On the school's first day in July 1914, twenty-seven boys began their education in rooms adjacent to the Randwick Presbyterian Church. The founder, Mr William Nimmo, was a man of vision who believed in educating the whole boy — and who valued speech and drama as vital to a boy's confidence and self-expression.
Mr Nimmo saw his school as a preparatory school for both Sydney Grammar School and The Scots College. He combined the colours of both — the black and gold of Sydney Grammar and the blue and gold of Scots College — to create the Coogee Prep colours of black, gold and blue. The "A" of the school crest is taken from the first letter of the Greek alphabet — Alpha — and signifies Coogee Prep's role as the first step in a boy's education.
A timeline of milestones
1914
A school is founded
William Nimmo founded the school in July 1914 with 27 boys, in rooms adjacent to the Randwick Presbyterian Church on Alison Road. Mr Nimmo saw his school as a preparatory school for both Sydney Grammar School and The Scots College.
1965
A second Headmaster
Mr Nicholas Brown, a former student, became the school's second Headmaster — carrying forward Mr Nimmo's vision for a small, nurturing school of character.
1967
The House system begins
Three Houses — Nimmo, McKeown and Storey — were introduced to foster teamwork, friendly competition and belonging across every year group.
1995
Mr John Dicks appointed
Appointed third Headmaster, Mr Dicks moved the school to a single-stream model and expanded the curriculum to its modern, well-rounded form.
2010
A major renovation
The school undertook a significant renovation — new larger classrooms, a library and IT space, and a multi-purpose hall for the whole community.
2014
A proud centenary
Coogee Prep celebrated one hundred years of continuous boys' education in the Eastern Suburbs.
2026
A fourth Principal
Mr Jason Wren-Pattison becomes the fourth Principal, as Mr John Dicks transitions to the role of Executive Principal.
"The first step in a boy's education."
The Alpha of our crest has guided generations of Coogee Prep boys since 1914.