School History

In 1901, the Salesians started a small school for boys in Farnborough, taking charge of an orphanage at the request of the Diocese of Portsmouth. Initially housing 40 boys in an old tin factory, the school expanded with new dormitories, a refectory, and classrooms as the number of students grew. 

During WWI, 58 former pupils died, and many others were decorated for their service. The playground area was acquired in 1916, and the playing fields were used for the Grow More Food campaign. New classrooms and facilities were added during the interwar period, and the student body grew to 200 before WWII. 

Post-WWII, the school was known as "The School of Heroes" for the gallantry of its alumni. Over 500 former students served in the war. In 1956, the Blackburn Building was constructed, providing new classrooms, a hall, gymnasium, and changing rooms. New laboratories and a lecture hall were added in 1963. 

Salesian College became an independent grammar school in 1966. The preparatory school was discontinued in 1970, and the Salesian Sisters left in 1973. By 1979, the school had no boarders and became exclusively for day pupils. 

In 1997, the Delmer building was completed, offering new ICT facilities, art rooms, a staffroom, a technology suite, classrooms, and offices. The Sean Devereux Sixth Form centre was refurbished in 1998, and the original College building on the corner of Sherborne Road and Queens Road, was replaced by the parish church Our Lady Help of Christians in 1999. 

The College grew to a four-form entry in Years 7-11, reaching 600 students. In 2007, girls were welcomed into the Sixth Form, making it co-educational. The College has continued to thrive, expanding its facilities with the McGuinness Music School, Wilson 3G Pitch, and Sutherland Wing.