A strong start

There is rarely a perfect answer when it comes to making a decision about your child’s education, but the Graziher directory is a good place to begin.

CHOOSING A BOARDING school

can be a life-changing decision for both parents and children, and one which should not be taken lightly. It can be complicated, with a range of factors to take into account. Not only do you need to consider the academic and co-curricular opportunities a school offers, but also the logistics of location and access, school policies and values, parental communication and involvement, boarding facilities, fees and more. Finding the ‘right’ boarding environment for your child can enhance their school experience in so many ways, so it is critical to weigh up the pros and cons and do your research to help choose a school where your child will thrive. Graziher’s directory will help you explore aspects of what the different schools have to offer as you conduct the search for your child’s ‘home away from home’.

Anglican Church Grammar School

Established in 1912, the Anglican Church Grammar School (‘Churchie’) is for boys from Reception to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 7. The school is situated on the largest inner-city school campus in Brisbane, where students are fully supported in their development. Churchie is a member of the Great Public Schools’ Association of Queensland (GPS) and participates in a range of academic, sporting and cultural competitions. The diverse co-curricular program taps into esteemed national programs such as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and the Australian Army Cadets. Open Day is 3 May, 2023.

Oaklands Parade, East Brisbane Qld 4169; churchie.com.au

Geelong Grammar School

As Australia’s largest co-educational boarding school, Geelong Grammar School welcomes students from Early Learning Centre to Year 12 across four specialist campuses. Established in 1855, the school offers exceptional learning opportunities that are built on real-world experiences. Students at all year levels enjoy a rich co-curricular program and have access to exceptional facilities such as the equestrian centre, which is surrounded by sprawling paddocks allowing students to agist their horses on campus during the academic year. 50 Biddlecombe Avenue, Corio Vic 3214; ggs.vic.edu.au

PRESBYTERIAN LADIES’ COLLEGE ARMIDALE (PLC)

Specialising in the education of girls, PLC Armidale welcomes day students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 5. Since 1887, PLC Armidale has supported girls as they develop into young women of substance and character. A signature feature of the school is the international program, reflecting the school’s global approach to learning. Students are encouraged to engage in the global community through curricular and co-curricular tours, international exchanges and more. School tours are available every day: visit the website to book. 15–57 Crest Road, Armidale NSW 2350; plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au

Scotch College Melbourne

For more than 170 years, Scotch College has been educating boys at its 27 hectare Melbourne campus. Scotch is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church of Victoria and has both a junior and senior school. Boarding at Scotch provides an education of the highest standard, in combination with accommodation in a caring, well-equipped environment. With extensive sporting, outdoor and cultural activities on offer, boarders can make use of excellent facilities on their doorstep, such as the school’s music practise rooms located in the James Forbes Academy, as well as an allocated practise room in each house. Visit the website to book a tour. 1 Morrison Street, Hawthorn Vic 3122; scotch.vic.edu.au

Scots Pgc College

Located on the outskirts of Warwick, Queensland, SCOTS PGC College is a Prep to Year 12 co-educational school for day and boarding families. One of its great strengths is the diverse pathways it provides, with some students achieving exceptional academic results, some excelling in school-based apprenticeships or traineeships and others completing a workplace-ready qualification. SCOTS PGC boasts one of the best school equestrian programs in the country. From dressage, jumping, eventing and polocrosse to campdrafting, students broaden their knowledge, with the opportunity to bring their own horses to school. Visit the website to book a tour. 60 Oxenham Street, Warwick Qld 4370; scotspgc.com.au

Somerville House

Established in 1899, Somerville House is a Prep to Year 12 school for girls, offering boarding from Year 6. Somerville House is the only private boarding school for girls in the heart of Brisbane, within walking distance of the CBD, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), the Gabba sports ground and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Under the governance of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches, Somerville House offers comprehensive education and co-curricular programs that recognise the importance of physical and spiritual wellbeing as well as academic excellence. The Big Sister program assists new boarders to experience a positive transition into their new environment.

Visit the website to book a tour.

17 Graham Street, South Brisbane Qld 4101; somerville.qld.edu.au

ST JOSEPH’S NUDGEE COLLEGE

A Catholic boarding and day school for boys in Years 5 to 12, St Joseph’s Nudgee College in Brisbane’s north has developed confident and capable young men since its establishment in 1891. The academic life at Nudgee is shaped by enthusiastic and highly skilled teachers committed to bringing out the best in all students. The college’s inclusive co-curricular program encompasses a range of sporting and cultural activities, and the school is also a member of the GPS Association of Queensland. Students are provided with the resources they need to perform at the highest level in sports such as tennis, with 12 championship-size courts and fully equipped training facilities on campus. Open Day is 20 May, 2023.

2199 Sandgate Road, Boondall Qld 4034; nudgee.com

ST MARGARET’S ANGLICAN GIRLS SCHOOL

Situated in the leafy Brisbane suburb of Ascot, St Margaret’s is an independent day and boarding school for girls from Pre-prep to Year 12, offering boarding from Year 5. The school has been educating girls since 1895, and is known for academic excellence and commitment to pastoral care, while offering 21 sports, a thriving cultural program and a strong emphasis on social responsibility. St Margaret’s also provides opportunities to participate in a global exchange program with six countries including Canada, Japan and South Africa.

