When Morrison came to Melbourne there were only 50 day boys and six boarders at Scotch College, but in a few years it became one of the leading public schools in Australia, with a high reputation for scholarship. By 1870 enrolments had passed 300. In 1873 considerable additions were made to the school buildings, including a house for the principal, but following a severe illness in 1874 Morrison was given a year's leave of absence and travelled widely in Europe. He was appointed a member of the council of the University of Melbourne in 1878, and for the remainder of his life was one of the most regular attendants at its meetings.