Founded in 1856 St Paul’s College stands proudly. It’s Australia’s oldest university college. The imposing Gothic style building was designed by Edmund Blacket. He also designed the main University of Sydney building. St Paul’s wasn’t the first attempt at a university college. An earlier effort involving St James’s College failed. St Paul’s success was a key step in realizing the University’s vision. It aimed to emulate Oxford and Cambridge’s collegiate structure.
The college’s history is rich with notable alumni. They include prime ministers like Sir William McMahon and Gough Whitlam. High Court judges and Rhodes Scholars also call St Paul’s their alma mater. The college’s liberal Anglican tradition has shaped its intellectual life. It’s a tradition that embraces both religious and secular knowledge. The college actively promotes social justice ideals. Many students participate in philanthropic activities. The college even boasts two former students who won the 2010 World University Debating Championship. Their victory came against teams from prestigious universities like Oxford and Harvard.
St Paul’s College has expanded significantly over the years. New buildings include a chapel designed by John Leslie Stephen Mansfield. A residential wing by Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners opened in 1999. In 2019 Graduate House opened. It provides housing for postgraduate students and university academics. In 2023 St Paul’s became fully co-residential. It now welcomes both male and female undergraduates. The college retains most of its original seven-hectare grant. It even has its own oval.
The college hasn’t been without controversy. In 2012 a colonial-themed party sparked a race controversy. The event involved students dressed in colonial attire while staff served food. Allegations of sexism also surfaced in 2017. These controversies led to reviews and changes in college leadership. More recently the college has dealt with allegations of student abuse. This has resulted in expulsions and suspensions. St Paul’s College is a significant part of Sydney’s history. It continues to evolve while maintaining its rich traditions.