Al-Faisal College History

Al-Faisal College currently operates 4 schools located in Auburn, Campbelltown (Minto), Liverpool (Austral) and Lakemba.

The first of Al-Faisal College’s schools was founded in 1998, we have been providing quality education for over 20 years!

Al-Faisal College History

Our Founders
Al-Faisal College (Auburn) was established on 27 April 1998 on the present site by the two founders Mrs Ghazwa Khan and Mr Shafiq Rahman Abdullah Khan.
Mr Shafiq Rahman Abdullah Khan
Mr Shafiq R. A. Khan is the Managing Director of Al-Faisal Colleges. Mr Khan's vision started more than 30 years ago, where an idea became a reality. Mr Khan's goal was to see future generations of students learning at Al-Faisal Colleges so that they could contribute to the Australian society and make a positive impact in the world. This vision expanded into the acquisition and establishment of 4 additional Al-Faisal College schools.  
Mrs Ghazwa Khan
Mrs Ghazwa Khan was appointed as the Executive Principal of Al-Faisal Colleges. Her dream was to establish a school for the community in order for students to feel welcomed, valued and appreciated. Her aim was to ensure that Al-Faisal College provided a well-rounded education where students could flourish, attain an outstanding education, learn and continue to grow.


Mrs Khan is considered to be the mother of Al-Faisal College. She dedicated her life to establishing an exceptional school with an admirable reputation. Mrs Khan retired in 2022. She has left a wonderful legacy. We will never forget her contributions and we wish her all the best on her retirement.
Our Executive Team
In 2012, Dr Intaj Ali (former Principal of Malek Fahd Islamic School) was appointed to the key role of Director of Education. Since then, Dr Ali has been instrumental in equipping teachers with evidence-based teaching strategies to enhance student learning. He currently serves as the Director General of Al-Faisal Colleges.

In 2022, Mrs Safia Khan Hassanein was appointed as the Executive Principal across all Al-Faisal College colleges, overseeing educational leadership, strategic planning, and school operations.

In 2025, Mr Peter Rompies was appointed as the Associate Executive Principal, contributing to leadership across multiple domains of college operations.

In 2025, Mr Mohammad Adra (K – 6 & Accreditation) and Mr Mohamad Jamal (7-12) were appointed as Executive Deputy Principals, supporting the Executive Principal in delivering academic excellence and ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning across all colleges.

In 2021, Mr Muhammad Al Babbili was appointed as the Multi-School High School Deputy Principal.

Mrs Ghannoum, who has served the College since 2008, is the Primary Deputy Principal. Her key responsibilities include overseeing student attendance, welfare, and discipline within the primary school, ensuring a supportive and well-structured learning environment.

‍Al-Faisal College
‍Auburn History

Al Faisal Building

Al-Faisal College (Auburn) was established on 27 April 1998 on the present site by the two founders Mrs Ghazwa Khan and Mr Shafiq Rahman Abdullah Khan.

Building B

In 2005, the Prime Minister of Australia Hon. John Howard MP visited the College to officially open Building B and lay the foundation stone for Building C.

K-6 Schools

Al-Faisal College expanded incrementally each year, eventually becoming a full K–12 school. The first cohort of Year 12 students sat for the HSC in 2008.

Build Process

In 2013, Iqra Grammar College came under the Al-Faisal College Management.

Al-Faisal College – Campbelltown operates as a K-12 school.

Liverpool Building

Al-Faisal College – Liverpool commenced operations in 2015.

The Hon. Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Learning, officially opened the Multi-Purpose Hall at Al-Faisal College – Liverpool on 14 February 2023.

Al-Faisal College – Lakemba Campus was opened by the Hon. Tony Burke MP, on 18 February 2025.

Al-Faisal College

The journey of Al-Faisal College began in 1998, when two visionary founders, Mr. Shafiq Khan and Mrs. Ghazwa Khan, established the College as a small K–2 school in Sydney. With just 49 students and 3 staff members, the founders laid the foundation for what would grow into one of Australia’s most respected Islamic schools. From the outset, the mission was clear: to provide high-quality education grounded in strong moral, spiritual, and academic values. 

As each year passed, a new grade was gradually added. A major milestone was reached in 2000, when the former Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard, officially opened the school—an event that marked national recognition of the College’s vision and promise. He returned in 2005 to lay the foundation stone for Building C, a significant expansion that symbolised the school’s commitment to growth and educational excellence. 

In 2008, the College proudly saw its first cohort of Year 12 students undertake the Higher School Certificate (HSC)—a defining moment that signalled
Al-Faisal’s full K–12 academic offering. 

Over the years, Al-Faisal College has consistently invested in modern infrastructure, innovative learning technologies, and comprehensive pastoral care systems. These enhancements ensure students receive not only academic instruction but also support for their social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. 

Today, Al-Faisal College stands as a leading independent Islamic school in Australia, with multiple schools and a rapidly growing student population. It offers a holistic education that integrates the mandatory NSW education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum with enriching programs in Arabic Language and Islamic Culture. The purpose of teaching Islamic Culture is to instill in students God-consciousness (taqwa)—the awareness that they are always observed by God, which forms the ethical foundation of their character and actions. 

