Tapping into the opportunities of scholarships and bursaries
We know that accessing a diverse education for children in rural and remote areas of Australia can be a significant challenge for families. Australian Boarding
Helpful Articles, Stories and Resources
The Ultimate Packing List for Boarding School (updated)
This is the 2022 revised edition. Compiled from the real-life experiences of families who have gone before.
Takeover Thursday with Scotch Oakburn College
At Scotch Oakburn College, scholarships celebrate far more than academic achievement – they recognise character, curiosity, creativity and compassion. These are the qualities that shape exceptional young people and future ready leaders.
As we settle in to parenting from afar….
When February feels heavy and the boarding year begins with long drives, labelled socks and wobbly goodbyes, we’ve got you covered — reminding rural, regional and remote families that homesickness is normal, resilience is built over time, and being a calm, steady “soft place to land” is exactly what helps your child thrive.
Takeover Thursday with Ascham School, Sydney
With a long-standing boarding tradition, a close-knit and thriving boarding community, and recognised leadership in boarding excellence, Ascham offers a confident, contemporary boarding experience in the heart of Sydney.
🎄 Amanda’s Fave Chrissy Recipes 🎄
For Amanda and her family, Christmas is the cherished moment when all the children return home. A day filled with laughter, connection, and the beloved
Takeover Thursday… with NEGS, Armidale
Frensham is home to a boarding tradition that is as unique as it is heartfelt. With more than 70% of students living in residence (and most of them from regional and rural Australia), boarding is the heartbeat of the school.
2025 Gift Guide for Boarding House Staff
Boarding staff are the incredible people who support and care for our kids when we can’t be there. To show our appreciation, we’ve put together some thoughtful gift ideas from local and regional businesses.
2025 Gift Guide for Boarding Students
Whether you’re shopping for a new boarder or adding to the gift pile for a returning student, we’ve got you covered with ideas from regional and rural Australian businesses.
New Chapters, New Beginnings
We’re becoming The Boarding School Collective—a community of shared experiences and resources, breaking barriers, challenging assumptions, and making education accessible to all.
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with Frensham, Southern Highlands, NSW
Frensham is home to a boarding tradition that is as unique as it is heartfelt. With more than 70% of students living in residence (and most of them from regional and rural Australia), boarding is the heartbeat of the school.
The Term 3 juggle, your voice on boarding & a few things we love
Gosh it’s a worthy question isn’t it? When the educational outcomes for rural, regional and remote (RRR) children are compromised (as they are) by a variety of challenges, isn’t it ‘ok’ to seek more for your kids?
Holding On in Term 3: How Boarding Families Can Reset and Regroup
Midway through Term 3, boarding families feel the strain—tired kids, long travel, rising costs and behaviour challenges. Here’s how parents can work with schools, know when to rest a boarder, and keep family bonds strong, while bracing for the sprint to Term 4 and year-end commitments.
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with Kambala, Sydney
Kambala has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from a larger boarding cohort to a smaller, more intimate group of around 50 boarders, and creating a unique, “boutique” boarding experience that feels like family.
Weathering It All: Rural Business, Boarding Schools and the Power of a U-Turn
With just a couple of weeks to go, I received word that the Crossing Theatre in Narrabri could no longer host our Boarding Schools Expo – through no fault of ours obviously. Faced with this sudden venue loss, I had a choice to make. Cancel, or adapt.
Real Conversations About Boarding School
Beginning with Mount Isa at the end of 2024 we launched our Live Q&A panel discussions at many of our events. Here’s the recording at our Dubbo event, hosted by Kaitie Nash, alongside Kirsty Wiggins, Justine Campbell and Lottie Rae. Real parents, real lived experience, real conversations.
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with The McDonald College
When The McDonald College joined us for our Boarding Schools Expo events for the very first time this year, it triggered a response in so many families that walked through our doors. There was this collective moment of realisation among country families: “Hang on… my kid might actually be able to do this.”
It’s The Ultimate Collaboration: Rural Boarders x Agricultural Advocacy
To the quiet achievers of agricultural advocacy. Our boarders and their families. Wherever you call home.
It’s school holidays again. They roll around quickly. Right across rural and remote Australia there are families reunited. Together again for the ordinary. For the joy. For the day to day of life at home.
