Farrer House has long been a landmark of Carey’s Junior School at Kew. It is a gracious heritage building that reflects the School’s rich history and strong sense of community. Tucked away by Wrixon Street, Farrer House has evolved alongside the life of the Junior School, adapting to each new generation of Carey students.
The story begins in 1957, when the Edwardian dwelling at 26 Wrixon Street, then known as Blakely, was purchased as a new residence for the Headmaster. Since the School’s establishment, the Headmaster had always lived onsite, and this tradition continued at Wrixon Street.
The first Headmaster to reside at No. 26 was Mr Stuart Hickman (1958–64) with his wife, Claire, followed by Mr Gerard Cramer AM (1964–89) and his wife, Mary. When Dr Ross Millikan commenced as Headmaster, he did not live onsite, bringing this long-standing practice to an end but allowing for a new chapter in Blakely’s history.
In 1977, the neighbouring Victorian house at 24 Wrixon Street was purchased to support the expansion of the Preparatory School and the introduction of co-education. It provided much-needed teaching and play spaces, both indoors and within its established gardens.
In 1980, the building at No. 24 was formally named Farrer House, honouring Dr Keith Farrer OBE (1933) and his long association with Carey. At this stage, Farrer House referred only to No. 24, while No. 26 continued as the Headmaster’s residence.
With the end of the Headmaster-in-residence tradition, an opportunity emerged to rethink the site. In 1992, Nos. 24 and 26 Wrixon Street were linked and remodelled, creating a single, connected facility with light-filled classrooms for Prep to Year 2 students.
In 1994, the building entered a new phase with the opening of the Early Childhood Centre. Beginning with 66 kindergarten students and a small staff crèche, it laid the foundations for today’s Early Learning Centre, a vibrant and much-loved part of the Junior School.
In recent years, the identity of the site has once again evolved. While the two houses remain physically connected, they now serve distinct purposes. No. 26 is home to the Early Learning Centre, while No. 24 continues as Farrer House, but in a new capacity. In 2025, Farrer House was refreshed once again, welcoming Junior School Kew Reception into its renovated spaces, along with new meeting rooms, a staff kitchen and a first aid room.
This latest chapter continues a long tradition of renewal. Across both 24 and 26 Wrixon Street, the site reflects Carey’s ability to grow and adapt while remaining grounded in its history, still retaining something of its original ‘secret garden’ spirit.
Helen Wolff
Archivist, Community Engagement
References
Carey News (December 1957)
Carey News (April 1980)
Junior School Report, 1977
Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting, 2 October 1957
Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting ,11 July 1977
