Motivating purpose in every student
We know that a child who discovers their passions and reveals their talents is the most powerful driver to find motivation, purpose, and direction in life.
A place for discovering purpose
Padua College is a coeducational Catholic secondary school serving the Mornington Peninsula through a dedicated multi-campus model.
Grounded in our Catholic heritage, Padua College embraces a holistic approach nurturing academic excellence, moral character, spiritual growth, and emotional maturity in every young man and woman. We believe that every child is important and uniquely gifted. In unlocking their potential and discovering their talents, we inspire students to live purposefully, become lifelong learners, and make a positive impact on their world.
Multiple campuses. One community
Padua College has grown to include campuses in Mornington, Rosebud, and Tyabb, forming one united school community.
Our original bluestone chapel still stands, now surrounded by state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities where students are encouraged to explore, achieve, and create. Every student belongs to a House community; a consistent, close-knit group that grows with them, ensuring every student is seen, supported, and celebrated throughout their time at Padua College.
Our multi-campus model nurtures strong connections while uniting students as one College community. Whole-school events like SIS Sport, Music, Rally Days, Padua Day, and House Celebration Days bring our community together, celebrating each student’s unique contributions.
We have learned what it means to be people of purpose, to live with kindness, perseverance, and hope. And now, as we stand on the edge of what comes next, we carry those lessons with us, knowing that even as we go our separate ways, Padua will always be a part of who we are.
Hannah - Year 12 student, reflecting on her Padua experience
Over 125 years of purpose-driven education
Our story began in 1898, when the Sisters of Mercy opened the College of Our Lady of the Sea (COLS) for Young Ladies in Mornington. A year later, Padua House Preparatory School for Little Boys was established. In 1960, both schools were united under the name Padua College. Named after St Anthony of Padua, a man of deep faith, compassion, and justice, we continue to be inspired by his legacy of service and advocacy for others.
Our core values shape everything we do:
- We welcome and affirm
- We inspire the growth of the whole person
- We create a love of learning
- We build positive relationships
- We embrace diversity
- We show compassion for those in need
- We reconcile and forgive
- We work for a just and peaceful world
Proud legacy of Catholic Education
Our Catholic identity is the heart of Padua College.
Inspired by our Mercy Sister and Franciscan charisms, it is lived each day through prayer, liturgy, reflection and a strong commitment to social justice grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.
As a community, we come together to celebrate key moments of faith and belonging, from Opening Mass and Padua Day to House Masses, retreats and significant rites of passage.
Through service and partnerships with Catholic social justice organisations, our students and staff are encouraged to live their faith with compassion, courage and a genuine commitment to justice.
Principal's Message
We believe that every student carries within them a deep and unique purpose. It is the spark of their potential found in the promise of infinite possibilities and the unwritten chapters ahead.
Purpose is not something ready-made; it is uncovered and nurtured through learning, reflection, and action. It emerges as students strive, when they challenge themselves, persist through difficulties, and find joy in learning, both in and beyond the classroom. There is a profound joy in discovery when young people begin to see their own gifts come to life and recognise that what once seemed a possibility has become a purpose.
Each student’s journey is shared in community supported by teachers, peers, and families who walk beside our young people with empathy, grace, and compassion. And it comes to life through service, through acts of leadership with humility, care for others, and a desire to contribute to the common good.
As Pope Leo XIV reflects in his apostolic letter Drawing New Maps of Hope (2025), education becomes a path of renewal when it forms bridges, nurtures wisdom, and draws strength from hope. Inspired by this vision, Padua College seeks to be a community where faith and learning meet; where young people are encouraged to explore meaning, grow in character, and shine as lights for others.
Every student searches for their purpose. And whatever it looks like, we help every student find it.
Kelly McGurn
Principal
Together, we build the foundations for life
At Padua College, purpose is a compass guiding students to understand themselves, make good decisions, and live meaningful lives. Our student-centred approach helps every student to form the academic, moral, and ethical foundations that will support them for the rest of their lives. See it for yourself. Join one of our College tours.