Leopold Primary School (School No. 1146; previously known as Kensington Common School 1872 – c.1873; Kensington State School c.1873 – c.1970)

Full description

Leopold Primary School (School No. 795) (VA 5471) is a coeducational primary school located on the Bellarine Peninsula, 12 kilometres from Geelong.

The school first opened in 1872 as Kensington Common School, in the district of Kensington as it was then known. It replaced a Church of England Denominational School (School No. 349), also called Kensington School, which had operated since 1854.

The Education Act of 1872 established the Victorian Education Department (VA 714) which marked a change to school naming conventions, with the school becoming Kensington State School likely around 1873. 

In 1892, the school was renamed Leopold State School, as the name of the local area had changed from Kensington to Leopold a few years earlier. In 1904, a new school building was opened, and in 1914 the teacher’s residence was replaced. 

In 1970, there was a statewide decision to change the use of the term ‘State School’ to refer to all primary, secondary and technical schools instead of just primary schools, and for all primary schools to use ‘Primary School’ in the name. Accordingly, the school name was changed to Leopold Primary School.

In 2019, the school facilities were upgraded and modernised, with new classrooms, amenities and staff work areas, and in 2024 an inclusive playground was built on-site. 

As of 2025, Leopold Primary School continues to operate, with just under 900 students enrolled.