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with NEGS, Armidale
12 March, 2025
NEGS has a long history of educating daughters from our most remote regions. Their equine program is definitely an attraction for many families from our northern states…
Bridging the Gap: Academics, Country Kids & Opportunity with Phillip Heath
27 February, 2025
In this episode, I sit down with Phillip Heath, Head of Barker College, to discuss a key topic from this year’s Australian Boarding Schools Summit—Academics,
Catch Up with the Experts: How to Navigate the Transition with Dr. Lisa Fahey
20 February, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Fahey, a psychologist specialising in trauma recovery and behavioral interventions for young people. As a mother of five
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with Ascham School
19 February, 2025
Since 1887, generations of boarders have excelled at our unique school. Hailing from country NSW, Sydney suburbs, interstate and overseas, our diverse cohort of around 120 boarders is filled with students who are secure and happy in their surroundings.
January E-News
20 January, 2025
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
December E-News
1 January, 2025
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with The King’s School
28 November, 2024
You would be hard pressed to find a person (particularly a country person) who has not heard of The King’s School. It is the oldest
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with Kambala, Sydney
13 November, 2024
Kambala is large enough to ensure diversity of friendships, though small enough to ensure that those friendships reflect the familial bonds our kids are used to.
Is there anything scarier than Halloween ? Asking for boarder parent
5 November, 2024
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with NEGS, Armidale
17 October, 2024
We welcome back NEGS Armidale this month – with a spotlight on their extensive opportunities to develop your child’s passions. Whether it’s athletics, equestrian, agriculture
Scholarships and Bursaries… the ins and outs for families
11 October, 2024
No-one likes talking about the financial side of things, but it’s one of the most important investments a family can make so it’s a vital conversation. We take a deep dive into scholarships and bursaries – the options, as well as who and importantly, how to approach.
Scholarships and Bursaries – from a student’s POV
11 October, 2024
A student panel discusses scholarship opportunity, responsibility, and giving back, exploring pride in bursaries and the rural boarding experience, facilitated by Ruby Riethmuller with insights from students at The King’s School and Kincoppal–Rose Bay.
Academics, country kids and the art of encouragement bridging the great divide
11 October, 2024
here is often a concern, particularly when a student is coming from a remote school situation where perhaps academic exercise isn’t as rigorous – will they be able to keep up? Will they be able to cope? What are the expectations?
Bridging the Great Divide… lead up to, and managing boarding school
11 October, 2024
Ruby Riethmuller hosts a panel discussion with students from Abbotsleigh (Sydney), Haileybury Rendall School (Darwin) and Calrossy Anglican School, (Tamworth)
Big or Small… Does size really matter?
11 October, 2024
We’re exploring whether size actually matters when it comes to boarding schools – and we’re including this topic because we so often hear perceptions of whether big is better, or whether good things come in small packages in terms of boarding cohorts.
Big or Small boarding cohorts from a student’s POV
10 October, 2024
Ruby Riethmuller hosts a panel discussion with students from SCOTS PGC College, (Warwick QLD), Wenona School (Sydney NSW) and Pymble Ladies’ College (Sydney, NSW)
Fabulous Friday…Destination Boarding with PLC Armidale
17 September, 2024
A little late off the starting blocks this week though we’re very happy to ‘introduce’ you to Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) Armidale located on the
How do we measure the Return on Investment (ROI) on the cost of boarding school for our children ?
30 June, 2024
Boarding School isn’t just about the kids. As parents we are often gifted with lifelong friendships along the way and it’s so so worth it. Make the effort – you’ll be in the winner’s seat for life.
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with The King’s School, Tudor House
13 June, 2024
Late last year I interviewed Adam Larby, Head of The King’s School, Tudor House for our podcast Destination Boarding, I was utterly transfixed by stories
Are you even rural if you don’t know who the ICPA is ?
25 May, 2024
Happy ‘slide-into-winter’ time for our southern states, while our Queenslanders up north watch on in awe (or bewilderment). Toe socks, woollen gloves, gentle washing of the ice off the windscreen, industrial strength felt lined rubber gloves to clean the troughs…
The Lifeline for Rural and Remote Education: ICPA Australia’s Unwavering Commitment
22 May, 2024
This past week we have, as a Nation, celebrated National Volunteers Day and it goes without saying that the thousands of volunteers from across Australia
Expo activities
Vote for
your favourite school
at an expo for a chance
to WIN $1,000!
From panel experts, to scholarship opportunities, to prizes
The School of the EXPO Award celebrates genuine connection between families and schools. Voted on by families attending each event, the award recognises schools that stand out for their friendliness, presentation, and knowledge of boarding life. It’s a fun, interactive way for families – and their children – to engage with the schools in the room, while giving exhibitors valuable feedback on what resonates most. Each winning school receives a free registration for the following year’s Expo in recognition of their excellence.
Join the Circle
Be part of the community
Connect with fellow boarding school families, and share in a collective of wisdom, support and love.