In 2023, St Aloysius College proudly took a bold step towards the future, becoming the first Catholic co-education secondary School within the vibrant, multi-cultural City of Melbourne. Co-education commenced with the 2023 Year 7 intake and subsequent years will continue to welcome boys through the Year 7 intake until St Aloysius becomes fully co-educational towards the end of the decade in 2028.

This visionary move to co-education was informed by two years of research, led by Mercy Education Ltd and Catholic Education Melbourne in a plan to re-imagine Catholic education for future generations of families living in the City. The change continues the 135 year Mercy tradition of responding to local community needs, making an affordable education available to all talented young people, especially families seeking to educate their children together.

As one of thirteen Sisters of Mercy sponsored schools, St Aloysius is governed by Mercy Education Ltd which collectively educates over 12,000 girls and boys each year in the Mercy tradition. Through its Board and Executive, Mercy Education will provide resources and educational expertise to support St Aloysius College in its move to co-education.

St Aloysius College is honoured to be nominated to provide a Catholic co-education for inner city students “We aspire to be a co-educational School where young girls and boys are respectful, optimistic and inquisitive, supported to be faith filled individuals who know god’s loving kindness and share it with others.” Said St Aloysius College Principal, Mary Farah.

The transition to co-education remains faithful to the vision of Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin in 1831, inspired to foster justice, compassion, hope and hospitality in the Mercy tradition. Holding the care, safety and wellbeing of young people as a central and fundamental responsibility.