Institution History
The College Founder, Mr Frank Stuart, was a noted swordsman, fencing instructor and physical training instructor. He taught members of the Russian and British Royal families and coached the Australian fencing teams at the 1950 Empire Games and 1952 Olympic Games.
Initial discussions between Frank Stuart and Miss Evelyn Tildesley, Principal of Normanhurst School, Ashfield regarding the establishment of a training scheme for young women who wished to become physical education teachers became the forerunner for the establishment of the College. In 1917, The Australian College of Physical Education began operations at the Normanhurst School, Ashfield with an initial induction of seven students, six of which were Normanhurst graduates. In 1919, the Australian College of Physical Education and the Swords Club were registered jointly as The A.C.P.E. and Swords Club Pty. Ltd. This early connection with the Swords Club is maintained in the Logo of the College.
Frank Stuart believed that the aim of physical education was to:
.....gain physical perfection, and in all work this aim is held foremost. It is not the ideal to gain muscular strength alone, but to gain the perfect balance, wherein a healthy body, working balanced against a healthy mind, achieves that co-ordination and harmony of body and mind.
In 1948, a company was formed between Frank Stuart and Miss Ruth Hackney and the College became a propriety company limited by shares. The second Principal, Ruth Hackney, was a graduate and lecturer of the College, an outstanding student and a champion athlete and fencer, representing Australia in fencing. She provided the home for the College in a large warehouse in Petersham from 1949 to 1970. Under her direction, the College developed a reputation of producing outstanding teachers for the private girls schools, many of whom later became Principals of those schools.
In 1970, the third Principal, Mr John Butt, purchased the Australian College of Physical Education from Ruth Hackney and moved the College from Petersham to Croydon. In 1971 he introduced the first intake of male students. In 1976, the College was registered as a public company limited by guarantee and not for profit. The College subsequently became a fully accredited degree granting institution.
In 1995, the College moved to 6 Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park. In January 1998, the College was purchased by ACPE Redlands Limited, who appointed Dr Anthony Curtayne as interim Principal. In March 1999 Dr Jim Sockler was appointed Principal of the College.
In 2000, the College moved to its current site at 8 Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park. Currently the College is led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Warren Jacobson who is supported by the Dean, Dr Scott Dickson.
In 2005, the College was purchased by ACPE Limited who currently administers the College.