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
This is the 2022 revised edition. Compiled from the real-life experiences of families who have gone before.
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.
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.
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.
We’re becoming The Boarding School Collective—a community of shared experiences and resources, breaking barriers, challenging assumptions, and making education accessible to all.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
Ruby Riethmuller hosts a panel discussion with students from Abbotsleigh (Sydney), Haileybury Rendall School (Darwin) and Calrossy Anglican School, (Tamworth)
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.
Ruby Riethmuller hosts a panel discussion with students from SCOTS PGC College, (Warwick QLD), Wenona School (Sydney NSW) and Pymble Ladies’ College (Sydney, NSW)
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
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.
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
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…
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
We’ve got a busy week this week. It’s our first Expo of the season in Dubbo tomorrow and Saturday and it’s promising to be a
Our mighty patriarch, my husband’s father died peacefully of old age at 94. None the less, it was avery sad and distressing day for all
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.
Well we’re a bit late this week with Takeover Thursday coming to you on Friday – a few things got in the way of bringing
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.
Let’s chat about something close to my heart – the beautiful friendships that find us when our kids venture into the world of boarding school.
We’re approaching our live Expo season and this year we’ve over 70 schools exhibiting with us at our events in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. It’s
This year will be our third year of hosting and with over 550 families registered from across Australia and overseas we’re proud to know that it provides an avenue for nuanced conversations between parents, staff at boarding schools, industry experts and of course, the boarders themselves.
Here at Boarding Schools Expo Australia, we have first hand experience of the ‘empty nest blues’ and although Term 1 is coming to an end,
$10,000 Boarding School Gift
Share your story for the chance to receive a $10,000 contribution toward boarding school fees.
Created to support rural, regional and remote families as they plan the next chapter for their children. Open to families with children currently in Year 3 and above, and to those already on their boarding journey, this competition celebrates the courage it takes to look beyond your postcode and pursue opportunity. Entries close Friday 5 December 2025
Join the Circle
Be part of the community
Connect with fellow boarding school families, and share in a collective of wisdom, support and love.