The modern Perth Grammar School in Muirton has existed since 1971 but was not the first school to bear that name. A plaque high on the north side of South Street at its junction with Princes Street outlines a small part of the history of the original Perth Grammar School.
The first recorded evidence of the school is in a charter of 1150. Robert, Bishop of St. Andrews together with a number of his successors confirm the presence of the school as part of the organisation of the church. By 1560 the Town Council, together with the reformed church had taken control of the management of the school. (The History Of Perth Academy, 1932, E. Smart, Milne, Tannahall & Methven, Perth, p30.)
The school was demolished by Cromwell in 1652 but rebuilt in 1773. It was transferred to Perth Academy in Rose Terrace in 1807. When additional secondary school places were required in 1971, the new school in Muirton was given the long redundant title of Perth Grammar School. The old buildings were converted into a theatre which operated from 1810-1819 but burned down in 1823.
Further details of the school and its surrounds are to be found on a plaque at the South Street entrance to St. Ann’s Lane, one of the old Kirk vennels which runs north to St John’s Kirk. It reveals that the site of the old Grammar School was previously occupied by St Ann’s Chapel.
