An Independent Catholic Boys School

Hartford College is Australia’s first Liberal Arts school for boys (years 5-12) based in Sydney’s South East.

Our highly regarded mentoring program, unique liberal arts curriculum and parent focussed philosophy sets Hartford apart.

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Dare to think. Dare to know.

Our school motto: ‘Dare to think. Dare to know.’ challenges the common sentiment of “group think” permeating our society, and encourages students to think outside the box, to ask difficult questions and to have courage in pursuing the truth.

“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell

We want Hartford students to be critical thinkers, to challenge themselves, to develop a thirst for knowledge, and strive for more.

We are confident that our unique approach to a holistic education will be key in producing the great-hearted young men our society needs.

To dare is the path to greatness.

Our values

Our values reflect the deepest beliefs and sentiments on which our school is built and lives by. They inspire us, shape us, positively influence our behaviour and lead our boys to great futures.

Virtue

We believe in educating the whole person and developing moral character. With guidance, our boys become kind, honest, respectful, disciplined and confident young men.

Family

The connection between home and school is immensely important. We value parental involvement and want you to be an active part of your son’s learning journey.

Curiosity

Our classrooms are dynamic and challenging places. We expose our boys to a broad curriculum to instil a love of learning and wonder that continues through life.

Strength

Today’s world is a challenging place for young men. That’s why we prepare our boys to face any obstacle head-on so that they can thrive in 21st-century society.

Hope

Life is a truly remarkable thing, something we demonstrate throughout all aspects of our curriculum so that our boys develop an optimistic and positive spirit.

Excellence

We strive for academic excellence but, importantly, we value and reward hard work. We encourage our boys to aim high and to always be their best.

Innovation

We value tradition but are pioneers in education. Our high-calibre staff teach a liberal arts curriculum using modern methods and the best digital technologies.

Wellbeing

Our boys are never alone in their quest to overcome life’s challenges. Spiritual, physical and mental support comes from both teachers and peers.

We teach a liberal arts curriculum

Our rich and engaging liberal arts curriculum is designed to impart well-rounded knowledge, encourage and develop critical thinking and support digital literacy – qualities the 21st-century demands.

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Professor Renée Köhler-Ryan

Head of School of Philosophy and Theology

It is becoming increasingly evident that the liberal arts are the best preparation for a child’s life, no matter what challenges he may face in the future. Hartford boys will emerge from their education knowing their cultural roots and having developed imaginative ways to address problems and issues in contemporary society. The education promises to be as rich and engaging as it is rigorous and sound. The College will contribute generations of virtuous young men capable of transforming the world in their daily Christian lives.

Hon John Anderson AO FTSE

Chair of the Crawford Fund

I am genuinely interested in Hartford College as a place in which real and high-quality investment is made in the pastoral, mental and physical development of Australian boys, and I sincerely believe it is needed. Our children, and particularly our boys, are unquestionably the victims of the ‘culture wars‘ that now rage in our society, and the raw statistics confirm the price they are paying.

The levels of anxiety, depression and self-harm amongst our young people are unprecedented and worrying. It is beyond important that every effort is made to nurture the men of tomorrow, for their sakes and the very future of our cherished freedoms in this land of opportunity.

Dr Tim Hawkes OAM

Educator, Author & Leadership Consultant

As an educator, I'm always excited when parents engage with the schooling of their children. Research suggests parental interest in education is one of the best predictors of learning success in children.

The Hartford College initiative is an exciting example of parental collaboration and commitment to educational excellence. It deserves to flourish and all the more so given that character development and faith advancement lie at the centre of its educational offering. Dr Tim Hawkes OAMI wish Hartford College every success.