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 Hurlstone Agricultural High School
This week we’re shining a spotlight on Hurlstone Agricultural High School, one of only three government boarding schools in NSW. Combining strong academics, agricultural learning and affordable boarding, Hurlstone continues to open doors for rural families while helping country students stay connected to their roots and future opportunities.
What I Wish I Knew About The School Interview Process Before We Went In
For many country families, the school interview can feel intimidating. You might drive hundreds of kilometres, put your child in their best clothes and walk through gates wondering if your child is “good enough” for the school.
City Wings, Country Roots
Oaklands mother Tamara Nixon believes boarding school gives country children the best of both worlds — strong rural roots alongside wider opportunities, lifelong friendships and the confidence to thrive beyond the farm.
The 5 Things the Smartest Families Know When Choosing a Boarding School
All boarding schools care deeply about what they do.
All boarding schools work incredibly hard to support their students.
And all boarding schools value the contribution rural, regional and remote families bring to their communities in ways that are both practical and cultural.
A Letter to My Children
I was so desperate to “do boarding school properly” that at times I followed the rules more than my gut. And my gut knew you needed softness before structure some days.
Takeover Thursday with Pymble Ladies’ College
Pymble Ladies’ College has a long and proud tradition of Boarding, with 20 of our first 60 students enrolled as Boarders when the College opened in 1916. Today, we have a thriving community of 150 Boarding students with 70% hailing from regional NSW.
When You Want Opportunities Bigger Than Kilometres Can Limit
Sarah Hooke runs a merino sheep station on the Hay Plains near Wanganella, NSW – and like many bush families, boarding school is quietly coming into focus. She shares her family’s story, fears, and hopes.
The Truth About Finding the Right Boarding School
All boarding schools care deeply about what they do.
All boarding schools work incredibly hard to support their students.
And all boarding schools value the contribution rural, regional and remote families bring to their communities in ways that are both practical and cultural.
The Atmosphere, the Inspiration & the Connection – What a Boarding School Expo Event is Really Like
Wondering what a Boarding Schools Expo is really like? Amanda Ferrari shares what families can expect – and why connection is at the heart of every event.
Space to Grow. Room to Belong. A Closer Look at Boarding at King’s.
What strikes me still is how intentionally the school brings city and country families together. Everyone gathers for meals in the dining halls.
How Do You Say Goodbye to a 64-Year Love Story?
How do you say goodbye to a 64-year love story? Malcolm and Jane Scott’s journey began at boarding school and became a lifetime of love, family, and connection.
A Long Lunch Worth Coming Home For
Easter lunch is more than just a meal, it’s a moment to gather. With her eldest now studying in Canberra and her two daughters boarding at TAS, the long weekend offers a rare chance to have everyone home.
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.
The Way We Met
From boarding school connections to life on a Merino sheep station, Emily McLeod and Tom Riggs share how love, timing and country roots shaped their story.
Weathering It All: Rural Business, Boarding Schools and the Power of a U-Turn
18 July, 2025
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
17 July, 2025
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
10 July, 2025
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
1 July, 2025
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 Scotch Oakburn College
12 June, 2025
For generations, families from across Australia have entrusted us with their child’s education and wellbeing. Located in the vibrant heart of Launceston, Tasmania, our boarding community is warm, inclusive, and deeply connected — where care is personal, friendships are lifelong, and every student is known and valued.
Why Are We Still Calling the Pursuit of a Quality Education for Our Children ‘Elite’ or ‘Privileged’?
10 June, 2025
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?
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with Ravenswood, NSW
15 May, 2025
Since 1901, Ravenswood has embraced a strong tradition of educational excellence, developing young women of purpose who are empowered and inspired by the highest quality of teaching and learning experiences.
Real Conversations About Boarding School: A Safe Space for Questions, Hopes and Honest Advice
30 April, 2025
We’ve created a live and interactive panel discussion format that gives rural, regional and remote (RRR) families the chance to listen, learn and connect with others navigating the same journey.
April E-News
29 April, 2025
We are celebrating our 21st birthday by hosting LIVE Q&A sessions at many of our Expo events this year, kicking off with Emerald on 1-2 May. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS!
Takeover Thursday… Destination Boarding with Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview
12 April, 2025
For generations, boys have arrived from across Australia and overseas to live, learn and grow together on 110 acres of heritage-rich grounds nestled beside Sydney’s Lane Cove River. They come for the education, stay for the mateship, and leave with memories that last a lifetime.
March E-News
1 April, 2025
We are celebrating our 21st birthday by hosting LIVE Q&A sessions at many of our Expo events this year, kicking off with Emerald on 1-2 May.
Catch Up with the Experts: Being the Boarding Parent Your Child Needs With Richard Stokes
13 March, 2025
As a parent sending your child off to boarding school, it can be overwhelming to navigate this transition. Not only do you want your child
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.
Expo activities
Vote for
your favourite school
at an Expo for a chance
to WIN $10,000!
From boarding school 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.