Our College History
St Leo’s Catholic College, located in Wahroonga on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, has a proud history spanning more than 70 years. Founded in 1955, the College has grown from a small boys’ school into a thriving co-educational Catholic secondary school, known for its strong sense of community, modern facilities and commitment to student growth.
Our Beginnings (1955–1956)
St Leo’s Catholic College was founded on 24 April 1955 for the education of boys of the Upper North Shore. The first classes commenced in 1956, with 118 students in Years 3 to 6.
Our Patron: St Leo the Great
The College was named after St Leo the Great, one of the early Popes of the Catholic Church.
St Leo is remembered for his courage and leadership, particularly when he met Attila the Hun and successfully persuaded him to spare the city of Rome. After his death in 461 AD, he was honoured with the title Doctor of the Church.
A Time of Change (1983)
The year 1983 marked a significant turning point in the history of St Leo’s Catholic College.
The Christian Brothers were no longer able to staff the College, and administration was transferred to the Catholic Education Office, Sydney. At this time, the first lay Headmaster was appointed, ushering in a new era of leadership.
Becoming Co-Educational (1983–1987)
St Leo’s Catholic College transitioned to co-education in the 1980s:
- Girls first enrolled in Year 11 in 1983
- Year 7 became co-educational in 1984
By 1987, the College had fully integrated co-education. Around this time, the College also came under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Schools Office, Broken Bay.
Growth and Development (1980s)
During the 1980s, St Leo’s Catholic College undertook a significant building program, including:
- The Brother Crohan Library
- The Brother Berg Building
- A multi-purpose hall
- Expanded art and hospitality facilities
These developments supported the growing needs of students and enriched learning opportunities.
Advancing Learning Facilities (2002–2012)
In 2002, St Leo’s Catholic College opened a new Technology Centre, positioning the College at the forefront of innovative learning.
This was followed by the opening of the Light of Christ Centre in 2012, providing high-quality sporting facilities for students across the College.
A Transformational Building Program (2020)
In 2020, St Leo’s Catholic College completed a $25 million building program, significantly enhancing the learning environment.
At the centre of this development is the Mary MacKillop Centre for Creative and Performing Arts, Technology and Hospitality, featuring:
- A state-of-the-art dance and drama theatre
- Commercial kitchens
- TAS workshops
- Visual arts studios and gallery
- Music, orchestra and band rooms
- Flexible, contemporary learning spaces
Campus Renewal and Enhancements
Additional upgrades completed during the staged 10-year building program included:
- Renovation of the College Chapel
- Refurbishment of the Aquinas Resource Centre (library and café)
- A new College entrance and signage
- Extensive landscaping and outdoor recreation spaces
- Upgraded classroom furniture and technology
- Refurbishment of ‘C Block’, including a Dance Studio and modern canteen
Celebrating Our Journey (2021)
The completion of the building program was celebrated with a Rededication and Blessing of the College campus in February 2021, led by Bishop Anthony Randazzo and attended by the College community.
St Leo’s Today
Today, St Leo’s Catholic College in Wahroonga is a vibrant and growing co-educational secondary school with over 900 students from Years 7–12.
The College continues to build on the strong Catholic foundations established by the Christian Brothers, providing a holistic education that nurtures faith, learning and personal growth.
Our Mission
As a Catholic, comprehensive secondary school on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, St Leo’s Catholic College is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their personal best and grow into confident, capable young adults.
