What makes a school more than just a place of learning? For generations of boys, St Joseph’s Nudgee College has been the answer. Established in 1891 and steeped in tradition, this Catholic boys’ school in Brisbane’s north is a second home for 315 boarders and over 1,700 day students. But beyond the impressive facilities and rich history lies something more profound: a community where boys are not only educated but transformed into young men of character and compassion.
With a philosophy of ‘One Boy, Infinite Opportunities’, Nudgee College offers far more than academic excellence. It opens doors to countless opportunities, from cultural pursuits and sports to social justice initiatives and vocational training. This school doesn’t just prepare boys for the future; it equips them to shape it.
Boarders build close friendships at Nudgee College. Credit: Supplied
St Joseph’s Nudgee College: A place to belong
For Principal Scott Thomson, the secret to Nudgee College’s enduring appeal lies in its vibrant community and sense of belonging.
“People talk about Nudgee ‘getting under your skin,’ and it really does,” says Principal Thomson.
From the moment you step through the gates, the College exudes an irresistible warmth that naturally draws you in.
“Visitors often comment on how welcoming and respectful our students are,” Principal Thomson says, a testament to the school’s culture of inclusion and connection.
This sense of belonging is most clearly demonstrated in the central positioning of boarding in the College, both physically and spiritually. Because the boarding village isn’t isolated from the school, it sits in the middle of the campus. Day students and boarders pass through its central hub daily, making it at the heart of life at Nudgee.
This integration nurtures a seamless bond between boys, as the College welcomes boarders from far and wide, whether from rural Australia, metropolitan Brisbane and Gold Coast, or overseas.
Students can explore their creative passions at Nudgee College. Credit: Supplied.
Award-winning boarding
Queensland’s oldest Catholic boarding school, Nudgee College, is rich in history. Yet it continues to innovate, earning the coveted award of Australian Boarding School of the Year in 2024.
“It was a wonderful recognition of the great work happening in our boarding village,” Mr Thomson reflects. “We’ve modernised significantly while honouring our heritage.”
The Bathersby Boarding Village is genuinely a home away from home. Individual rooms provide a sanctuary for the boys to call their own. The dedicated staff, including the Heads of the Boarding House, House Mums and Supervisors, create a welcoming and supportive environment. The on-campus health centre is staffed with highly skilled nurses around the clock, and doctors, dentists, podiatrists, and physiotherapists are on call.
Through the Reach for the Stars academic tutoring program, boarders are given every opportunity to thrive academically. Teachers across a range of subjects assist boys with ongoing homework and assignments and prepare them for exams.
Students enjoy various activities and outings outside the campus as part of their balanced lifestyle, organised by the dedicated Recreation Coordinator. These include trips to theme parks, sporting matches, cinemas, shopping centres, laser skirmishes, hiking, beach outings, futsal competitions, and more. Yet, at the heart of boarding are the lifelong friendships that develop between fellow boarders. Boys become brothers and build bonds that lead to endless possibilities beyond graduation.
Nudgee College offers diverse academic and vocational pathways. Credit: Supplied.
Infinite opportunities at Nudgee College
At the College, every boy is encouraged to discover his passions and potential. With one of the widest curriculums in Queensland, the College offers diverse academic and vocational pathways.
“One boy might dream of being a lawyer, whilst another wants to pursue a career in horticulture or the performing arts,” Mr Thomson explains. “We cater to both—and everything in between.”
From engineering to aviation, agriculture to the arts, the school’s state-of-the-art facilities provide education pathways for every possible career goal. Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs complement traditional academic offerings, ensuring every boy can find his niche. Whether they aspire to university degrees or trade qualifications, students receive tailored support to achieve their goals.
Beyond the classroom, the opportunities are just as varied. Cultural pursuits like the Writers Circle, drama productions, and music ensembles stand alongside an impressive array of sports. Even niche interests are nurtured, from esports to fishing and gardening. “We’ve got a dam filled with fish and a cattle club for boys with a connection to the land,” Principal Thomson says. “If there’s a passion, we find a way to cater to it.”
A community that thrives
Nudgee College’s strength lies not just in its programs but in its people. The bond between students, staff, families, and alumni creates a genuine sense of belonging and excitement about what’s possible.
“I remember talking to the boys, probably my second or third assembly, and I said, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever shaken so many hands in such a short period of time’ because there’s this genuine sense of people wanting to be involved in the community,” says Mr Thomson. “And that’s the boys, the staff members, the family members, the Old Boys, the past parents and past staff members.”
Boarders with a connection to the country have a second home at Nudgee College. Credit: Supplied.
Raising wonderful men
While many schools focus on academic success, the College also places equal importance on building character. Guided by the values of the Edmund Rice Tradition, the College aims to foster humility, compassion, and a commitment to service in all its students. Social justice initiatives, pastoral care programs, and faith development opportunities strengthen this ethos, encouraging boys to look beyond themselves and positively impact the world.
“I often say to the boys that we’re very privileged to be here at Nudgee. Many families make significant sacrifices for them to attend, and the difference between being privileged and entitled is shown in the gratitude we express,” says Principal Thomson.
This sense that ‘others are more important than self’ is what makes Principal Thomson most proud of the students.
“Regardless of all the incredible achievements and the excellence on offer, it is a remarkable moment of pride when I see that true sense of gratitude and humility in the boys in action,” says Principal Thomson. “That wonderful young man gives me the greatest sense of pride.”
Why Choose Nudgee College?
The decision to send a child to a school like Nudgee College is significant. As Principal and father of two boys who attend the school, Mr Thomson understands this deeply.
“My two boys are going through the school right now, and I couldn’t be prouder of the men they are growing up to be.”
For busy parents navigating the complexities of private education, Nudgee College stands out as a school that genuinely invests in its students’ growth. It’s not just about academic achievements or state-of-the-art facilities—though Nudgee excels in those, too. It’s also about raising wonderful men who embody the values of faith, humility, and service.
“Ultimately, the main goal of all schools should be to produce exceptional human beings who will positively impact our society. If we can go a way towards that, I think that’s the true measure of success,” Mr Thomson says.
And the opportunities are infinite. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or in the broader community, every boy has the opportunity to thrive in his own way. Because, at its core, Nudgee College is about fostering connection—to tradition, to the community, and to each boy’s unique potential. It’s a school that emphasises opportunities and personal growth, supporting students as they strive to achieve their best.
Central to its mission is to grow wonderful young men—grounded, humble, and compassionate—by instilling values like gratitude, character, and a commitment to service. Beyond education, Nudgee College focuses on preparing young men not only for success but for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Visit the Nudgee College campus at its Open Day on 17 May 2025.
