Whitefriars College was founded in 1961 by the Carmelite Order of Priests and Brothers as a Catholic secondary school for boys. This was in response to a strong demand from local Catholic families who wanted an educational institution grounded in their faith.

While we warmly welcome families from all denominations who value the opportunities Whitefriars offers, our identity remains firmly rooted in the Catholic tradition, particularly the Carmelite way of life.

The Carmelite tradition has deep roots, stretching back to the late Twelfth Century in the Holy Land. There, a small group of Christian hermits settled on Mount Carmel, inspired by a spirit of prayer and reflection. Despite challenges that led them to leave Mount Carmel, they carried the essence of their way of life, spreading it across the world.

Today, the Carmelites continue to witness God’s presence in people, nature, the Word of God and within the human spirit. Their mission is to cultivate a spirit of prayer, reflection, justice and peace—values which are central to our educational approach. At Whitefriars, we embrace these values through service, respect for individuals and fostering a strong sense of community. We live in allegiance to Jesus Christ, drawing inspiration from Mary, the Prophet Elijah and other holy figures who have followed the Carmelite way.

Our College is structured around a house-based, Vertical Pastoral Care system, with each house dedicated to a Carmelite saint or blessed figure. These figures serve as inspirations for our students as they pursue excellence in education based on deeply human and Christian values.