Downlands College

Downlands College is an independent, Catholic, coeducational, day and boarding school for Years 4-12. Established in 1931 by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), our heart-centred approach promotes academic excellence, encouraging students to integrate faith with life and to develop a love of learning. It is a place where one’s heart can find a home - where students can grow and flourish as they develop a sense of truth, goodness and beauty and so be ready to go out and to make a difference in the world.

Downlands offers one of the broadest curriculum on the Darling Downs, providing the widest choice of secondary school study options. By supporting both university and apprenticeship pathways, the College caters for everyone, including siblings with different strengths and abilities. As school should be a place to learn about the life, our coeducational school reflects the world in which we live.

Downlands College has a rich history, and it continues to be characterised by its strong Catholic ethos and MSC spirit which underpins all we do. At Downlands we acknowledge and embrace the diverse heritage, cultures and backgrounds of our students, staff and broader school community. The development of strong, life-giving relationships forms the cornerstone of a Downlands education, and our unique MSC heritage ensures that the Downlands journey is intertwined with an ‘education of the heart’. A focus on relationships allows our core values of love, courage, compassion, understanding and humility to be woven through all our interactions.

Widely recognised as a leading coeducational day and boarding school, Downlands College is known as the ‘school of choice’ and a school ‘where your heart finds a home’. At Downlands, there is a niche for every student. We journey with each student academically and pastorally to provide the best possible school and post-school pathway. Opportunities include a very broad curriculum offering (academic and Vocational Education and Training), sport, performing arts, agriculture, leadership, social justice projects and community service.

Our goal is to have happy students who perform to their personal best in all situations and who take responsibility for their learning and relationships. This includes student presentation, excellence in academic pursuits, co-curricular involvement, treating peers and community members with respect and kindness, and having a sense of humour. We will continue to ensure the wider community recognises that a Downlands educational journey is one that will develop selfless leaders who are advocates for values-based communities. Our distinctive culture is informed and guided by our beliefs and commitment to community, personal growth, relationships, spirituality and individual learning journeys.

The historical character of our buildings, incorporated with modern facilities, our stunning gardens, expansive grounds and the smiling, friendly students and staff can provide you with an insight into a Downlands education. We invite you to come and experience the Downlands difference.

Downlands College is an independent, Catholic, coeducational, day and boarding school with a long tradition of heart-centred and values-based education. Owned and conducted by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) with the assistance of a deeply committed group of teachers and support staff, Downlands has a long history of academic, sporting and cultural achievement and is the school of choice for many families.

At Downlands, you are part of a family built on strong traditions. Strong values and Senior role models encourage students to make wise choices. We want students to do well at school and also in life, by being good people - strong in mind, spirit and faith. Our heart-centred approach promotes academic excellence, encouraging students to integrate faith with life and to develop a love of learning. As school should be a place to learn about the life, our coeducational College reflects the world in which we live. A Downlands education prepares students for the world beyond the classroom, academically, socially and morally. Visit our beautiful campus to understand what makes Downlands the school of choice.

At Downlands, you are part of a family built on strong traditions. Strong values and Senior role models encourage students to make wise choices.

At Downlands, we want our students to do well at school, and also in life, by being good people - strong in mind, spirit and faith. With a history reaching back to the mid 19th century in France, the MSC Ethos at Downlands distinctively focuses on the “Spirituality of the Heart” which offers a listening and compassionate heart through relationships in the community rather than fixed answers and dogmatic solutions.

Downlands College is owned and conducted by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC), alongside a committed group of teachers and support staff. The College was opened in 1931 as a boarding school for boys with a total enrolment of 68. Today, it is fully co-educational, with more than 850 day and boarding students from all parts of Queensland and beyond.

The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) believe that nothing is more important than the saving power of God’s love. The MSC believes if people come to experience the love, gentleness, kindness and compassion of God, then they will have hope, meaning and purpose in their lives.

The initials MSC come from the Latin: Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis. The Priests and Brothers of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are known as MSC (from the Latin, Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis).