Explore Clayfield

Principal's Welcome

It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you to Clayfield College. 

Clayfield College is a vibrant learning community with a long history of preparing boys and girls for success in an ever-changing world. Through nurturing their hearts, souls and minds, students are inspired to be intellectually curious, creative, bold and emotionally confident. In the pursuit of personal excellence our students work collaboratively with our dedicated teaching staff to find their own voice and celebrate their individuality in an environment where they are known and valued.

The College has a strong academic culture where students are encouraged to be ambitious with their aspirations, and inspired to be their best selves and open minded in their global outlook. Students are exposed to high impact learning opportunities which will challenge their thinking and equip them to be the changemakers of the future. We do not however define our success purely on academic results. It is important to us that every student is offered the opportunity to discover their talents through a comprehensive breadth of co-curricular programs, where students can shine in the arts, sports and service leadership. These opportunities, which are driven by a participation mindset provide a place of belonging and facilitate the celebration of every student’s unique contribution to the life of the College.

History

Clayfield College was officially founded on the 9 February 1931, with just nine students and five teachers. In the subsequent years, Clayfield College has continued to grow and succeed through the dedication and hard work of our Principals: Miss Nancy Ashburn, Miss Ida Kennedy OAM, Mrs Carolyn Hauff AM, Mr Brian Savins, Ms Melissa Powell and Mrs Kathy Bishop. Our current Principal, Dr Andrew Cousins, continues to strengthen our future endeavours and strategic focus.

Clayfield College Foundation Day continues to be celebrated on 9 February each year, bringing together our current students and staff, past students and special guests to recognise the important heritage of our College.

Governance

Clayfield College is one of four outstanding schools owned by the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) along with our sibling schools Brisbane Boys’ College, Somerville House and Sunshine Coast Grammar School.  

The PMSA, established in 1918, is a joint mission of the Uniting Church of Australia, Queensland Synod and the Presbyterian Church of Queensland.  The Churches formed the PMSA to purchase Brisbane High School for Girls (now Somerville House) and Clayfield College (now Brisbane Boys’ College) in 1918. Read more about the PMSA.

Our Mission, Vision and Motto

Clayfield College is a supportive and safe Christian community providing an outstanding teaching and learning environment where students and staff are encouraged to grow, serve and develop their abilities, and enrich their own lives in the greater community.  

Clayfield College, through a focus on learning, innovation and support, will be recognised as a dynamic day and boarding school which provides an outstanding education for girls and boys.

At Clayfield College, we live by our motto ‘Let your light shine’. We maintain the light by creating an inclusive community and progressive educational environment where we prepare and educate each of our students to achieve to his or her personal best. The significance of our motto is found in Matthew 5:16. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.