I am very pleased to announce, in recognition of the Brookes family’s long association with the School and their collective service, contributions and achievements, the School Council has determined that the new House at Wadhurst will be named Brookes House.
Philip Grutzner, Headmaster, speaking at the Wadhurst Assembly 6 October 2023
When 18-year-old orphan William Brookes emigrated to Australia from England in 1852, he could have hardly imagined the legacy he and his later wife Catherine would leave.
The Brookes family history is woven together by their unwavering commitment to serving their fellow citizens and their nation, alongside a deep and abiding connection to Melbourne Grammar School.
One of his sons – Sir Norman Brookes (OM 1895) – was a world championship tennis player during the first two decades of the 1900s. Another son – Herbert Brookes – was a foundation member of the Australian Broadcasting Commission as well as Commissioner-General to the United States of America.
Grandson Alfred Brookes (OM 1936) was the founding Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service. Another grandson, Sir Wilfred Brookes (OM 1922), served as a fighter pilot in WWII, reaching the rank of Commanding Officer of his squadron and was a leading figure in Australian business.
More than 24 direct descendants of William Brookes have walked through Melbourne Grammar gates for their schooling, no doubt with the same aspirations and excitement that many of our students feel today.
Indeed, two of William’s sons, Sir Norman and Harold Brookes (OM 1895) entered Wadhurst in its very first year in 1886. One of his great, great grandsons, William Gengoult-Smith was a Year 7 student sitting in the audience at the Wadhurst Assembly when the name of the new House was announced in October 2023.
The impact Brookes family members has had on the School is extraordinary. Just to name a few contributions, Alfred Brookes initiated the establishment of the parents’ group, Friends of Wadhurst (which later became Friends of Grammar – Wadhurst). His wife, Margaret, served as both President of that group as well as Grammar Mothers (Senior School).
Great grandson of William, John Brookes (OM 1962) was Captain of Wadhurst in 1957 and Captain of the School in 1962. He went on to a successful career in international affairs.
John’s brother, Andrew Brookes (OM 1974) was a member of The Old Melburnians Council for five years (2012 – 2017), and President for three of those (2015 – 2017). He provided backstage support for generations of School productions for more than 45 years. Andrew now serves on the board of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation and he and his son John Brookes (OM 2009) are both members of the Witherby Tower Society.
Given this rich and enduring history of service and connection, it was only fitting that the School Council chose to name the new House at Wadhurst “Brookes House”.
You can hear from two students who will be entering Brookes House in 2024 here.
Why is a new House being established at Wadhurst?
As outlined in Melbourne Grammar’s strategic plan, Towards 2030, the School is focused on increasing the diversity of our student cohort. We see the positive impact boarders, First Nations students and those with no prior connection to the School have on other students at the School, bringing different experiences, ideas and ways of thinking.
However, given the high demand for places from those with an existing strong connection to the School, such as siblings of current students, children of Old Melburnians (for whom we will continue to give priority for enrolment), we need to increase student numbers to accommodate and build that diversity. It makes sense to do this at Year 7, when demand is at its peak. And rather than increase class sizes, a new House comprising two classes has been established.
