Bridgewater Primary School

Bridgewater commenced operations as a common school in 1871, with John Faulkner serving as the inaugural head teacher and Ellen Matthewson as the work mistress. The original schoolhouse, constructed from bricks, accommodated up to 60 students. In 1873, the institution transitioned to a state school. By 1877, the schoolhouse had been expanded to accommodate 84 students, with a total enrollment of 163 students that year and an average attendance of 77. By 1888, the average student population had risen to 95, prompting another enlargement of the schoolhouse. In 1904, the school lacked housing for its teachers, necessitating travel from nearby towns. On one occasion, head teacher D. Jones arrived an hour late after cycling 38 kilometers from Bendigo against a headwind. Additionally, three nearby schools closed, resulting in an influx of students to Bridgewater. By 1963, two additional timber classrooms had been constructed. The following year, 1965, saw an increase in the number of students commuting by bus from surrounding areas. In 1968, the school leased adjacent land for agricultural purposes, specifically raising lambs to generate funds. In 1970, the institution was officially renamed Bridgewater Primary School.