Opening doors to boarding school

Our mission is to ensure every parent, no matter their location or circumstances, knows that boarding school can be a real, reachable option for their child. We exist to break down barriers, challenge assumptions, and open doors to opportunity.

Through our nationwide expos and flagship scholarship program, we make boarding school more accessible, personal, and real – supporting families at every stage, whether you’re new to the idea of boarding or continuing a proud family tradition. Our aim is to ensure every family feels informed, empowered, and confident in their decision-making.

Our IMPACT

The Boarding School Collective connects rural, regional, and remote families to brighter futures through education. We open doors to opportunities without seeing families leave the towns, farms, and communities they love. Each connection sustains not just children’s learning, but the very heart, soul, and workers of rural Australia – creating lasting impact beyond numbers.

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Families reached
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In Person. In Community.

Upcoming Boarding School Expos

Dubbo Expo15 - 16 May 2026
Wagga Wagga Expo29 - 30 May 2026
Moree Pop-up23 July 2026
Tamworth Expo24 - 25 July 2026
Mount Isa Pop-Up30 November 2026

Why boarding?

We are breaking the myths around boarding. Find out if it is the right fit for your child.

Why attend an expo?

Meet schools, ask questions, hear from expert panels, and discover the best fit for your child.

For parents

Your journey starts here – connect with schools, explore opportunities, 
and discover how boarding could shape your child’s future.

Pre-register to attend an expo?

Pre-register and receive a digital guide with school profiles, questions to ask, and tips for comparing options.

View school directory

Explore a diverse range of leading Australian boarding school.

Explore scholarships

Explore scholarships that make a world-class boarding education more accessible for regional and rural families.

Real stories

Georgie Robertson, Coolamon

I decided to send my three girls to three different schools. What was right for one of my girls, wasn’t right for the others.

Katie Brown, Escott Station, Burketown

All things ICPA, Distance Education and what it’s like to send kids to boarding school from such remote regions.

Kirsty Wiggins, Narromine

A reflection on rural family life and how school holiday reunions keep love and connection strong despite the distance of boarding school.

For schools

Become an exhibitor

Register your school to exhibit at our expos across Australia and connect with families face-to-face.

For sponsors & partners

Find out how you can become part of our story

Support emerging talent, bush families and grow your presence in rural Australia.

Latest stories

Podcast – Letters from home

The boarding school drop off – it’s okay to grieve
Kirsty Wiggins, from the central western plains town of Narromine, NSW, is a mum of four boarders – two who have finished school and two still studying in Sydney. In this episode, Kirsty opens up about her experiences and the deeply personal, often raw emotions she feels each time she farewells her children at the start of a new school term.

The ultimate packing list for boarding school.

Tapping into the opportunities of scholarships and bursaries. 

An open letter to the quiet achievers of agricultural advocacy.

Hidden gems for parents: embracing the treasures of friendships made.

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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.

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