HAVE YOUR SAY: Help Shape the Boarding School Journey

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For Families

Choosing a boarding school

Choosing the right boarding school is one of the biggest decisions for rural, regional and remote families. We’re here to guide you with real stories, practical advice and trusted connections so you feel confident exploring your options. Our goal is simple: to make boarding school accessible, informed and personal – wherever home may be.

Choosing a boarding school checklist

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Questions to ask

School Policies and Values

  • Do the school’s values feel like a good fit for our family and for my child?
  • Does the school clearly promote kindness, respect, inclusion and belonging?
  • Am I comfortable with the school’s approach to behaviour, discipline and restorative practice?
  • Does the school have clear anti-bullying, child safety and complaints policies?
  • How does the school manage conflict, friendship issues and social challenges within the boarding house?
  • Does the school have clear expectations around digital behaviour, social media use and online conduct?
  • How are mobile phones and devices managed during the school day, in the boarding house and overnight?
  • Are there student leadership opportunities that help build confidence, responsibility and community?
  • If faith is part of the school’s identity, does that sit comfortably with our family?
  • Does the school feel genuinely warm, grounded and caring – not just impressive on paper?

Academic standards

  • Does the curriculum offer the subjects, pathways and opportunities my child may want to pursue?
  • Will the learning environment suit my child academically – extension, support, pace and expectations?
  • How are classes structured, and will that suit my child’s confidence and learning style?
  • What does academic support look like for boarders after hours?
  • Is there supervised prep or homework time, and is it calm, structured and age-appropriate?
  • What technology is provided or expected for learning?
  • How are progress, assessment and reports communicated to parents?
  • Are there strong careers, tertiary or vocational pathway supports?
  • Will this school challenge my child appropriately without overwhelming them?

Extra-Curricular Activities

  • Does the school cater for my child’s interests – sport, music, arts, agriculture, leadership, service or clubs?
  • Is there enough variety for a child who may still be discovering what they love?
  • Are weekend and after-school activities well organised for boarders?
  • If my child’s preferred activity is not offered, can it be pursued externally?
  • How are transport, supervision and permissions managed for extra-curricular commitments?
  • Are there extra costs attached to certain activities, camps, competitions or private coaching?
  • Does the school value participation and enjoyment, not just high performance?
  • Will my child have enough to do outside class time to feel connected and engaged?

Location and Access

  • Is the school realistic and manageable for us to get to from home?
  • What are the travel options at the start and end of term, for exeats and emergencies?
  • How easy is it for family members or trusted friends to visit or take my child out?
  • Is the school near airports, bus or rail connections if that matters for our family?
  • Are there nearby services the school uses for sport, medical appointments or outings?
  • If siblings are at different schools, is that manageable for weekends and logistics?
  • How does the school support new families who live a long way away?

Parental Communication and Involvement

  • How does the school communicate with parents – email, phone, app or parent portal?
  • How often will I hear from boarding staff, and about what?
  • Who do I contact first if I have a concern – Head of House, boarding supervisor, tutor, year coordinator?
  • How closely do the academic and boarding teams work together?
  • Will I have opportunities to meet key staff before and during the year?
  • Are there parent groups, welcome weekends or other ways to build connection with the community?
  • What is the school’s philosophy around parent contact with boarders?
  • How are homesickness, friendship issues or wellbeing concerns communicated to families?

Boarding Facilities

  • Will my child feel safe, comfortable and known in the boarding house?
  • What are the rooms, bathrooms, common spaces and study areas actually like?
  • Is the level of supervision appropriate for my child’s age and stage?
  • Who is on duty overnight, on weekends and in emergencies?
  • What medical, counselling and wellbeing support is available to boarders?
  • If my child is worried, upset or unwell, who can they talk to and how quickly is support provided?
  • How are meals, dietary requirements and allergies managed?
  • What are the routines around prep, lights out, laundry, leave and downtime?
  • Are there healthy weekend recreation options and enough structure for younger boarders?
  • Is there a peer support or buddy system for new boarders?
  • Are facilities and routines suitable for the number and ages of boarders enrolled?

Learning Support, Neurodiversity and Inclusion

  • How does the school identify and support students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism or processing differences?
  • Is there a dedicated learning support or inclusive education team?
  • What classroom adjustments or learning supports can be provided?
  • How do academic and boarding staff work together to support students who need additional support?
  • Can boarding routines be adapted where needed?
  • What documentation or assessments will the school require prior to enrolment?
  • Is the school open and realistic about the support it can offer?
  • If my child is gifted as well as neurodivergent, how is that supported?

Transition and First-Year Boarding Support

  • What transition programs exist before the school year begins?
  • Is there an orientation day, overnight stay or induction program?
  • Are new boarders paired with buddies or mentors?
  • How are first-term homesickness and adjustment supported?
  • How quickly are concerns noticed and acted upon during the early weeks?
  • What support is there for parents during the transition?
  • Are there additional supports for younger boarders or students from remote communities?

Digital Life, Phones and Social Media

  • What is the school’s mobile phone policy during the day and in boarding?
  • Are devices collected overnight or locked away for younger year groups?
  • How does the school manage cyberbullying or social media misuse?
  • How are students taught healthy digital habits and respectful online behaviour?
  • What expectations does the school have of parents around digital boundaries?
  • How are group chats and social media challenges handled within boarding houses?

Fees and Charges

  • Do I clearly understand what is included in tuition and boarding fees?
  • What additional costs should I budget for – uniforms, books, laptops, travel, sport, music, camps or tutoring?
  • Are there scholarships, bursaries or financial support options available?
  • Is there a payment plan available?
  • Are there additional charges for learning support or specialist programs?
  • How often do fees increase?
  • What happens if boarding is not the right fit and we need to withdraw?

Shortlist

  • Have I visited the school in person, or attended an expo or school tour?
  • Have I spoken with boarding staff as well as admissions staff?
  • Have I seen the boarding house during a normal school week?
  • Can I picture my child belonging here – socially, emotionally and practically?
  • Does this school feel right for my child, not just impressive to me?
  • What is my child saying after the visit – and what are they not saying?

Sometimes the decision becomes clear when a school simply feels like the right fit.

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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.

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