8 | LUXlife Magazine Faith-Based College of the Year 2026 – New South Wales Marsden Park Anglican College (MPAC) is part of the Anglican Schools Corporation and sits proudly within a tradition of growing schools extending back more than 600 years. In Australia specifically, the last 200 years have seen these schools become increasingly significant, supporting children with a focus on inclusivity, community, service, and Christ-centred learning. MPAC upholds these principles, offering an affordable, faith-based education to a developing part of Sydney. Principal Darren Cox caught up with us for more on this innovative, vibrant, and dynamic community. Reflecting the vision of the Anglican Schools Corporation, which is to balance quality, affordability, and the holistic values of faith education, Marsden Park Anglican College believes schools should be joyous, purposefilled environments that people love coming to, and where excellence is strived for in everything. The Christian learning community MPAC has created stems from this belief, with its identity rooted in helping everyone to flourish and realise their God-given potential through an education shaped by the Bible. “Let no one think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12, MPAC’s School Verse Day to day, the school looks to positively impact the world and empower individuals to do the same. This may start with a love of Christ, but this is just the beginning, with MAPC also promoting a love of life, a love of learning, and a love for others. Principal Darren Cox embodies all of this himself, and is a passionate educational leader widely recognised for transforming school culture through a blend of dynamic teaching and learning practices, student-led initiatives, and engagement with the community. With its principal standing proudly as one of Australia’s most influential educators, it is unsurprising to learn that MAPC is as committed to its staff as it is to its students, and their personal and professional development is something it invests in heavily, through initiatives like coaching, team workshops, and tailored mentoring. Darren explained: “Through leadership pathways, collaborative learning opportunities, and a culture of reflective practice, we ensure that all staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.” The quality, high-performing staff at the heart of MPAC have even made it a five-star employer of choice, and the calibre of teaching directly impacts the positive culture that defines the school, which is a place where playfulness and professionalism meet. Hallmarks of this culture include a clear student voice and an openness to explore new initiatives and opportunities. Many of these opportunities exist outside of the excellent classroom education MPAC delivers, with its co-curricular programme being a clear highlight. From creative and performing arts to sporting activities, public-speaking competitions, and a myriad of lunch clubs, there are a range of things for students to get involved in – all bolstered by the 17 acres of diverse learning space that this location has at its disposal. All of this only adds to the innovative, vibrant, and dynamic nature of MPAC, which sees itself as not only having rules, but also a vision for the lives of its students. It is the clarity of both the vision itself and the delivery of it that is truly staggering, especially since the College is only actually in its second year of independence. Initially established as a campus of Richard Johnson Anglican School in 2016, the strong growth and introduction of a senior school led to Marsden Park Anglican College operating as a standalone school in 2024. Starting with around 550 students from pre-k to year 7, the school is continuing to evolve and expand its numbers, and is even set to teach from pre-K right the way through to year 12 over the next three years. Darren told us: “Marsden Park Anglican College continues to go from strength to strength, adding more than 200 students again this year to reach 1,000 students in 2026. By the time we reach our first year 12 cohort in 2029, the College will have over 1,450 students from prep to year 12.” As it expands, MPAC remains focused on its Impact Framework, which reflects its commitments to its students, staff, community, the environment, and beyond. All of this adds up to a school that looks to be recognised for its excellence in education; renowned for its strong partnerships with industry, government, Anglican and other ministries; and recognised as a leader in faith-based learning that equips its students for a rewarding life beyond the classroom. “Live, Love, Lead.” Contact: Darren Cox Company: Marsden Park Anglican College Web Address: https://www.mpac.nsw.edu.au/
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