Our history
OUR 40 YEARS DOCUMENTARY IS BEING RELEASED ON SPEECH NIGHT – TUE, 11 DEC 2025
The early years
The College has a proud 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. We honour our Scottish heritage through our College uniform, which features the McDonald Dress tartan.
Ann McDonald moved to Sydney to pursue a singing career at the Conservatorium. To finance her singing lessons, she established the Ann McDonald College of Dancing in 1926, teaching ballroom and Scottish dancing that she had learnt as a child.
During this time, Ann McDonald served as President of the Federal Association of Teachers of Dancing for 15 years. John Butt, her husband, was Honorary Treasurer, and together they were involved in the performing arts for more than fifty years.
Ann McDonald’s love of performing inspired all who encountered her.
The next generation
Upon Ann and John’s retirement in 1970, their daughter Margaret Markham took over the Ann McDonald College of Dancing.
Soon after, Ann Fraser and Maxine Kohler (nee Sullivan) joined forces with Margaret, forming a business partnership.
It had long been a desire of Ann and John to achieve recognition for the performing arts in education. In 1983, Margaret, Ann and Maxine realised this ambition by establishing a specialised academic and performing arts school for children with a passion for performance.
They agreed to transform the Ann McDonald College of Dancing from a private company into a community-based, not-for-profit company, facilitating the establishment of The McDonald College Limited.
In 1984, The McDonald College commenced with 75 students and has since then grown from strength to strength.
Moving with the times
The McDonald College quickly outgrew several of its earlier premises. From its original premises in Enfield, owned by the local Council, to the purchase of the historic Arnotts (Biscuit) family home in Strathfield. There were further property purchases in Homebush and Strathfield as the College grew. The sale of these three properties in 1999 allowed the College to purchase its present premises at 17 George Street, North Strathfield.
Our historical timeline
1926 – Ann McDonald established the Ann McDonald College of Dancing, teaching ballet, ballroom dancing and training debutants.
1928 – Ann McDonald receives her certification to teach dancing.
1930 – Ann McDonald, Gwen Sievers and Penelope Cay were instrumental in forming the NSW Dance Teachers Association.
1935 – Felix Demery visited Australia on behalf of the Operatic Association of Dance Teachers of Great Britain to conduct examinations. Students of the Ann McDonald College of Dancing were presented and successful in gaining high passes.
1937 – Ann McDonald was elected President of the NSW Dance Teachers Association.
1946 – Ann McDonald, as President of the FATD, visited Perth to establish a branch of FATD, and upon her return was appointed to the City of Sydney Eisteddfod Committee as Dance Representative. Competitions were held for the first time.
1962 – Margaret Markham, daughter of Ann McDonald and Jack Butt, also trained by her parents in classical ballet, jazz ballet, character, national, tap, Latin and American, modern ballroom, social and folk dance, took over the Ann McDonald College of Dancing.
1973 – The Ann McDonald College of Dancing partnership is established between Margaret Markham, Ann Fraser and Maxine Kohler.
1983 – The College acquired the historic Arnott’s Biscuit family home at 11 – 13 Beresford Road, Strathfield and 8 – 10 Highbury Street, Croydon, which became a boarding house for students. The McDonald College introduced the Dance Stream.
1984 – The McDonald College was founded. It commenced with 75 students in Years 7 – 9 and 11 while still running the Ann McDonald College of Dancing. All students did classical ballet.
Graduation Ball, 1986
1986 – With the College expanding, 12 Homebush Road in Homebush was purchased, and Ann Fraser, one of the co-founders of The McDonald College, retired.
1989 – Enrolments begin for Year 5 – 6 students.
1990 – The McDonald College introduces the Acting Stream.
1991 – The College continues to grow, and Year 3 – 4 students are enrolled.
1993 – The College expands into new premises at 1 Beresford Road, Strathfield.
1995 – The College introduces the Music Stream.
1999 – The College continues to expand and acquires new premises at 17 George Street, North Strathfield. The entire school moves to North Strathfield in Term 4.
2000 – Student Nikki Webster opens the Sydney Olympic Games in what later became an iconic performance.
2003 – The College introduces the Infants (Kindergarten – Year 2) school.
Sydney Opera House Ballet Performance, 2005
2005 – Margaret Markham retired at the end of Term 1, and Maxine Kohler was appointed as Principal. The McDonald College introduces new school uniforms.
2007 – The College introduces the Musical Theatre Stream.
2014 – Enrolments are consolidated into Years 3–12, and the Elite Tennis Stream is introduced in partnership with Voyager Tennis Academy.
2016 – An exciting phase for The McDonald College with the opening of a new, purpose-built boarding house.
2019 – 2022 – Performing arts partnerships with Sydney Dance Company, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), Australian Institute of Music (AIM), and Synergy Gymnastics Academy (rhythmic gymnastics).
Internal renovations are partly funded by the BGA Capital Grants Program and the College Parents & Friends Association.
2024 – The McDonald College completes 40 Years.
2026 – The Ann McDonald College of Dancing (known today as The McDonald College After Hours) completes 100 Years.