In 1940 Hagley Area School was given a farm by the state government which became known as the Hagley Farm School. This school was developed by the headmaster Mr J.S. Maslin, and absorbed into the Area School plan. It was considered a model of agricultural practice and an educational innovation for children in rural areas. A cottage was to be established on the farm to accomodate a matron,and the school would provide rural accomodation and training for migrant children, with twelve British migrant boys being amongst the early arrivals. Children were to be given a regular Primary School education and be instructed in agricultural and domestic subjects as well.;;;;Schools at Quamby Bend, Rosevale, Selbourne and Westwood were closed and students transferred to the new school at Hagley.;;;;