1970 heralded the opening of Lilydale Technical School . Students from as far away as Healesville arrived to empty paddocks beside the Lilydale cemetery. The boys had to travel to Mooroolbark Technical School and the girls used two borrowed portables installed at the Presbyterian Church at Lilydale.

Lilydale Technical School was born.

On 11 March 1970 construction began. In June, Mr. Boyd, the Senior Master, conducted the first assembly of 132 students. The first Principal, Mr Barry Johnson, believed that we had the basis of 'a very fine school'.

Growing numbers of students came faster than buildings. In February 1971 half the students had to stay home. Portable buildings were hastily erected. Teachers and staff were recruited quickly. In March there were enough temporary buildings to house the 313 students and staff and the contract for the construction of permanent buildings was signed.

1972 saw 425 students and a continuing lack of facilities and difficulties with access. Teachers and workmen worked side by side in portable classrooms 'alternatively summer furnaces or wind-blown winter ice-boxes'. Teachers and parents continued their push for better facilities for all. Building was underway but the school was growing faster.

1975 saw 830 students attend the school and new buildings ready for occupation. INDUSTRY, INTEGRITY AND INGENUITY became the school motto.

Mr Johnson continued as Principal until 1987 when he retired and Mr Peter Cowan came to the school.

In 1989 Lilydale Heights Secondary College replaced and built upon all of the successes of the Technical School. New visions were developed and progress continued. In 1997 the Performing Arts Centre was erected from the shell of the old technical trade wing and technology moved into a new era. A renewed focus on music and performing arts lent new breath to the school.

In 2002 the science area was extensively upgraded. New computer pods were installed in 2003 and in February 2005 the newly erected Senior Study Centre was officially opened.

In December 2004 we became Lilydale Heights College, another step in our ongoing renewal and development process. Upon the retirement of Mr Peter Cowan in December 2005, Mr Greg Hancock commenced as Principal for 2006 and beyond.