The school was founded in 1982 by St Philip's Anglican Church Waratah, with the aim of 'whole child' education – to assist the intellectual, social, physical and spiritual skills of students.

St Philip's Christian College has international links with schools in Malawi, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia.

St Philip's Christian College students regularly participate in competitions such as The Da Vinci Decathlon, the NSW Combined Independent School Sports events and the APSMO Mathematics Games.

St Philip's Christian College Waratah (Newcastle) is considered one of the best creative arts schools in the region, with their biennial musicals renowned for their high quality.

The show, staged in Newcastle's Civic Theatre, was praised by the judges as “boundlessly colourful and exceptionally realised”, with “spirited performances” and “impressive production details”.