Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value Governor Grey initiated the foundation of the A.G.S. with a land grant in 1850, and in 1869 a small school opened in Howe Street by Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. Subsequently, the school occupied various other buildings, and Albert Barracks Building, District Court House, Maori Chapel, St Andrews Church, Ponsonby Branch School and eventually a building in Symonds Street in 1880. But in 1903 Government measures were introduced providing free education for all children. The school roll was greatly expanded over the following years requiring a larger building, and the Mt Eden School was Opened in 1916. J.W. Tibbs was the headmaster during the building of the present school, retiring in 1922 after 30 years in that position. He was one of a number of notable personalities who became headmaster of Auckland Grammar School, J.D. Mahon (1929-35), C.M. Littlejohn (1935-54) and W.H. Cooper (1954-72). Under these men the school had become a major sporting school with notable ex Grammar boys, Sir Edmund Hillary, Wilson Whineray, All Black Captain 1958-65 and Geoffrey Howarth. Prominent ex Grammar boys outside of sport include Sir William Liley, R.A.K. Mason, A.R.D. Fairburn and Professor E.M. Blaiklock. Not only drawing upon the wealthy Auckland suburbs of Remuera and Epsom for its pupils, the school has also consistently maintained a high standard of academic achievement and has therefore attracted those of above average scholastic ability throughout the province. With educational policies always somewhat outside mainstream, the school has often contributed to debates on the theory and practice of education. Having educated a large number of Auckland's prominent citizens and achieved academic success, the school has always been a notable part of Auckland's educational and general history.

Physical Significance

Architectural Significance: The Auckland Grammar School building is a very early example of the style to be found outside California. It was designed during the main period of Spanish Mission School design in America - 1900 through to 1915. The design was chosen by a competition for which there were 53 entries. The Spanish Mission style was associated with an educational philosophy concerning 'aesthetic, health and safety rationales'. One example of the design appeared in the American periodicals. By 1910 architects were citing climate, quality of light, extensive open spaces, educational requirements and structural mechanics as sound reasons for the erection of Mission Revival schools. In a contemporary report in the Herald the style is discussed; 'What is known as the Mission Style of Architecture has been adopted. This class of building is well known in Southern California and the architects have no doubt had in mind the similarity in that country and in Auckland. The outstanding feature of the building will be the large window space provided on every floor to allow maximum light and ventilation. The predominant style associated with educational facilities was English 'collegiate' Gothic. The choice of Spanish Mission Style marked a radical departure from this trend and the associations of 'red brick'. The school was a state school not private. Townscape/Landmark Significance: The prominent building, sited on the slopes of Mt Eden forms an important Auckland landmark. Its character is clearly noticeable while travelling out of the city on the motorway.