- The college takes its name from the Society of St Francis de Sales, known as the Salesians. The Catholic order took over a Farnborough orphanage in 1901 and expanded it into a private boarding school for boys. It became a day school in 1979 and its sixth form has been coeducational since 2007.
- Reason, religion and loving kindness are the school’s values, inherited from Don Bosco, the Italian priest who founded the Salesians.
- The enrichment programme at lunchtime and after school supports Stem subjects, languages, music and performing arts as well as a wide range of sports. There is a purpose-built music school with an auditorium and specialist practice rooms.
- Academic scholarships are offered upon entry to Years 7 and 12 and worth a 10 per cent fee remission. There are also means-tested bursaries available. The Keeping Families Together award, offering a 25 per cent fee reduction, is available at the sixth form for those who have a younger sibling enrolled at the school.
- Old Salesians include the broadcaster Alastair Stewart and the naturalist Steve Backshall.
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