Oxley College
Welcome to Oxley College
Oxley College is a truly independent, co-educational, non-denominational P–12 day school founded in 1983 in the Southern Highlands of NSW. We are large enough to offer an inspiring breadth of academic subjects and co-curricular experiences, yet small enough to ensure every student is known, valued and cared for.
The school is set in beautiful grounds in Burradoo, providing a wonderful setting in which to educate young people. At Oxley College, students are part of a close and caring learning community where they are encouraged to discover their strengths, pursue their interests and embrace new experiences. From Pre-K to Year 12, students have access to a broad range of academic, sporting, creative and co-curricular opportunities, supported by a culture of respect, inclusivity and integrity.
Our view is that education should prepare young people not simply for the next stage of their schooling, but for the life ahead of them. In a rapidly changing world, we encourage students to be curious, creative and independent thinkers, teaching them not what to think, but how to think.
Academic learning sits at the heart of our work at Oxley College. We are proud to foster intellectual curiosity and academic rigour while caring for the whole child, developing young people of character who have the courage, confidence and conviction to contribute meaningfully to the world beyond school.
The quality of teaching and the strength of relationships between students and staff are central to achieving these outcomes. Our dedicated staff know their students well and are committed to helping each young person flourish. At Oxley, we aim to inspire every student to think, to dare and to dream.
As a Round Square school, Oxley students are part of a global network that promotes International Understanding, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership and Service. These opportunities broaden students’ perspectives, encourage them to engage with the world around them and develop their capacity to make a positive contribution.
Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
At Oxley College, we care for the whole child. Our approach to wellbeing recognises that young people thrive when they feel safe, supported, connected and appropriately challenged. We nurture the social, emotional, cognitive, physical and spiritual wellbeing of every student, alongside their academic development.
Every student is known, valued and cared for. Our size enables strong relationships between students and staff, with teachers playing an active role in supporting student wellbeing. In the Senior School, our House and Mentor system provides an additional layer of connection and care, with Mentors knowing, supporting and advocating for each student and Heads of House providing broader pastoral leadership.
Wellbeing is woven throughout College life rather than treated as a separate program. Through classroom learning, mentoring, House activities, sport, outdoor education, service learning, leadership and co-curricular experiences, students develop resilience, confidence, empathy, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging.
Our approach is grounded in the Oxley values of Show Courage, Be Kind and Seek Wisdom. We encourage students to understand themselves, respect others, take responsibility for their actions and approach challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
Our aim is to create the conditions in which every young person can flourish, developing the character, confidence and skills to meet life’s challenges and make a positive contribution to the world beyond school.
Our School
The physical setting of Oxley College provides students with space, beauty and an environment that encourages exploration and learning. Set across seven hectares of Southern Highlands landscape, the campus combines open green spaces with contemporary learning, sporting, creative and performing arts facilities. At the heart of the campus is Elvo, our historic 1880s homestead, which gives the College a strong sense of place and connection to the region.
Our facilities are designed to support a broad and engaging P–12 education. Specialist learning spaces for Science, Visual Arts, Design & Technology, Food Technology, Computing and other subjects provide opportunities for students to learn through experimentation, creativity and practical experience. Contemporary classrooms and learning environments are supported by technology that enables students to collaborate, communicate and access a world of information.
The redeveloped Hoskins Hall provides a flexible multi-purpose space for performances, presentations, learning and community events, while purpose-designed Music facilities support individual tuition, practice, rehearsal and ensemble work. Together, these spaces provide an environment where students can pursue their interests, develop their talents and experience the richness of a P–12 education.
Our campus also provides extensive sporting facilities, including three full-sized ovals, the Founders, Governors and Brays Fields, a 400-metre running track, netball and tennis courts and pitches for touch football, football, rugby union and cricket. Indoor facilities within the Peter Craig Centre Centre provide further opportunities for sport, physical activity and wellbeing.
Our Co-curricular Life
At Oxley, education extends well beyond the classroom. Our co-curricular program gives students opportunities to discover new interests, develop their strengths and build the confidence, resilience, teamwork and character that come from taking on new challenges. Students can participate in a broad range of sport, music, drama, visual arts, service, leadership, outdoor education and enrichment activities.
Our Other Learning and Experiences (OLE) program provides a progressive outdoor education journey from Kindergarten to Year 12. Through camps, expeditions, service experiences and increasingly challenging adventures, students develop independence, resilience, teamwork and a willingness to step beyond their comfort zones.
Sport is a significant part of co-curricular life, with opportunities for students to participate, compete and pursue excellence at a range of levels. Through team sport, individual pursuits, representative opportunities and our Talented Athlete Program, students develop discipline, resilience, collaboration and a strong sense of belonging.
Students are also encouraged to contribute through service learning and leadership, developing an understanding that their education is not simply about personal achievement, but about how they can use their strengths to contribute to others and their community.
Technology is an important part of contemporary education, and our approach is designed to help students use it well. Our mobile phone and device policies support students to stay focused on learning, build strong face-to-face relationships and develop healthy, responsible digital habits. By creating space away from constant digital distraction, we help students make the most of their time at school and the relationships and experiences that shape their development.
Together, our co-curricular opportunities allow students to think, to dare and to dream beyond the classroom, discovering what they are capable of and developing the skills and character to meet the opportunities and challenges of life beyond Oxley.