When Launceston Church Grammar was founded on June 15, 1846, there were just 24 male students in attendance and Latin and Greek were the languages on offer.
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In the 175 years that have since passed, its students, teachers and the community the school serves have changed significantly.
On Tuesday an all-school celebration was held to mark the historic milestone, for what is now Australia's oldest continually run independent school. Students also gathered in formation on the oval to form "175" - all captured by a drone.
For school captains Emily Fryett and Gilbert Loane, the day was an opportunity to reflect on just how far the school has come.
"We are celebrating with the whole school and it's really special to us because we are remembering all of the students that have come before us and how special it is to have a school with such a great legacy," Emily said.
"I found out that there were only four female staff when the school amalgamated with Broadland House, and now there's over 100. So I think it's really cool."
"I have been very lucky, and had numerous family members come to this school," Gilbert added.
"So just building on that and watching it grow. I'm looking forward to the future and coming back and seeing how it has grown and evolved even more."
The school as it is today was formed in 1983 from the amalgamation of the boys' Launceston Grammar School and girls' Broadland House Church of England Girls' Grammar School.
Headmaster Richard Ford said Tuesday's event was an opportunity to honour the school's history, while recognising what it stands for now.
"We are thrilled to be celebrating our 175th this year, and today [Tuesday] is our actual birthday," he said.
"Certainly the school has grown, and Launceston has grown since our earliest days.
"In our first year we taught Latin and Greek, today we teach Mandarin and aviation.
"So we continue to evolve and continue to focus on what is going to be best for our students so they leave here ready for the world."
Mr Ford said the school would continue to celebrate the milestone, with a program of activities planned throughout the year to recognise the 175th anniversary.
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Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
