The College took its name from the famous early Australian explorer, John Oxley, and looks up to the hill named after him. His descendants gave permission for the family crest to be used as the basis of the College badge, which incorporates their motto "Patientia et Fortitudine" — Patience and Fortitude. The College similarly adopted this as its motto.
Expansive grounds of great beauty provide a wonderful setting in which to educate young people. The centerpiece is a graceful colonial homestead ‘Elvo’, built in the 1880s. Now, this elegant building serves as the administrative center of the College.
The grounds occupy seven hectares with established trees, many of which were planted when the property was first occupied. The grounds and the facilities developed within them are designed and maintained to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. There is a sense of openness which encourages enlargement of the mind. Students are encouraged to be sensitive to the environment in which they learn, to respect it, and appreciate its beauty.
From its initial enrollment of 24 students, the student population is now 838 K – 12, and in 2024 the College commences Pre-Kindergarten. It is the policy of the College to maintain its commitment to modesty of scale, small enough for the education of students to be personal and humane, yet large enough to provide a wide range of academic options and activities.