Gilmore College for Girls has been a beacon of success in the city of Footscray for over 80 years.

The College was founded in 1925 as the Footscray Domestic Arts School in response to the vast demand for employment in the Domestic Arts. Aspirations for young women have progressed greatly, consequently, the name of the College has changed over the decades to reflect the rapid progress in girls' education. Today Gilmore College for Girls is an academically focussed, technology rich and very successful educational provider.

In 1996 we became Gilmore College in recognition of Dame Mary Gilmore. Mary Gilmore, who was born in 1865, campaigned against discrimination of all kinds but is particularly remembered for protesting against discrimination on behalf of aborigines, the elderly, women and children. She wrote for several newspapers and magazines, using poetry to highlight social issues. Mary Gilmore is indeed a fitting role model for our young women.

Students from local suburbs and many students from distant suburbs, travel to Gilmore College via train and bus everyday. The College was once seen as a regional centre for the education of girls, but over the years it has become the College of choice for girls from both local and quite distant suburbs. It is also accredited to educate international students.

We are proud of our multi-cultural richness at Gilmore, where all students strive for excellence in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Gilmore College is committed to meeting the learning needs of all students through a well developed core curriculum that challenges and supports each student to achieve their very best. We run a four period day which allows our students to engage in extended learning tasks. We have a distinctive curriculum structure that has two distinct stages, with Years 7--9 built around an innovative Middle Years model and Years 10--12 focused on VCE and individualized pathways.

Students at Years 7 --9 have the opportunity to engage in integrated projects as part of their learning. These large, collaborative projects draw on knowledge and skills from a number of subjects and result in complex, rich tasks. These projects encourage students to be independent learners and to develop ICT skills. These projects support a wider curriculum that provides students with extensive learning in areas such as Art, Technology, Language and Physical Education across the three years.

Students in Year 10 and VCE are able to study in a wide range of areas and subject acceleration is available for students of high ability. At Year 10, students are able to extend their learning beyond the school through the City Centre and Work Experience programs. VCE students also benefit from a range of learning seminars, camps and tutorials which assist them in further developing their learning skills and reaching their goals.

College Tours

You are welcome to make an appointment to visit and see the College at work at any time throughout the school year. A staff member will conduct you on a tour of the school and you can visit any classes in session. Your staff guide will explain the school curriculum, programs and facilities and be happy to answer your questions. For further information on College tours please contact the Assistant Principal. Click on Contact Us.


Open Day

A specific Open Day is also held every year for grade 6 students and parents early in March. Tours are conducted by administrative staff to see the school working and to explain programs. The Open Day date is provided via the Home Page and News and Events pages of this website each year.


Orientation Day for Grade 6 Students

Enrolled grade 6 girls from primary schools attend the Gilmore College Orientation Day and participate in a classes and special activities and meet staff and other students. All relevant information on the Year 7 school program is provided to ease transition from primary school. The Orientation Day date is provided via the Home Page and News and Events pages of this website each year.


VCE Information Evenings

These are conducted every year to explain VCE requirements to parents, guardians and students. Information about the range of Gilmore VCE courses is provided and the Gilmore College VCE handbook is also available. Key Learning Area staff members are also available to discuss subjects and courses and examples of VCE work are displayed.


Year 9 to Year 10 Information Evening

An information evening for parents of students in year 9, going into senior school in year 10, is held as part of the Parent Teacher night at the end of term 3. This is to inform parents about the change in curriculum structure and the range of subjects offered in year 10.

Students at Gilmore Girls College enjoy spacious and attractive grounds on a self contained site. These provide a secure and a very pleasant environment for learning, study, sport and recreation.

The college comprises a two storey historical main wing surrounding a central courtyard. In addition, there are modern classroom wings built more recently including a dedicated science wing, extensive library, Performing Arts Centre and full sized gymnasium.
The grounds are attractive with a sports oval, tennis and netball courts, and the college is currently undergoing renovations to the front entrance to the school.
The brand new open plan, ICT rich Learning Communities Centre will house our Years 7 and 8 students in 2008.

At Gilmore, we believe that individual student 's achievements should be recognised and rewarded.

Two year academic scholarships are offered to students entering the college in Year 7, Year 9 and Year 11. Applications open in May and and information about the Gilmore scholarships is available from the college website.

Students are also encouraged to appply for the wide range of community scholarships available and should see the Student Leadership and Extension co-ordinator for details.