At the heart of Al-Faisal College is a team of highly qualified and dedicated teachers and staff, who work in partnership with families to create a nurturing environment. Together, they foster a culture where students are empowered to achieve their best academically and grow into responsible, productive, and contributing members of Australian society.

Al-Faisal College Campbelltown History

A significant milestone was reached in 2013, when Iqra Grammar College came under the management of Al-Faisal College. At that time, the school had approximately 400 students enrolled across Kindergarten to Year 12. The Campbelltown school has experienced remarkable growth in enrolment, academic achievement, and infrastructure. By 2017, student enrolment had risen to 619,reflecting the school’s strong reputation and increasing demand for high-quality Islamic education in the region. 
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To support this growth, the College has made sustained investments in state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the teaching and learning environment. These include a multipurpose hall, design and technology laboratories, music rooms, computer labs, commercial-grade food technology kitchens, a well-resourced library with thousands of titles, fully equipped science laboratories, and modern digitised classrooms. Further expansions are currently underway, with additional classrooms and advanced science and technology laboratories under construction.

 In 2013, Mrs Sonali Luthra was appointed as the Head of College. The Campbelltown school continues to thrive as part of the broader Al-Faisal College vision: nurturing students who are academically accomplished, morally grounded, and active contributors to Australian society.

Al-Faisal College Liverpool History

Al-Faisal College – Liverpool commenced operations on 27 April 2015 (Term 2) with just two demountable classrooms. Despite its modest start, the College was founded on a clear vision: to provide high-quality, values-based education to meet the growing needs of the South-West Sydney community. 

The campus expanded swiftly, adding a dedicated administration block and multiple permanent classrooms to accommodate the rising enrolment. 

Today, the College boasts an impressive range of state-of-the-art facilities that support both academic achievement and holistic development, including:
-Expansive playgrounds and open  recreational spaces
-A multi-purpose hall for assemblies, sporting programs (such as gymnastics), and events
-A fully equipped computer lab
-A comprehensive library with thousands of learning resources
-Dedicated creative arts and music rooms
-Advanced science laboratories for practical, inquiry-based learning
-A Food Technology lab and commercial kitchen for hands-on culinary education 

To support continued growth, the College has embarked on a major master plan, which includes the construction of new learning spaces, multi-storey buildings, and expanded sport and recreational facilities. Once completed, these developments will ensure students learn in a modern, purpose-built environment. Mrs Jennifer Abrar was appointed Head of College in 2015.

Al-Faisal College Lakemba History

Official Opening of Al-Faisal College - Lakemba Campus

On 18 February 2025, Al-Faisal College proudly marked the official opening of its newest K–6 campus in Lakemba, commemorating the completion of its state-of-the-art learning facilities and playgrounds. The ceremony was officiated by The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Cyber Security, and Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, in recognition of this significant milestone in the College’s commitment to educational excellence.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests including Councillor Bilal El Hayek, Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown City Council; Ms Cathy Lovell, Associate Chief Executive of School Operations and Governance at the Association of Independent Schools NSW; and Mr Sam El Rihani, CEO of Decode Construction Group. They were joined by representatives from the Federal and State Government, NSW Police, and leaders from the business, legal, construction, financial, and interfaith communities.

This special occasion reflected the College’s vision of nurturing young learners in a modern, inclusive, and high-quality educational environment, underpinned by the values of academic excellence, faith, and community service.

Following this momentous occasion, Al-Faisal College – Lakemba Campus officially commenced K–2 classes on Monday, 24 February 2025. The College looks forward to nurturing its youngest learners in an inspiring environment grounded in the values of academic excellence, faith, and community service.
Al-Faisal College

Al-Faisal College provides high quality education, which fosters the students’ spiritual, moral, social, physical and intellectual development and leadership.

Students are taught mandatory subjects required by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and given the opportunity to learn the Arabic Language and Islamic Culture.

Al-Faisal College - Auburn
149 Auburn Road
Auburn NSW 2144, Sydney, Australia

Ph 1800 000 149 (Option 1)
Fax +61 2 8877 2011
alfaisalcollege@afc.nsw.edu.au

Al-Faisal College - Campbelltown (Minto)
10 Benham Road
Minto NSW 2566, Sydney, Australia

Ph 1800 000 149 (Option 2)
Fax +61 2 9603 7797
campbelltown@afc.nsw.edu.au

Al-Faisal College - Liverpool (Austral)
121 Gurner Avenue,
Austral NSW 2179, Sydney, Australia

Ph 1800 000 149 (Option 3)
Fax +61 2 9606 0455
liverpool@afc.nsw.edu.au

Al-Faisal College - Lakemba
69 Croydon Street
Lakemba NSW 2195, Sydney, Australia

Ph 1800 000 149 (Option 4)
lakemba@afc.nsw.edu.au


"Al-Faisal College," the Al-Faisal College logo, and the motto
"Faith, Knowledge, Success" are registered trade marks of Al-Faisal College Ltd.
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