11 Petrie Street, Ascot Qld 4007; stmargarets.qld.edu.au

St Peters Lutheran College

Catering for boys and girls since 1945, St Peters is Brisbane’s only co-educational boarding school. The college has two campuses, educating students from Prep to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 6. St Peters is recognised for having one of the most outstanding music programs in Australia, with more than 400 music lessons each week. Students have the ability to try out for productions, ensembles, choirs and bands. The Performing Arts Centre is the artistic and cultural hub for the St Peters community. Open day is 11 March, 2023. 66 Harts Road, Indooroopilly Qld 4068; stpeters.qld.edu.au

Stuartholme School

Located just six kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, Stuartholme is a Catholic day and boarding school for girls in Years 5 to 12. Being a relatively small school, students have the advantage of being known personally, with customised educational experiences. The school has launched their new Athlete Development Program, which will aid and equip selected students aspiring to sport pathways and future careers at State and National levels as athletes, coaches and administrators. It is the first single-sex secondary school in Brisbane to offer a program of this kind. School tours are on 5 May, 14 August and 10 October, 2023. 365 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong Qld 4066; stuartholme.com

THE ARMIDALE SCHOOL (TAS)

Located on the New England Tableland of northern New South Wales, The Armidale School is a co-educational Anglican day and boarding school with broad academic, co-curricular, adventure and pastoral programs, making it an ideal family education destination. The school welcomes students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 6. The Armidale School is a member of the Athletic Association of the Great Public Schools (AAGPS) of New South Wales, the only member located outside the Sydney metropolitan area. Embedded in the school culture is the belief that academic endeavour must be balanced with activities outside the classroom, such as the school cattle team, where students train and prepare animals for the show ring. School tours are available every day: visit the website to book. 87 Douglas Street, Armidale NSW 2350; as.edu.au

The Cathedral College

Built in the shadow of St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton, Queensland, The Cathedral College is a Catholic co-educational boarding school. The Cathedral College offers a high-quality, faith-based education from Years 7 to 12 and continues to grow with more than 1300 students currently enrolled, including 200 boarders from across central Queensland and beyond. “Our core values are gratitude, respect and compassion, and we strive to live out these values every day in the way we treat each person in our college community and interact with the wider community,” says Principal Rob Alexander.

189 William Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700; tccr.com.au

The Geelong College

With two campuses south-west of Melbourne, The Geelong College is an independent co-educational school founded in 1861.The Geelong College welcomes students from Early Learning to VCE, with boarding from Year 7. The school’s tight-knit community of boarders is drawn from across the country and overseas. Co-curricular programs are available in music, drama, public speaking, debating and sport. The college is also home to The Geelong College Recreation Centre, a state-of-the-art aquatic facility designed to FINA standards. Open day is 3 May, 2023.

20 Talbot Street, Newtown Vic 3220; tgc.vic.edu.au

THE KING’S SCHOOL

Specialising in boys’ education for more than 190 years, The King’s School is known for its immersive approach to helping boys develop into young men of good character and integrity. Located in North Parramatta in Sydney’s western suburbs, King’s is an independent secondary school offering boarding from Year 7. Boys are encouraged to develop their talents and interests with first-class facilities in 194 hectares of space, including 17 sports fields, nine halls, and the renowned King’s Theatre, a 350-seat industry-standard performance space. Campus tour dates are 17 May, 7 June, 16 August, 13 September, 1 November and 22 November, 2023.

87–129 Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta NSW 2151; kings.edu.au

THE KING’S SCHOOL, TUDOR HOUSE

The Southern Highlands campus of The King’s School, Tudor House, caters for girls and boys from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6, with boarding offered from Year 3. Set on 68 hectares, Tudor House offers exceptional indoor and outdoor learning facilities that provide space for children to learn through active investigation and exploration. A blend of historic buildings, modern classrooms, a welcoming boarding house, bush trails, campsites and excellent sporting facilities give children a unique environment to grow. Tudor House is committed to nurturing students to achieve their full potential wherever their passions lie. Campus tour dates are 31 May, 6 September and 28 October, 2023.

6480 Illawarra Highway, Moss Vale NSW 2577; tudorhouse.nsw.edu.au

THE ROCKHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL (RGS)

Proudly known as Queensland’s largest boarding school, The Rockhampton Grammar School is an independent co-educational boarding and day school that was established in 1881. Students from Early Learning to Year 12 are welcome, with boarding offered from Year 6. The co-curricular program at RGS is a key part of the school’s difference, complementing academic pursuits and encouraging all students to ‘have a go’. As a leading provider of agricultural education in Queensland, RGS boasts its own demonstration farm and access to a commercial cattle herd. The school delivers a Certificate III in Agriculture as part of a larger paddock-to-plate food education program. Every day is open day at RGS: book a tour online. Archer Street, Rockhampton Qld 4700; rgs.qld.edu.au

Whitsunday Anglican School

Situated in beautiful tropical surrounds near Mackay and the Whitsundays in Queensland, Whitsunday Anglican School is a leading regional co-educational school for students from Kindergarten to Year 12, with boarding offered from Year 5. Whitsunday Anglican is proud to support boarders locally, and places emphasis on helping them maintain connections with their communities, providing a chartered bus service to surrounding areas each weekend. Full-time boarding is also offered for students who need it. “We pride ourselves on providing opportunities in learning and in life. Our students build confidence, character and skills that go beyond school, in a safe and nurturing environment that allows them to thrive,” says Principal Andrew Wheaton. Visit the website to arrange a tour. 2–16 Celeber Drive, Beaconsfield Qld 4740; was.qld.edu.au g

For more information about schools in this directory, visit Graziher’s digital Boarding Schools Guide at graziher.com.au

Virtual Events

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