Marian College in Ararat, is a Brigidine sponsored Year 7-12 Catholic co-educational college that is nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Grampians National Park in Ararat.
Marian College Ararat is a Kildare Ministries school in the Brigidine tradition, where Gospel values and the charism of Strength and Gentleness shape a welcoming, hope‑filled community.
In November 1888, five Brigidine Sisters arrived in Ararat to establish a convent and lay the foundation for Catholic education in the region. The pioneering sisters, Mother Gertrude Kelly, Mother Cecilia Synnott, Sister Josephine Clancy, Sister Paul Barron and Sister Malachy Byrne traveled from Ireland – hailing from convents in Abbeyleix and Goresbridge – at the invitation of Dr. James Moore, the Bishop of Ballarat.
As a community, we are deeply proud of our school and its Brigidine identity and ethos, which have been nurtured and strengthened over many generations. In 2014 the Brigidine Sisters entrusted the governance of Marian College to Kildare Ministries.
Marian College places Gospel values at the heart of our community, nurturing the Kildare Ministries values of Hospitality, Compassion, Courage, Wonder, Justice and Hope. Guided by our motto Fortiter et Suaviter – strength and gentleness – we support students to grow in integrity, confidence and compassion. Central to this is our Teacher Advisor (TA) Program, where each student is accompanied by a TA Teacher who provides academic, social and emotional guidance throughout their secondary years, building strong partnerships with families and acting as a steady advocate and role model. Through this holistic approach, we equip young people to strive for excellence, develop independence and contribute positively to their community. Marian College continues to be a place of deep hospitality, welcoming all especially the vulnerable.
