Central School buildings in Featherston Street, Palmerston North. There were four main incarnations of Central School - The Original School (corner of Main and Princess Streets, 1872-1890), Campbell Street School (1890-1922), Central School (Featherston Street, built 1922), Central Normal School (became a practice school for teachers college students in 1956).

Palmerston North Girls' High School was opened in Fitzherbert Avenue in 1920. Previously girls and boys were educated together at Palmerston North High School.