Our History

The McDonald College has a proud tradition and history, dating back to 1912 when Ann McDonald, then only 12 years of age, arrived with her family from Falkirk in Scotland and settled in Shepparton, Victoria. This Scottish tradition has been carried through to the College uniform, which features the McDonald Tartan.

In 1925, Ann McDonald came to Sydney to train as a singer, and in 1926 commenced teaching dance. Her love of performing inspired all who came in contact with her. She and her husband John Butt were involved in the performing arts for more than fifty years. Ann McDonald was President of the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing for fifteen years and her husband was Honorary Treasurer (Right: Ann McDonald). On their retirement their daughter, Margaret Markham, took over the Ann McDonald College of Dancing. After a period of time, Ann Fraser and Maxine Sullivan (Kohler) became partners.

It had long been a desire of Ann McDonald and John Butt to achieve recognition for the performing arts in education. In 1983 their daughter saw the opportunity of establishing a specialist academic and performing arts school for gifted children. Margaret Markham, Ann Fraser and Maxine Kohler, in support of this exciting and innovative development, agreed to change the Ann McDonald College of Dancing from a private company into a community-based, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, thus facilitating the establishment of The McDonald College Limited.

The McDonald College commenced with 75 students in 1984 and has grown from strength to strength. The McDonald College saw a need to provide a unique learning environment to gifted performers. Our Creative Program has an outstanding reputation for excellence in the Performing Arts education from K to Yr 12.