Our Story

Exceptional education grounded in Catholic values

St Patrick’s Parramatta is proud to be part of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese's system of 80 Catholic primary and secondary schools operating across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains providing more than 43,500 students with a high-quality, low fee Catholic education.

At St Patrick’s Parramatta, we offer child-centred and innovative K-6 learning experiences in a welcoming environment for all students.

Exceptional education grounded in Catholic values

St Patrick's Catholic Primary School Parramatta students learning outside

Our school is committed to creating a learning community where we:

live out the Gospel values in a visibly Catholic tradition

nurture students for Christian leadership

create a range of learning experiences which allow children to progress at their own level

assist our students to develop into independent thinkers, with a deep sense of responsibility and justice

lead each individual towards reaching their potential

generate a sense of community and compassion in which all experience belonging

provide opportunity for all

strive for understanding and appreciation of each other’s differences

Our history

Since 1820, St Patrick’s Primary School has offered quality Catholic education in Parramatta.

St Patrick’s Primary is the one of the oldest parish schools in Australia, established by Father John Joseph Therry in Hunter Street in 1820.

In 1837, the school was relocated next to St Patrick’s Church. By 1874, the girls and smaller boys were separated and taught in a school opposite the church.

From 1874-1888, students were taught by the Sisters of Mercy from North Sydney. The school was reestablished in 1888 by the newly arrived Sisters of Mercy from Callan, Ireland.

In 1926, our new school building was erected at the corner of Villiers Street and Ross Street. The senior girls moved to Westmead in 1966 to form Catherine McAuley High School.

The Sisters of Mercy handed the responsibility for the School to the first lay Principal Ms Joan Coyle in 1985. We continue to honour the spirit and legacy of the Sisters of Mercy at St Patrick’s.

Today, St Patrick’s Primary continues to be a place of heritage, innovative learning and vision.