History

St Teresa’s College was founded in 1933 when the Congregation of Christian Brothers established a Catholic agricultural boarding school for boys in the Herbert River Valley at Abergowrie, about 38 km from Ingham, Queensland. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop McGuire, with the aim of providing education that combined academic learning with practical agricultural skills. The College opened to students on 1 March 1934 as St Teresa’s Agricultural College.

From its earliest years, the College served families across North Queensland, particularly those from rural and remote areas. As a boarding school, it became known for welcoming students from towns and communities throughout the region — and, in later decades, from across Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Over time, St Teresa’s evolved beyond its original agricultural focus into a comprehensive Catholic secondary boarding college, offering education from Years 7–12. It has maintained its strong boarding tradition and has become widely recognised for its support of First Nation students from all over Australia.

The governance of the College historically rested with the Christian Brothers and then moved to the Catholic Diocese of Townsville in 1987. In 2026, it has transitioned back to governance under Edmund Rice Education Australia, reflecting its ongoing commitment to the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice while continuing to serve families across Queensland and beyond.

Throughout its long history, St Teresa’s College has remained committed to nurturing young men in faith, education and community - rooted in Catholic values and enriched by its boarding community and regional heritage.