Queenwood opened on 21 September 1925. It was established by Miss Grace Lawrance, assisted by Miss Beatrice Rennie, as a private independent girls school. The property at 47 Mandolong Road was chosen for the school because of its wonderful view and north easterly aspect. Queenwood was named after a school in Eastbourne, UK, which had been founded by Miss Lawrance's mother and which was similarly located on a hill overlooking the sea.

Queenwood grew, prospered and expanded to a second site at 44 Mandolong Road. In 1990 the Junior School moved to the Medway Centre at 6 Queen Street, Mosman and later the Visual Arts Department moved to a separate site on The Esplanade at Balmoral Beach.

On 12 March in 2004 the new campus at 47 Mandolong Road was officially opened by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC, Governor of New South Wales. On the site of the original school established in 1925, a school complex designed to equip students for the 21st century was unveiled.

The School's 80th celebrations held in 2005 highlighted how far the school has come from the day it began with five students to the multi-faceted school community it is today.

While always having a forward focus, the traditions and values of those who have gone before are recognised with annual events such as Foundation Day and the contributions of past principals honoured in naming of key buildings such as the Lawrance, Rennie and Medway Buildings.


Queenwood's Principals have all been strong educators and have continued the practice of knowing each girl personally.

Principals

Miss Grace Lawrance 1925-1931
Miss Beatrice Rennie 1931-1961
(Co-Principal with Miss Violet Medway 1942-1961)
Miss Violet Medway 1942-1982
Mrs Alison Stalley 1982-1987
Mrs Judith Wheeldon 1987-1996
Mrs Kem Bray 1996-2008
Mr James Harpur 2008-