Homepage Enrolment Proud to be Co-ed On this page Empowering Futures Through Co-Education From Parents From an Old Ignatian From Students Empowering Futures Through Co-Education In 1996 girls from Reception to Year 12 attended Saint Ignatius’ College. This move to full co-education was a highly significant moment in the history of our College, leading to a transformative evolution of our identity. Our journey towards co-education began in 1971 when girls eager to complete their secondary studies at Ignatius were welcomed in Years 11 and 12. The College benefited enormously from this initiative, and it sparked a desire to further expand this enrichment in the years to come. In our first year of full co-education at Saint Ignatius’ College, 147 girls joined 878 male peers. Today we are proud to have shaped the futures of thousands of female students with an Ignatian education. Through the lens of our Jesuit educational tradition, we focus on raising each individual student to be a competent and enthusiastic learner and realise that all learning journeys are unique. The co-educational environment at the College has fostered a rich and diverse learning culture. Each year, we celebrate outstanding SACE Stage 2 results from both our male and female graduates, reflecting an academic environment and system of care that nurtures excellence in all students. Co-education has enriched the educational offering of Saint Ignatius’ College, preparing students for the world beyond the school gates. Ours is an environment where girls and boys advance each other’s development through a culture of care and respect, genuine friendship, and healthy rivalry. With each other’s support, our boys and girls participate in College life with confidence, embracing leadership roles and a broad range of curriculum and co-curricular opportunities, including STEM and sport. Together they broaden each other’s perspectives, grow in wisdom, kindness, and self-awareness, and strive to reach their utmost potential. We believe that co-education empowers students with diverse skills and perspectives, equipping them with enhanced capabilities to drive positive change in society. “A quality and relevant education coupled with an equally strong sense of social justice that generated a confidence to make a positive difference to my life and that of others”. Catherine Telegramma (Class of 1982) Director Science and Technology Program, Weapons and Combat Systems Division, Department of Defence. From Parents With a son and daughter, parents Michael and Belinda Romeo wanted a co-educational school for their children, Samuel and Chloe. "For us, a co-ed school was the best choice for our children as we believe it allows them to develop a broader range of social skills that will benefit them in their post-schooling. We have enjoyed seeing our children's confidence and learning grow over the last few years from the co-ed environment, which our children may not have experienced in the same way if they attended a single-sex school." From an Old Ignatian Old Ignatian, Lucia Doyle (Class of 2023), says the diverse friendships she has been able to make has been one of the things she has valued most about her education at a co-ed school. Inter-gender friendships at co-ed schools are more natural and authentic, and in general there is more opportunity to make those friendships. From Students While filming an episode of Saint Ignatius' College's official podcast, Ignatius Talking in 2025, Olivia Savvas MP (Class of 2013) and Gabby and Mehar (then in Year 12) shared their perspectives on being educated in a co-ed environment. Listen below:
