Oxley College is an independent, co-educational, secondary day school, founded on Christian principles.The college takes its name from the early Australian explorer John Oxley and nestles at the foot of a hill named after him. His descendants gave permission for his family crest to be used as the basis of the college badge.HistoryThe college first opened to students in 1983, with an initial enrolment of 234. Its founding headmaster was David Wright (an Oxford Rhodes Scholar), followed by Christopher Welsh (1995–2007). The college now has a total enrolment of about 500.The head since January 2008 has been Grant Williamson, formerly deputy headmaster and head of Newington College at Stanmore.In 2012 enrolments were opened for Kindergarten through to Year 6, in addition to the Years 7 through to 12 already taught.HousesOxley College has six houses: Dobell, Durack, Florey, Mawson, Monash and Oodgeroo. All are named after high-achieving Australians. All have tutor groups and compete against each other in music, drama, public speaking, cross country, and athletic and swimming carnivals.Notable alumniAustralian rugby union player Al Kanaar attended Oxley. Melanie Tait, author of The Vegemite Tales and Fat Chance: My Big Fat Gastric Band Adventure, was also a student there.SportOxley regularly competes in ISA and also has a fierce rivalry with the neighbouring Chevalier College.See also List of non-government schools in New South Wales