[1] The current site of school, located in the suburb of Newcastle on the corner of Tyrrell and Brown Streets, dates back to 1878.

Eddie Braggett has validated this continuity since its formation in 1816 by Henry Wrensford, finding conclusively that the school has accepted pupils every year since its inception.

It was only two years later in 1814 that he was granted a conditional pardon by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, with his occupation recorded as "schoolmaster"; perhaps owing more to his military connections than any such experience or aptitude.

Lessons took place in one of the government-owned slab huts that stretched along the bottom of the hill now occupied by Bolton Street and its whereabouts.

Macquarie himself directed that the Commandant "give it every possible support and encouragement it being highly approved of by the governor as a most benevolent and praiseworthy institution".

[1] Captain James Wallis, who presided over an expansive building programme in Newcastle, including the breakwater from mainland to Nobbys Island, designed Christ Church which was completed in August 1818.

Newcastle Public School was opened in Brown Street in the basement of the Congregational Church, after which it moved to a classroom opposite the current site.

This impressive edifice was built in 1878 by architect George Allen Mansfield and is listed by the New South Wales State Heritage Register.

The theme of the building is set by lancet windows; slim and pointed at the top as in the Gothic style, they are complemented by arched borders that protrude from the brickwork.

A tall spire, two chimneys and numerous decorative finials once lined the top of the roof but have been damaged or lost over the years and were not included in the restorations.

The Foundation Stone for the building was laid by Clarence Hannell, who was at the time the president of the local school board, on the Prince of Wales' birthday, Saturday, 9 November 1878.

[7] Before it could be reopened as Newcastle East Public school in 1982, major renovations were conducted to restore the building to as near its original glory as money would allow.

These facilities included a large playground, an activities area, an audiovisual room and a library, carpets, heating and modern furniture.

Another significant difference is the verandah on the north side that has replaced an enclosed entry with a parapet, a row of eight lancet windows and the insignia of the school above a large arched front door.