An established reputation of educational excellence and unlimited opportunity, on a modern and spacious campus.
West Moreton Anglican College is a modern and ambitious College, built on the foundations of a much older Anglican school which was located in Ipswich.
St Paul’s Day School was founded shortly after the establishment of St Paul’s Church, Ipswich, in 1855. In the official history of the Church, it is noted that St Paul’s was the first brick building in Brisbane Street, Ipswich, and that the first appointed Master of St Paul’s Day School was Mr Alfred Haxeldon.
West Moreton Anglican College grew out of the vision of Reverend Canon Gavin Ott and the desire of the parishioners of St Paul’s Church to offer the families of the region a coeducational facility.
The new school was to provide a holistic and integrated philosophy of education based on a Christian way of life and in accordance with the principles and traditions of the Anglican Church of Australia.
The aim of the College, recorded in the first prospectus, was to develop balanced, fully rounded and motivated individuals who can reach their maximum potential intellectually, socially, culturally, physically and emotionally. WestMAC remains true to this aim to the present day.
In the very early planning stages, Father Ott asked Dr Hugh Bartholomeusz, a well-respected specialist in private practice in Ipswich, to become Chairman of the College’s Steering Committee.
Together, Dr Bartholomeusz and the Steering Committee navigated the many regulatory requirements to reach the position of appointing Mr Paul Claridge, formerly of Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, as the Foundation Principal in 1993.
Mr Ross Switzer was appointed as the College’s second Principal in 2007. Mr Switzer had previously served as the Foundation Principal of Georgina Molloy Anglican School in Busselton, Western Australia.
The College Council at West Moreton Anglican College has been served by many faithful and capable community volunteers over time. Mr Paul Lostroh (2005 to 2014) and Dr Ian Lupton (2015 to 2022) served as Chairs of College Council prior to the current Chair, Mr Bruce Sackson, assuming the role in January 2023.
Under the dynamic and inspired leadership of Mr Geoff McLay, who served as Principal from September 2010 to December 2024, WestMAC further established itself as a premier educational institution with extensive modern facilities on a leafy campus. Mr McLay’s 14-year tenure included significant growth, programme development and a strong focus on nurturing individual excellence.
In January 2025, Mr Andrew Peach was appointed as the College’s fourth Principal. With a strong background in educational leadership, Mr Peach brings renewed energy and a deep commitment to building on the College’s vision and values. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter in WestMAC’s story as the College continues to evolve while staying true to its founding mission.
Today, the College offers a supportive and confidence building learning environment, a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, a strong sports programme including participation in TAS (The Associated Schools) and JTAS competitions, an award-winning Creative Arts department with 20 ensembles in music and dance, and a rich array of extracurricular opportunities.