We are indexing a number of series of records relating to the Orphan Schools which were run by the colonial government of New South Wales. This is an ongoing volunteer project and additional series will be added to this index as they are completed.
The index records the date of petition or entry into the school, child's name, age, parents' names (where given), name of petitioner and reason for petition (such as admission/return of child or employment of child) item, page and reel/COD number.
See Archives in Brief 59 for information on childcare and protection
Accessing the records
Microfilm copies of the records can be viewed in our reading rooms.
You can also order copies of the records online via the search facility. Simply 'tick' the relevant search result(s) and follow the instructions.
The copy service fee is $25.00 (includes administration, postage/handling and the first entry). Additional entries are $3.00 each.
» See more about the copy service
Records series used to compile the Index
At present the index includes entries from the following series:
NRS 793, Female Orphan School Admission Books, 1817-32, [Items 1-2], Reels 2777 and 1477
This records the names of children admitted, age, admission date, time of leaving (if given), parents' namePlease note: The link to NRS793 is a general description of the records. Some entries may not contain all of the information where the details are incomplete on the original record.
NRS 782, Applications for admission into the Orphan Schools, 1825-33, [Items 1-3], Reel 2776
NRS 783, Applications for children out of the Orphan Schools, 1825-33, [Item 1], Reels 2776-77
NRS 796, Male Orphan School Admission books, 1819-47, [Items 1-2], Fiche 3307, Reel 2777
NRS 898, Colonial Secretary, Special Bundle List of 117 boys received into the Male Orphan Institution 1818-24, [4/7208], Fiche 3307, Reel 1477
NRS 12266, Protestant Orphan School Admission Book (Female) 1827-86, [4/10585], Photocopy COD 506
Protestant Orphan School Admission book (Male) 30 Apr 1850-31 Aug 1886, [4/10786], Photocopy COD 540
Feedback
We would appreciate any feedback and suggestions you may have on using the Index.