From about 1838 there was a steady stream of settlers travelling both north up Cunningham's track and west from New England. In the 1840's Warialda, though only a small settlement, was the business centre for these pioneers moving further and further northward. A horse mail travelled from Tamworth to Warialda. In December, 1846, Warialda was appointed as a place for the holding of a court of Petty Sessions and shortly after, a courthouse was built. In 1849 an application for a school to be established was made to the Board of National Education signed by a local committee comprising Messers R.B. Ottley, Richard Bligh, George Garly, William Geddes and James Snape. In May 1849 the application was approved and the residents began the task of raising the required two-thirds of the cost immediately. In January, 1850, William Geddes informed the Board that 42 pounds was in hand. A one-acre site (the north east corner of the present primary school site) was granted by the Government. In July 1850 building commenced. In October 1850 the Board gave 70 pounds towards costs. Building was completed in November 1850. On 15th July 1851, the school was opened with Miss Margaret Geddes as the first teacher. Her salary was 20 pounds per annum plus some fees. On 17th September 1851 she was succeeded by Mr. John Keating. He had six weeks teacher training and his salary was 40 pounds plus some fees. At this time there were only 43 public schools over the whole of N.S.W, Queensland and Victoria. The other states had not separated. In 1852 the school closed due to lack of support. In 1861 it opened again with Mr. Mooroney in charge but it closed again the same year. In 1863 it again opened and has remained open ever since then. 1872 Inspection Report. "The teaching is marked by want of industry and intelligence." 1874 Inspection Report "The results of the discipline are of a low order. Little acquaintance with appropriate teaching methods shown." 1875 Miss Annabelle Lake appointed Teacher in Charge. "The teaching is painstaking rather than skilful." 1877 Two ships' iron tanks for drinking water were brought from Tamworth at a cost of 17 pounds. 1878 Mr Inspector Dwyer. "The whole establishment wears a dilapidated and neglected appearance entirely out of harmony with modern ideas." School population 27. 1880 A new brick school (with back room built for teacher to live in) was built by Mr. A Thorley for 908 pounds. 1891 Headmaster assisted by two pupil teachers. School population 126. Half acre of ground purchased from William Jones for 200 pounds. 1892 Half acre of ground purchased from Charles McGee for 70 pounds. 1895 Painting and repairs, and a detached kitchen built by William Senior for 129 pounds. 1897 School poulation 150. School of Arts hired for 25 shillings per week. An attached classroom was built by William Senior and Cheryl Bartier at the cost of 477 pounds. First quality assistant appointed.