A comprehensive history of Norfolk Island public education can be found in the book 'An Island Education, A History of the Norfolk Island Public School 1856-2006' by Brian Mercer, Sesquicentenary Edition. Published by the Norfolk Island P&C Association.
Brief historical timeline of Norfolk Island
Pre 1774
Evidence of Polynesian occupation during this time exists
1774
James Cook discovers Norfolk Island.
1787
La Perouse visits Norfolk Island but is unable to land.
1788 - 1814
First convict settlement on Norfolk Island under Philip Gidley King.
1789
Mutiny on the HMS Bounty - mutineers and Tahitian mates settle on Pitcairn Island.
1790
Sirius wrecked on the reef at Norfolk Island bringing in supplies.
1825 - 1856
Second convict settlement of Norfolk Island.
1835
Compulsory education on Pitcairn Island
1856
Descendants of the Bounty mutineers (Pitcairners) resettle Norfolk Island.
1902
Council of Elders established.
1979
Introduction of internal self government and the first Norfolk Island Assembly
Brief history of education on Norfolk Island
1856
Descendants of the Bounty mutineers (Pitcairners) arrive for resettlement on Norfolk.
Classes begin in the New Military Barracks under George Hunn Nobbs.
1859
Thomas Rossiter is appointed as schoolmaster.
1884
Rossiter retires, Alfred Nobbs becomes schoolmaster.
1887
Queen Victoria Scholarship is introduced to celebrate her Golden Jubilee.
1906
School begins on current site at Middlegate.
1992
Year 11 introduced.