Our College

Our History

1929- 1965 

Christian Brothers Manly opened its doors in 1929 under the leadership of Brother Terrance Bourke. From that time until 1965 the school was located in what is now the Parish Centre at St Mary’s in Raglan Street, Manly.  

In 1965 Brother Xavier Simmons led a building program to transfer the College to its present site.  

1966- 1982 

In 1966, Brother John Taylor established the College we know today as St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly.  

Until 1982, St Paul’s was under the general management of the Christian Brothers which is an order constituted as a community of worship, friendship and service to the young People of God. In 1982 the Christian Brothers withdrew and Mr Brian Mayne was appointed as the first lay Principal of St Paul’s and for the first time, St Paul’s was fully staffed by lay people employed by the Archdiocese of Sydney.  

1986- 2024 

In 1986 the Diocese of Broken Bay was formed and now St Paul’s, as well as the Parish of Manly, forms part of this Diocese. Today St Paul’s is conducted by the Diocese of Broken Bay and staffed fully by lay people. All students are required to study Religious Education, and to attend the Religious observances and retreats which are regularly organised and form part of the curriculum.  

In 2016 The Waterford Hall was opened, a purpose built multi-faceted building housing a multi-purpose court, stage, lecture theatre and creative and performing arts classrooms. 

2025 – Future 

Following our successful transition to co-education in 2025, St Paul’s Catholic College, Manly is proud to expand into a vibrant Year 5–12 multi-campus College starting in 2026. Our new Junior Campus, located at the site of St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School in Balgowlah, will cater specifically to Years 5 and 6, delivering tailored Middle-School education before students continue their secondary journey at our Manly campus.

From next year, St Paul’s will welcome students across Years 5 to 12 at both campuses, offering a seamless co-educational pathway and a clear K–12 educational journey for families in the Southern Peninsula of the Northern Beaches. This expansion demonstrates our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of our community with excellence and faith.

Our Crest 

Our College Crest represents our commitment, values and purpose.