William Clarke College

The inspiration for the College came from local church congregations who became aware of the need to establish an independent, affordable, co-educational College in the developing north-western suburbs of Sydney. The aim was to provide a high quality education that was academically strong and well rounded, delivered in a clear Christian context. William Clarke College opened in 1988 with 113 students in Years 7 and 8 using the St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Kellyville as a temporary site.

In 2005 the College Council made the strategic decision to embrace a broader philosophy of education. In 2007 the College introduced a Junior School (Kindergarten to Year 4), Middle School (Years 5-8) and Senior School (Years 9-12). In 2015 the College commenced a Preparatory School to allow families in the local community to have a Preparatory experience at the College the year before Kindergarten.

More than a decade on and the College is now a well-established and thriving P-12 school. The decision to introduce a Middle School that at the time served to connect the existing 'secondary' years and new 'primary' years achieved its purpose. As such, from 2018 the College will be structured P-6 (Primary) and 7-12 (Secondary), with the core aim of increasing the focus on teaching and learning outcomes and improving efficiencies.

The support and commitment of the original families was instrumental in the College’s growth and subsequent success. Today, community and parent/carer involvement is actively encouraged and is a pivotal part of College life. The College has over 1500 students and 200 highly professional staff. The College is named after the Rev William Branwhite Clarke, who was a minister of the gospel and the first incumbent of the Parish of Castle Hill, Rouse Hill and Dural. As well as his parish duties, he was the second Headmaster of The King’s School in Parramatta and a scientist who is remembered as the founder of Australian Geology.

As we seek to develop extraordinary learners, we value the holistic development of our students. We know that there is an inextricable link between maximising a student’s progress and the pursuit of a holistic education, and we are passionate about making learning a journey that is intrinsically rewarding. In creating this culture, students are more likely to thrive as a natural response to their interests and passions. We also strive to develop sophisticated learners who are able to think critically and creatively and apply their knowledge meaningfully in different contexts.

The College places great importance on student wellbeing. The synergy between the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical aspects of wellbeing is intentionally explored within our framework to assist students to thrive within a safe environment.We recognise that wellbeing underpins how well students progress in their learning journey and how deeply they feel connected with other members of the community.

Our strengths-based approach to student wellbeing is Christ-focused and forms the foundation on which all else is built. We care for each individual because each individual is made and loved by God.Through proactively engaging and connecting students in a range of programs within year groups and across the College, we establish opportunities for building positive relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.Our Wellbeing Framework ultimately seeks to build character and resilience, equipping and empowering students to be free to live the life God has planned for them.

As a Christ-centred community, the life of Jesus Christ provides the foundation from which the College draws its purpose and hope. In valuing Christ our Wisdom, the College seeks to honour Christ in every facet of College life, yet welcomes people of all faiths. Nurturing each student in exploring their Christian faith is the responsibility of all College staff. We welcome the opportunity to discuss, question and build our students' understanding of Christian beliefs and practices, regardless of their experience or understanding of Christianity.