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St James College Brisbane: Parent Fact Sheet

Why choose St James College in Brisbane?

Established in 1868, St James College is inner-city Brisbane’s only Catholic coeducational college for Years 5 – 12, educating young people in the Edmund Rice tradition.

The Global Learning, Achieving Aspirations approach in middle school offers students more opportunities, more resources and more support.

St James College is a unique place of faith and learning excellence of 21st century skills and capabilities.

As a multinational campus, we welcome families from many faith traditions and encourage strong ecumenical and interfaith understanding.

With many international families enrolling at the college, our cohort represents all corners of the globe, allowing students the opportunity to form worldwide friendships.

The next enrolment information night, Monday 24 March 2025. Register here.

St James College

At the forefront of contemporary education, St James College blends extensive offerings in academic and vocational subjects with rich and innovative curriculum and support programs tailored to meet the needs of every student.

Excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our identity. As a dynamic multicultural community, our staff and students reflect the rich diversity of Australian society, and we celebrate the uniqueness of every individual.

โ€œEducation at St James College is about unlocking each studentโ€™s potential, and equipping them with the academic, interpersonal, ethical and intercultural skills needed to live in and contribute to a just society.

I believe school communities can achieve incredible things through authentic partnerships, especially when their mission focuses on promoting the flourishing of every individual.โ€

โ€” Andrรฉe Rice, Principal

St James is exemplary in the continued success in delivering a hybrid educational model that considers the skills necessary for workplaces for the future. A mix of both hard skills, those related to technical knowledge and training, and soft skills, those related to leadership, communication, and time management, will be imperative.

We cater to adaptable learning journeys and students choose from curriculum pathways that lead to tertiary study, further training, or employment. The college has strong industry links in growth employment industries and relationships with local and international educational institutions and universities supporting post-school pathways.

The range of academic subjects is enhanced by vocational and co-curricular programs including sport, debating, cultural, and advocacy programs that equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in workplaces of the future.

St James College

Through expert teaching and learning, classroom interactions, and co-curricular offerings in creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, and communication, St James students are well equipped to become future global citizens.

โ€œI am inspired by our college motto, Global Learning, Achieving Aspirations, as it reflects my belief that education must be future-focused, equitable, and orientated towards the advancement of local and global communities.โ€

โ€” Andrรฉe Rice, Principal

The college campus is well equipped with an extensive computer network, two fully equipped commercial kitchens, state-of-the-art facilities, science labs, a digital technology hub and a specialist Trade Skills Centre in design and technology, engineering and construction. There is a dedicated arts precinct for dance, music, drama and the visual arts, a health hub, hairdressing salon and a commercial cafรฉ. The newly refurbished multipurpose hall has had a brand-new FIBA Level 1 First Grade Maple ProAction Thrust LP Floor System installed, and new multipurpose outdoor courts are excellent facilities for training, playing and physical education studies.

What makes St James College unique?

St James College is the only Catholic coeducational college for students in Years 5 – 12 in inner city Brisbane.

Students at St James College enjoy learning in a place of faith, excellence, life and culture in an environment of tolerance, pride and respect for personal worth. It is a place where students are known by name, loved in person, nurtured with care and inspired by hope. Gospel values are taught, lived and experienced by students’ families and staff of the college.

As a multinational and multicultural campus, we welcome families from many faith traditions and encourage strong ecumenical and interfaith understanding. International students enrol from all corners of the globe.

Further, the college also delivers the Pirlirrpa Education Program at a campus adjoining the college. This unique and flexible education program offers a range of subjects with a focus on work skills and work placements, yielding excellent outcomes.

2023 GOLD Recipient at the Australian Training Awards

In 2023, St James College was the Gold recipient in the School Pathways to Vocational Education and Training category at the prestigious Australian Training Awards. These awards recognise excellence and innovation in skills and training education. 

Read more about the St James College win here:

What are the sporting/extra-curricular options at St James College?

St James College

Sporting and extra-curricular at St James are extensive including a Basketball Program, Rugby League Academy, Soccer, Futsal, Girls AFL, Netball, Track and Field and Orienteering. St James also provides a range of cocurricular activities including Debating, Writing Competitions, Arts Competitions,  multicultural dancing and singing groups and the annual Cultural Night concert.  Social Justice activities include the annual Indigenous Immersion trips, the Jimmies Brekkie Van and Advocacy for Asylum-Seekers.

What are the public transport options to St James College?

Due to the Collegeโ€™s inner-city location, we are close to all major transport hubs, including public buses, train stations and ferries.

What are the school fees per term?

School fees on a per-term basis are $2,366, or $9,464 per annum for Years 7 โ€“ 12, and $845 per term and $3,380 per year for years 5 and 6.ย Sibling concessions are available.

What are the boarding options at St James College?

There are no boarding options for St James College.

Does St James College offer scholarships and how do we apply?

Yes, St James College established a Bursary Scholarship program in 2019. Interested applicants are invited to express their interest in semester one each year for commencement in the following year. Applications close on 30 June each year. Click the link for more information.

For Brisbane School Open Days – click here

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Janine Mergler

Janine Mergler is a veteran Queensland teacher, graduating from QUT with a BEd majoring in Social Sciences. After many years in the classroom, Janine moved on to academia. She has proudly trained new generations of teachers in her role as a lecturer at Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education. She has also worked in the Queensland Government as an education specialist, developing education resources and delivering community awareness programs to help families conserve water. Currently she is the owner and editor of Families Magazine, a publication specifically targeted at parents who value a quality education for children.ย  Janine leads a team of professionals who write about family lifestyle, early childhood, schools and education information and family-friendly events.

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