and drama facilities on the ground floor fully utilise the large ceiling heights.
  • Levels 1, 2 and 3 house the Science, Art and Food Technology spaces, taking advantage of the northern aspect with access to the outdoor learning terraces.
  • General learning, ICT and break-out areas are incorporated throughout the building.
  • There is a gym on level 3 with direct access to a large outdoor recreational zone that includes a rebound court, running track and protective netting.
  • A rooftop play area with trees and a garden gives students space for passive recreation, and there is also a lane that can be activated for play during school hours.

A key priority for the architects was minimising noise for surrounding residents.

Entry points and transport

The school’s main entry is from High Street, with an additional St John Street entrance open during peak periods.

To ensure student and staff safety, the building includes security measures such as surveillance equipment, a 1.8m fence and entry swipe cards or keypad.

Bike storage has been built into the design, with the school located near multiple bike paths. There are no onsite parking spaces, encouraging staff and students to use the numerous convenient public transport options. A few parking spaces on St John and Thomas streets are dedicated for school drop off and pick up at the beginning and end of the school day.​​

Funding

The 2017-18 State Budget allocated $37.2 million to the school. Previously $25 million had been allocated to the project.

Funding type

  • New School

Updated