[1] The Townsville Grammar School had opened in 1888, founded on the subscriptions of a number of influential members of North Queensland society including Robert Philp, Isaac Tyson, and Thankful Willmett.

Their curriculum and philosophy was based on the English tradition of liberal education and included sport, as well as classical and modern studies.

In contrast to the southern colonies, Queensland's grammar schools were established along secular lines, providing secondary education for all classes and denomination without any distinction.

In support of this principle, grammar school scholarships were awarded on academic merit to eligible students in their final year of primary education.

However others saw the financial benefit of their admission in a time of economic depression, when declining student numbers threatened the loss of their annual Queensland Government endowment.

[1] As the establishment of co-education was not specifically covered by the 1860 Act or 1864 Amendment there was no legal basis for refusing the admission of girls and the Under Secretary for Public Instruction advised that it was a matter for the trustees to consider.

The roof appeared less steeply pitched and is said to have been braced with steel which created greater strength against future cyclones.

It was considered a cooler better-planned school building and featured wide verandahs on both levels which were used for sleeping in hot weather.

The RAAF took over the buildings and grounds in February 1942 and its No.3 Fighter Sector HQ, which monitored and identified aircraft in the region and initiated air-raid warnings, were stationed at the school.

Aerials and wires were visible on the roofs of the buildings, and huts were set up on the ovals to house members of the WAAAF.

On the upper floor a modern kitchen for catering is in place, whilst space has been allocated for a school museum.

Over the years Townsville Grammar School has achieved academic distinction, with two past students awarded Rhodes Scholarships: GFE Hall in 1910 and Chester Parker in 1938.

[1] Verandah ceilings on the upper storey are lined with wide tongue and groove boards and the floors are of hardwood.

A frieze of timber battens defines the lower verandahs on the NNE, SSW and WNW sides of the building extending from under the upper storey.

The place is also important to the history of Queensland because of its role as an aircraft monitoring and air raid warning centre during the Second World War.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.

The place also has a special association with the work of WH Tunbridge, one of North Queensland's leading architects and engineers in the late19th and early 20th centuries.