Fairfield Primary School has been a vital part of the Fairfield community for well over a century. Established in 1885, the school began at a time when Fairfield was still a small village on the outskirts of Melbourne. Since then, it has grown alongside the suburb — through decades of change, challenge, and celebration.

From the early days of horse‑drawn carriages and riverside picnics to the modern bicycles, buses and bustling school events of today, Fairfield Primary School has always been more than just a place for lessons — it’s been a place where children and families come together to learn, play and belong.

Over the years the school has witnessed the community grow through times of success and hardship — from the World Wars and the Great Depression, to the vibrant multicultural wave of families that settled in the area after World War II. Many local families today have two or more generations who attended the school, and some even have grandchildren learning where their grandparents once played!

To mark its long and enduring history, Fairfield Primary celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2010. Students then became junior historians, exploring school archives, photos and old maps to learn about life at FPS long before computers, interactive whiteboards or sprawling playgrounds.

Today, the school continues to embrace growth and innovation. Recent years have seen significant modernisation and upgraded learning spaces, including award‑winning new buildings that support 21st‑century learning.

From its humble beginnings in the 1880s to its role as a vibrant, caring school community today, Fairfield Primary School’s story reflects both the history of its neighbourhood and the bright future of education in our city.