In 1976 a small band of dedicated people resolved to establish an independent Christian secondary school which would serve the needs of South West Gippsland. After a public meeting at which some 350 people attended, a committee was formed to investigate the establishment of such a school. Showing courage and determination, the committee worked extremely hard and Newhaven College opened its doors with 51 students in 1980 at Boys Home Road, Newhaven.

The School grew rapidly in enrolments to over 400 students, with the first graduating Year 12 students in 1984.

The Junior School was opened in 1999 with Grade 5 and 6; in 2002 Grades 3 and 4 were introduced and in 2006 Prep classes commenced. Since the beginning of 2008 the College has been a full Prep to Year 12 School.

In 2005 the School purchased an additional 82 acres of land and established a separate Year 9 Environmental Centre. In 2010, the school celebrated its 30th Anniversary and in 2011, the Junior School joined Year 9 students at the Phillip Island Tourist Road Campus.

In coming years, it is planned that the Senior Campus will also relocate to new and spacious facilities and once again all Newhaven College students will be housed on one site.

A detailed history of the College’s initial years can be found in “Our School by the Sea”, an historical publication written by Kenneth Morris, and copies of which can be obtained from the school.