A legacy of excellence, a vision for the future

From six students in a single classroom to a thriving, co-educational campus – the story of Pittwater House is one of growth, innovation and a deep commitment to holistic education.

1961 – A new beginning

Pittwater House opened in 1961 as a small preparatory school for boys, founded by educator Rex Morgan. With just six students in its first year, the school quickly earned a reputation for academic focus and personal attention.

1964

A new Preparatory School building opened in Collaroy for boys from Kindergarten to Year 6.

1968

The Grammar School was established to cater to older students. From the outset, Mr Morgan envisioned a school that prioritised both academic standards and character development — a vision that continues to guide Pittwater House today. In time, Mr Morgan transferred ownership of the school to a non-profit company, which continues to own and administer the school in line with its founding values.

1975 – Expanding opportunity: The Girls’ College

By the 1970s, the demand from families for the same educational opportunity for girls was growing. In 1975, The Girls’ College opened, welcoming secondary school girls to the campus.

1977

In 1977, The Junior Girls’ College followed, creating a parallel pathway for younger students. This evolution laid the foundation for our distinctive twin schooling model — offering single-gender classes within a co-educational community.

1980s and 1990s – Growth and Development

The 1980s and 1990s were a period of rapid expansion, with new buildings and specialist facilities added across the campus:

A 15-room teaching block
The Great Hall
Playing fields and courts
An Olympic short-course swimming pool
Tennis and athletics facilities

2000s – Community support

In the 2000s, the school continued to evolve — supported by active parent involvement, alumni generosity and government funding.

Highlights include:

Construction of an indoor sporting stadium, supported by a $1.7 million Australian Government Stimulus Grant (completed in 2011)
Installation of audio-visual technology, spectator seating, and library refurbishments, funded in part by the Pittwater House Parents Association

2003

In 2003, Richard Morgan succeeded his father as Principal, following 15 years as Vice Principal. He led the school with deep respect for its heritage and a vision for modernisation.

2022 – Drop Off and Pick Up Zone

In 2022, the School opened a new driveway onto South Creek Road, allowing cars to enter the campus for a brief period in the morning and again at pick up time. This solution was designed with a traffic management firm to best manage school and local traffic. Outside of the brief drop-off and pick-up times, the gate to this driveway is locked, when the area is a large play space for our students.

2024 – Senior School Upgrades

In January 2024, Senior School upgrades were completed, with students benefitting from:

Outdoor, covered flexible learning spaces
Broad new covered outdoor corridors
Additional spaces for use in wet weather
Lift access to both Senior School Buildings
Improved flow and accessibility.

Over its 60-year history, Pittwater House has enjoyed the privilege of exceptional leaders

Principal 2010 – 2025

Dr Nancy Hillier (BA, DipEd, MEdSt, DEd, MACE, MACEL, MAICD)

Dr Nancy Hillier led Pittwater House with energy, integrity and deep compassion for 15 transformative years.

A highly experienced educator and accomplished academic, she brought over three decades of leadership across independent schools to her role as Principal and CEO.

Under her guidance, the school experienced a 70% enrolment growth, expanded its subject and co-curricular offerings, achieved exceptional academic results, and completed significant capital works, including the recent refurbishment of the Senior School.

Dr Hillier championed student wellbeing through a best-in-class pastoral care program, inspired an engaged and committed staff, and embedded the school’s HEROIC Core Values into every aspect of life at Pittwater House.

Her visionary leadership not only elevated the School’s profile – ranking in the top 50 NSW schools in 2024 – but also left an enduring legacy of support, excellence and community.

In September 2025, Dr Hillier was honored in a speech to Parliament delivered by Independent Member, Michael Regan MP celebrating her career successes. Read here.

Principal 2003 – 2010

Richard Morgan

Richard Morgan led Pittwater House from 2003 to 2010, following 15 years as Vice-Principal and continuing the Morgan family’s legacy.

Under his leadership, Pittwater House secured a $1.7 million Australian Government grant to construct a new indoor sporting stadium, reflecting his vision for well-rounded education that valued both academic and physical development.

Richard Morgan’s stewardship helped strengthen the school’s foundations to prepare it for the growth and innovation that would follow.

Founder and Principal 1961 – 2003

Rex Morgan AM, MBE

For over four decades, Rex Morgan was the driving force behind the growth and character of Pittwater House.

From its founding in 1961, he oversaw its transformation from a modest boys’ preparatory school into a respected independent K–12 institution, carrying forward his vision of excellence in all facets of school life.

During his long career, Mr Morgan held many key leadership roles – including Chairman of the Australian College of Educators (NSW), President of the Teachers Guild of NSW, and National President of the Friends of the Duke of Edinburgh Award – and he also served on the ABC Advisory Committee on School Broadcasts.

His services to education were recognised with an MBE in 1969 and later with an AM in 2002.

His values, spirit and direction continue to shape the school he founded.

History