A Year 7-12 Co-educational Catholic College. Gunnedah is a town of about 10,000 people in the Namoi Valley, on the North West Slopes and Plains of NSW, 75 km West of Tamworth. It is situated on the traditional lands of the Gamilaraay people. It is largely a rural service centre, with a wide variety of farming and grazing enterprises conducted. The town’s population is stable and there is optimism that it will increase with the expansion or establishment of various industries in the coming years. There are five primary schools and two secondary schools in Gunnedah. The secondary schools are Gunnedah High School, with approximately 600 students, and St Mary’s College, with an enrolment of 383. St Mary’s College was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1879 and the Sisters of Mercy continue to have a presence in the College. However, the College has been administered by the Diocese of Armidale Catholic Schools Office since 2003. There are at present three classes in each year level (7-10) in most subjects. Elective subjects in Years 9 and 10 are offered in vertical classes (mixed Years 9 and 10) to maximise the range of electives offered. A good range of choices is available in the senior years. While most students are from Gunnedah, there are significant numbers commuting from Mullaley, Tambar Springs, Curlewis, Carroll, Boggabri, Baan Baa and Narrabri.