Ascham is one of the oldest girls’ schools in Australia. It was founded by Miss Marie Wallis in 1886 with nine pupils in a Darling Point terrace.  Miss Wallis named the school after Roger Ascham, tutor to England’s Queen Elizabeth I. The vision and vigour of Miss Wallis, followed by Mr Herbert Carter, (1902-1914) who bought the large house Glenrock and its 2.6 hectares of grounds, secured the future of the school, when so many other small, privately-owned schools of the time did not survive.

Contributions from former Ascham heads were essential to the school’s continued growth. Ascham’s visionary and longest serving headmistress, Miss Margaret Bailey (1914-1946) built enrolments from 74 to 400 and introduced the Dalton Plan.  Miss Bailey also incorporated the school as a non-profit making company.  Headmistresses Miss Dorothy Whitehead (1949-1961) and Miss Merrilie Roberts (1961-1972) expanded the school and took part in wider educational debate. Mrs Rowena Danziger, headmistress for 31 years (1973-2003), ensured the highest possible academic standards.  Mrs Danziger also oversaw the development of many building and refurbishment projects, played a major role in Ascham’s cultural life both locally and internationally, and was a committed leader who brought Ascham’s well-rounded education to a new level of excellence.

The Moreton Bay fig tree growing near Glenrock House in the centre of the school grounds is thought to be more than 150 years old.  The tree marks the school’s continuity and growth, and Ascham is forever appreciative of the contributions of all past heads of the school who worked toward the school’s development.