If you’re new here – we’re so glad you’ve found us. And if you’ve been with us for a while, thank you for being part of this community.
For 2026, we’re continuing one of our most-loved features: Takeover Thursdays. Once a month, a boarding school from somewhere in Australia takes over our newsie to give you a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at their boarding offering. Even if the school isn’t anywhere near you, we truly believe there’s huge value in benchmarking – comparing, learning, and going into this process with eyes wide open.
On the alternate month, you’ll hear directly from us with our own newsie – packed with relevant articles, upcoming events, insights, and updates we know matter to families researching boarding school, just starting out, or well along the journey. Always relevant. Always about connection, clarity, and support.
Today’s Takeover Thursday comes from Ascham, a school where boarding has been part of daily life for almost 140 years. 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. Their central location, strong pastoral care, and commitment to national boarding standards make this takeover a valuable opportunity to explore how one of Australia’s most established boarding programs supports girls to live, learn, and lead. We encourage you to dive into their insights and click through to learn more.
As always, we’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident – wherever you are on your boarding school journey.
A rewarding education
Ascham is Your Place to Live, Learn and Lead
In this, our school’s 140th year, we celebrate that Boarding has been at the heart of Ascham life for 139 of those years! Since 1887, generations of boarders have excelled at our unique school. Our diverse cohort of around 120 boarders is filled with students who are secure, happy and academically thriving.
Last year, Ascham became the first school in NSW to achieve a Certificate of Compliance, relating to the National Boarding Standard for Australian schools and residences. Our Head of Boarding, Mrs Allysia Heness-Pugh, was also nominated for the ABSA Premier Leadership Award. These achievements recognise the ongoing excellence of Boarding at Ascham that we are so proud to provide.
We warmly invite you to come and meet the staff who will be part of your daughter’s boarding journey. Our central Sydney location, 3km from the CBD, a short walk to the harbour, and transport on the doorstep, provides a culturally nourishing environment that will complement her stimulating academic life. We look forward to meeting you.
THE DALTON PLAN
Prep and Academic Support
A recent initiative saw Ascham Boarding Prep lean fully into Dalton principles, giving boarders more independence and responsibility to select their own eight sessions of academic Prep across the week, instead of two per night. This provides more freedom for boarders to spend time together, participate fully in sport and find occasions for downtime.
BOARDING IN THE SENIOR SCHOOL
New Boarding House Coming Soon
A new Boarding House has been intricately designed and is the next building project to take place at Ascham in 2027. Blending heritage charm with contemporary design in a calm, natural setting, it will provide both private and social spaces and be a joyful place for boarders to come home to every day.
WELLBEING FOR LEARNING
Nourishing Sunday Circles
Sunday Circles brings Ascham boarders together in a supportive, joy‑filled space where they can connect, reflect and grow. Through uplifting activities and meaningful conversations, girls build confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships. This Wellbeing for Learning program enhances daily boarding and academic life, helping every boarder feel grounded, empowered and thriving.
Thank you to Ascham, Sydney, NSW for showing us around their amazing school.
As always, enjoy the resources on our new website. It’s designed to help you and your family make decisions about boarding school and support you once you’re there.
