Our School

St Catherine’s is a Kindergarten to Year 12 day and boarding school and the oldest Anglican girls’ school in Australia. For over 150 years we have had a proud history of educating critical, reflective thinkers who not only contribute to, but shape society as leaders and as women determined to make a difference.

It is our commitment to the development of life long learners and leaders that makes St Catherine's an exciting place for girls to learn and explore their potential.

This was the vision of our founder Mrs Jane Barker, the first of many strong women associated with St Catherine’s. Such was her energy and commitment that it was less than five months from idea to the opening of the Clergy Daughters’ School, to be known as St Catherine’s. Established in March 1856, we have occupied our current site in Waverley since 1859.

A school of the Anglican Diocese of Sydney, from its inception St Catherine’s has stood firm on its Christian foundation and has taught and modelled Christian faith and practice whilst welcoming students of all faiths.

Known for its forward thinking approach to education, St Catherine's is a nonselective school and one of Australia's leading girls' schools.

Our philosophy is to provide for every girl by providing the most appropriate environment and opportunities, according to her needs at that time, so that each can develop and flourish.

Compacting of the curriculum, acceleration, flexible groupings, modification of work and independent research projects are all ways we meet the needs of students. Within the guidelines of the NSW Board of Studies, learning programmes can be adapted to take account of your daughter’s particular strengths and needs, as well as developmental stages.