Why Choose SFX?
St Francis Xavier College isn't just a school — it's a community where students are known, challenged, and cared for from Year 7 through to Year 12.
Choosing a secondary school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. Here's why so many families in Canberra's north choose SFX.
1. We're a Catholic school with heart.
Guided by the charism of St Francis Xavier — the Patron Saint of Missions — our College is built on a foundation of faith, service, and genuine care for every person who walks through our doors.
We live by our motto: Truth and Courage. This means we're honest about who we are, and bold enough to act on it. Inspired to be the hearts and hands of Jesus, our students are encouraged to make a real difference — not just in the future, but right now.
SFX is welcoming of students from all faith backgrounds. Whether your family is deeply connected to the Catholic faith or simply values a school with strong ethics and a clear sense of purpose, you'll find a home here.
2. Every student is known and supported.
At SFX, you're never just a face in a crowd. Our dedicated pastoral care team and expert teaching staff are committed to the wellbeing and growth of each individual student.
Our purpose-built Junior School is designed specifically to ease the transition from primary school — with fewer class and teacher changes, students settle into high school with confidence and continuity. As they grow into our Senior School, they're supported at every step by staff who genuinely know them.
We offer a safe, inclusive environment where students feel secure enough to take risks, ask big questions, and grow into the best versions of themselves.
3. A curriculum built for the future.
SFX offers one of the broadest and most dynamic curricula in the ACT. Whether your child is passionate about ideas, creativity, enterprise, or getting hands-on with real-world skills, there's a pathway for them here.
Students can pursue excellence across:
- Core academics — English, Mathematics, Sciences
- The Humanities — Religious Education, History, Economics, Legal Studies, Sociology, Psychology
- The Arts — Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music
- Languages
- Sport and Physical Education
- VET and Industry subjects — providing nationally recognised qualifications alongside their senior studies
Every course is taught by passionate, expert educators committed to deep learning — not just content delivery.
4. Great teaching makes the difference.
A school is only as good as its teachers. Ours are exceptional.
SFX teachers bring curiosity, expertise, and genuine dedication to every classroom. They know their students, adapt to different learning styles, and hold high expectations — because they believe every student is capable of more than they think.
Our learning environment deliberately fosters curiosity, adaptability, and a love of lifelong learning. We don't just prepare students for exams; we prepare them for life.
5. More than the classroom.
Education at SFX extends well beyond the timetable. We believe a well-rounded young person needs opportunities to lead, serve, compete, perform, and connect.
Our students are invited to participate in:
- Social justice and community service — putting faith into action
- Leadership programs and student representative roles
- Sports, performing arts, and cultural activities
- Camps, retreats, and immersive experiences
These experiences build character, confidence, and the kind of resilience that no exam can test.
6. A community you'll be proud to be part of.
The SFX community is something special. Students, staff, and families work together in a genuine spirit of partnership. Parents are welcomed as active members of our college, and our graduates leave with lasting friendships, strong values, and a deep sense of belonging.
When students graduate from SFX, our hope is that they leave as confident, capable, well-educated young people — full of hope — ready to take their place in the world with truth and courage.