School History

Welcome to Ursuline College!

We are proud to celebrate more than 150 years of a rich tradition in Catholic, Christian education. St. Angela Merici (1474–1540), founder of the Ursuline Sisters, had a profound passion for educating young people. Inspired by her vision, Mother Mary Xavier Le Bihan journeyed from France to establish a small pioneer community in Chatham. This school, later known as Ursuline College, welcomed young women from 1860 to 1971, drawing students from across Canada, the United States, and Latin America.

In 1972, Ursuline College became co-educational, and by 1973, it proudly provided Catholic secondary education to students from every corner of Kent County. Today, our school is home to approximately 1,350 students.

The legacy of the Ursuline Sisters continues to guide us. Our values, rooted in their teachings and in the traditions of the Catholic Church, call our students to develop a deep love and respect for God and creation, to act with justice and compassion toward others, to seek honesty and truth, and to embrace responsibility, commitment, and integrity in all they do.

We take great pride in our long-standing tradition of excellence. Since 1860, Ursuline College has been a place of quality education, strong community, and enduring faith—and we look forward to continuing this tradition for generations to come.