Hello to you all,
Almost 28 years ago, my parents quietly did something that has stayed with me ever since.
I’d mentioned that I was interested in Frensham, and rather than relying on brochures or hearsay, they decided to make a day of it and attend the school’s Head’s Tour. They didn’t tell me they were going. They simply jumped in the car and headed for the Southern Highlands to see it for themselves.
Now, this was well before smartphones, but my mother was remarkably tech-savvy for her time. That night, emails arrived with digital photos of Mum and Dad standing with the Head of School, wandering through the dormitories, exploring the beautiful grounds and, from the looks of it, thoroughly enjoying themselves. They’d been welcomed with such genuine warmth that the school visit had become a memorable day out in its own right.
In the end, we didn’t choose Frensham. For those not aware, my parents died the year before my girls were to start boarding school and that meant a change in logistics to be closer to extended family that could support me as I muddled through parenting whilst grieving. But I’ve never forgotten how enthusiastically my parents spoke about that visit, or how valued they were made to feel as prospective boarding grandparents.
Sadly, Mum and Dad both passed away before my own children reached boarding school age. I often think that had they been here, they would have happily become my official boarding school tour companions, making a little adventure out of every Open Day and Head’s Tour, and they definitely would have stood in for us if we couldn’t be there.
Warmth matters. It’s something we value enormously here at The Boarding School Collective because we know families aren’t simply choosing a school, they’re entrusting people with their children. That sense of welcome can tell you so much about a boarding community, and Frensham has long had a reputation for delivering it in spades.
So if you’ve been thinking about attending this year’s Frensham Head’s Tour but can’t quite make the trip, perhaps there’s a grandparent, aunt, uncle or favourite rellie who lives a little closer and would enjoy representing the family. Sometimes another set of eyes notices things you might miss, and sometimes, as my parents discovered all those years ago, you simply come home feeling reassured by the people you’ve met.
Nestled in the beautiful Southern Highlands, just 100 kilometres from Sydney, Frensham remains one of Australia’s most distinctive boarding schools. More than 70% of students live in residence, most coming from regional and rural Australia, making boarding the very heart of school life.
The traditions are part of what makes Frensham so special. I have many friends who are Frensham old girls, and even now, well into our 50s, those friendships and traditions remain incredibly strong. Whether it’s flower crowns for birthdays, the treasured Iris Award, Friday Night Activities led by Year 12 students, or weekends filled with House Games, adventures and quiet moments to recharge, there is a deep sense of belonging that seems to stay with Frensham girls long after they’ve left.
I hope you enjoy today’s Takeover Thursday and the glimpse inside this remarkable school.
And before you dive in, a quick reminder that our inaugural Future Room in Goondiwindi is happening next Wednesday 22 July and is almost at capacity. It’s a beautifully catered evening designed for families who are curious about boarding and want relaxed, meaningful conversations with 12 outstanding Queensland boarding schools. PREREGISTER HERE
Then we’re straight into a very exciting few days with our Moree Pop-Up Expo on Thursday 23 July, followed by the Tamworth Boarding Schools Expo at TRECC on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July. We’d love to see you at one of them. PRE-REGISTER HERE
A GENUINE BOARDING COMMUNITY
Experience Frensham this August for Their Head’s Tour…
Boarding has shaped Frensham since the School was founded in 1913 and remains at the centre of who we are today.
More than 70 per cent of our students live on campus, making Frensham Australia’s largest girls’ boarding school by percentage of boarders. Yet with just 360 students, we remain intentionally small, ensuring every girl and her family is known.
Set across 300 acres in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, our campus offers the space, freedom and sense of connection that allow young people to thrive. Surrounded by nature and removed from the distractions of city life, students experience a balanced rhythm of learning, wellbeing and community, while remaining within easy reach of Sydney and Canberra.
Boarding is the foundation of daily life at Frensham. Through shared experiences, meaningful relationships and opportunities to contribute, students develop independence, resilience and confidence while forming lifelong friendships. In this close-knit community, every student is encouraged to pursue her interests, embrace new challenges and grow with purpose.
Experience Frensham by joining us for our 2026 Head’s Tour on Saturday 29 August, 12.30pm–2.30pm.
Boarding Traditions at Frensham
Our boarding traditions foster camaraderie and connection, and are just downright fun! One of the most cherished traditions is the Friday Night Activity. This weekly event, led by Year 12 students, provides boarders with the opportunity to unwind, connect, and have fun dressing up in costumes, singing, and dancing.
Key to Community…Weekends at Frensham
On weekends, we bring our substantial long-distance boarding community together. The deliberate program blends lively activities such as House Games, bowling, pamper nights and outdoor adventures with quieter moments including lazy Sunday afternoons. Weekends offer a balance of fun, relaxation, and, importantly, connection.
Frensham’s Extended Day Program
Every day is active and purposeful, with students – whether they are Full, Weekly or Day Boarders – participating in a personalised Extended Day Program which includes Sport, Music, Drama, Outdoor Education (including Agriculture), and Service Initiatives. This program ensures that learning, personal growth, and connection continue beyond the classroom.
Thank you to Frensham, Mittagong, NSW for showing us around their 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.
