In 2026, Mercedes College proudly marks 180 years of Mercy education in Western Australia.  

In 1846, the Sisters of Mercy, led by Ursula Frayne, arrived in the Swan River Colony in response to a call to serve. From humble beginnings in a small, rented cottage on St Georges Terrace, the first Mercy school in Australia was established, which laid the foundations for what is now known as Mercedes College. 

Today, located in the heart of the City of Perth within its beautiful heritage precinct, the College stands as a living continuation of that original vision. While much has changed over 180 years, the spirit that inspired Catherine McAuley and the Founding Sisters remains firmly at the heart of our community.  

Surrounded by tranquil gardens, historic buildings and housing contemporary learning spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, Mercedes College offers a high-quality education for young women from Years 7 to 12, grounded in Mercy tradition and shaped by future-focused learning. 

At the centre of College life is a commitment to faith, relationships, wholistic growth and hope. This anniversary year invites us to reflect on the enduring Mercy charism as a legacy of compassion, justice, courage and service that continues to guide generations of students, staff and families.  

Mercedes College welcomes young women from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Through rich academic, cultural, spiritual and sporting opportunities, balanced with a strong Catholic mercy identity, students are encouraged to grow into confident, capable and socially responsible young women.  

As a Mercy school, we are guided daily by our College values and by the wisdom of Catherine McAuley, who reminded us that: “Perfection does not consist in doing extraordinary actions, but in performing extraordinarily well the ordinary actions of every day.” 

We remain committed to progress and renewal, echoing Catherine’s belief that “to not go forward is to go backwards.” 

 As you explore our website, I hope that you gain a sense of our pride, gratitude and deep joy as we share in celebrating 180 years of Mercy education in Western Australia. 

Dr Lucie McCrory

Principal