New Mandurah high school named after former premier

The school created by the amalgamation of Mandurah High School and Mandurah Senior College will be named after one of Australia's longest serving politicians, John Tonkin.

Education Minister Liz Constable said the school's new name and philosophy would herald a new era for public education in Mandurah, and John Tonkin College will provide an outstanding education for secondary students.

"The late John Tonkin was a teacher, then education minister and then premier of Western Australia," Dr Constable said.

"His legacy remains strong, and his name will perfectly suit this new, amalgamated school.

"The new school, which operates as an Independent Public School, provides an attractive public secondary school for families in the area and greater breadth of curriculum for students.

"One principal, to be announced shortly, will manage the college across the two sites."

Mrs Joan Tonkin said she was honoured that her late husband's name would live on in education, a field he was passionate about.

"If John was alive, he'd be thrilled to bits," Mrs Tonkin said.

"He was very proud of his contribution to education.  He believed in correct and proper teaching and the value of good relationships with students.

"It is a pity he's not here to know of this acknowledgement."

Professor Jo Barker, chair of the Independent Public School's board, said the new name reflected the values the school would seek to build upon.

"To have a name like John Tonkin, who was revered as 'Honest John', gives us a strong link to good values and the opportunity to build on a sound name with a solid reputation," Professor Barker said.

"I am confident the new school will become known as a school of excellence."