Looking at boarding schools in Australia? To help you make this important education decision for your family, we’ve pulled together core information plus testimonials from staff and students from boarding schools in Sydney and Adelaide.
Boys’ boarding schools in Sydney – Shore
Sydney Church of England Grammar School – commonly known as Shore – opened in May 1889, with its first boarding house, School House, opening in the same year. The school has educated students from all walks of life, who have gone on to serve in the spheres of business, trades, public service, the arts and agribusiness.
Shore is situated on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. The campus is a few minutes’ walk from nearby train and metro stations, bus routes, and the Milsons Point ferry wharf.
There are currently around 200 boarders – a mix of boys from regional and rural New South Wales, weekly boarders and international students. The school offers a holistic education guided by its Christian faith and principles.
Shore’s comprehensive Co-Curricular programme includes an array of activities to spark interests and passions beyond the classroom. Sporting opportunities range from rowing to rugby, and tennis to taekwondo, all with first-class training facilities, and the extensive music programme includes individual instrument tuition, plus bands, choirs, orchestras and ensembles.
A word from a boarder
“I arrived at Shore as a wide-eyed Year 7, not knowing what to expect but excited for the adventure ahead. Looking back, I can confidently say that boarding at Shore has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Boarding is much more than just a place to sleep at night – you form a second family. The boarding staff are exceptional and genuinely care about every single boy. Shore boys are very lucky to enjoy the many privileges at this school, and grateful to our parents for the sacrifices they make sending us here. Boarding at Shore is an experience I’ll always cherish.” – Gus Manchee, Year 12, Boarding House Captain
New at Shore
Daniel Bradford joined the school in Term 2 this year as the new Director of Boarding, after leading boarding communities in New South Wales and Queensland. “With Christian faith at the core of what we do, it’s exciting to be leading the boarding programme at Shore, which has a strong focus on excellence, character development and service to others aimed at supporting our boarders to have a positive impact on the community.”
Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar School) is at Blue Street, North Sydney, New South Wales.
shore.nsw.edu.au
Girls’ boarding schools in Sydney – Wenona
Wenona is a non-denominational K-12 day and boarding school in Sydney that has been educating girls for almost 140 years. Of the 1,380 students, approximately 50 are boarders, hailing from locations including rural Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, India and Dubai.
Bethany and Asha are student leaders at Wenona – Boarding Prefect and Boarding Captain respectively. We asked them to share some of their experiences of boarding life.
What brought you to this boarding school in Australia?
Bethany: I was at Wenona from Kindy to Year 7 before moving to Singapore for two years during COVID. Returning to Sydney as a boarder in Year 10 was exciting but nerve-wracking! Going from knowing the school inside out to figuring out boarding life was challenging at first, but I quickly found my way in this supportive community.
Asha: I joined in 2022 from a rural town in Australia called Illabo, where my family runs a canola and wheat farm. I found boarding daunting at first but soon formed friendships with girls across different year levels. Our small community makes it easy to build connections with students of all ages.
What’s your typical day like?
Asha: One of the best things about boarding is not having to wake up early to travel to school! I can roll out of bed and head straight to breakfast, and I’m already at school. After classes finish, we have free time to catch up on family chats and study before dinner together each night.
Bethany: We share meals, study sessions and weekend activities. Our connections are found in small things: smiles in the hallway, chats over dinner, helping each other through homesickness, shared frustrations over fire alarms, and the solidarity of exam preparation. These experiences weave together to create our home away from home.
What do you enjoy most about boarding life?
Asha: Living with friends! Plus, weekend activities like walking to cafés in neighbouring suburbs, sport days, movie nights in the rooftop recreation space, and visiting places like Taronga Zoo or the beach.
Bethany: The sense of community. From day one, I’ve felt welcomed into a great group of girls. Moving away from family isn’t easy, but the generosity and kindness here make it feel like home. We also have some perks that day students might envy − like our Friday sausage sizzles!
Wenona is located close to the centre of Sydney, at 176 Walker Street, North Sydney, New South Wales.
wenona.nsw.edu.au
Girls’ boarding schools in Adelaide – Seymour College
Boarders have been at the heart of Seymour College in Adelaide since its foundation as Presbyterian Girls’ College (PGC). For over a century, the school has welcomed students from regional and rural Australia, interstate and overseas.
A word from Vanessa Browning, Principal of Seymour College
“The Boarding House is a home away from home that sets our girls up for their future with lifelong friendships, essential life skills, and a quiet confidence that stays with them wherever they go. The bond forged between boarding sisters is unlike anything that can be replicated elsewhere.
We are South Australia’s largest girls’ boarding house, and our facilities and 25-acre campus gives boarders the space to grow, thrive and find freedom. They quickly learn to be effective communicators, develop strong time management skills, and navigate life away from home with independence and resilience.
Seymour’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the outstanding achievement of the Class of 2024. The Dux of the 2024 Year 12 cohort achieved an ATAR of 99.55 and a Governor of South Australia Commendation for Excellence. In addition, 42% of students gained an ATAR above 90, and 26 students an ATAR of 95+.
At the same time, student success is measured not solely through academic excellence, but also through the breadth of each girl’s engagement with the world around her. Our students are encouraged to explore their full potential. We call this Complete Achievement as it acknowledges every part of their Seymour education and every experience that shapes them as an individual.”
A word from a parent – Georgina Hockley
“I know firsthand what makes Seymour special, as I walked those halls myself. The school’s strong, enduring values haven’t changed, and I think there’s real power in a single-sex environment where girls can grow, lead and thrive. But it’s the clan (Seymour’s version of a House system) spirit that truly sets Seymour apart – raising strong, smart, happy young women.”
A word from a student – Minnie Hockley
“The best part about Seymour is its empowering environment. The staff, students and atmosphere are very welcoming, and I can thrive without feeling I have to impress anyone. I’ve already made long-lasting friendships, and I also love being in South Australia, in a pristine environment and having the luxury of being close to extended family. My favourite part is the school’s clans, the rivalry, and the many fun events I look forward to throughout the year.”
Seymour College is at 546 Portrush Road, Glen Osmond, South Australia.
seymour.sa.edu.au
Not decided on boarding schools in Australia? Read more about schools in Hong Kong, Malaysia or Singapore.
