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 school in Sydney – Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview
Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition set on the shores of Sydney’s Lane Cove River. For over 140 years, it has been shaping young men with the values of conscience, compassion, commitment and competence.
Students from Years 5 to 12 are given opportunities to pursue their interests, discover their talents and hone their skills. With a choice of over 22 summer and winter sports, performance opportunities in music and drama, as well as a wide range of special interest clubs and activities – including debating, chess and photography – boys have room to find what they’re good at and learn to excel.
Riverview’s 110-acre campus is home to both day and boarding students, with over 300 boarders among a student body of 1,600. The boarding houses comprise a special mix of students who come from different regions and remote parts of Australia, as well as metropolitan and international locations. Students must be Australian citizens to apply for enrolment.
Weekends are active as boarders participate in school sports and take part in activities like organised trips to the movies, the beach or the bush. They also enjoy casual leave, allowing them to visit local shops, or take a short bus ride into the city or other parts of Sydney with their friends.
Special occasions add fun and camaraderie – birthday cakes are shared, boarders take turns running the barbecue, and each Head of Division puts on a monthly dinner. Shared meals, games in the common room, touch footy on the field – these small touches turn a boarding community into a real second family.
Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is at 115 Tambourine Bay Road, Riverview NSW, 2066.
+61 2 9882 8222 |Â riverview.nsw.edu.au
Boarding schools for boys in Sydney – Shore
Shore has educated the young, curious minds of Australian boys for over 135 years. Its campuses are in the heart of North Sydney and close to public transport. The school’s mission is to ensure every child receives the support, guidance and instruction they need to become the very best version of themselves. The school’s High Potential Learners programme is enhanced by a wide range of co-curricular, pastoral care and Service Learning programmes. The school aims to graduate men who are compassionate and understand others, with the willingness and ability to relate to all people.
Shore currently has 1,802 students enrolled, with 171 of them being boarders. Boarding is available to students from Year 7 onwards. There’s also the option of weekly boarding for Sydney families seeking an immersive education at the school.
+61 2 9923 2277 | [email protected]
Girls’ boarding schools in Australia – Wenona
Wenona School, located close to the centre of Sydney is an independent, non-denominational school that has been educating girls from K to Year 12 for almost 140 years. The diverse curriculum includes STEM, ethics, philosophy, culture and humanities, creative and imaginative expression, and physical development. Years 5, 7, and 10 to 12 have access to the Renaissance Studies course, modelled on the Socratic method of teaching. From Year 3 onwards, girls have the opportunity to compete in interschool sports competitions, and go on camps and adventure trails.
Wenona has boarding options for students from Years 7 to 12. Of the 1,380 students, approximately 50 are boarders, hailing from locations including rural Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, India and Dubai. There are options for full, weekly and temporary boarding, with Boarding Scholarships for full or partial remission of boarding fees. Boarders can find academic, social and emotional support from the Head of Boarding, and dedicated and experienced staff. During their free time, the girls can experience Sydney as public transport, shops and parks are within reach of the campus.
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
Seymour College was established in 1922 as Presbyterian Girls College, along with the College’s Boarding House. From Reception to Year 12, the College enrols approximately 750 girls with 100 girls boarding. Students who successfully complete their senior secondary schooling at Seymour College are awarded the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), which is recognised by universities worldwide.
Seymour’s Boarding House is located at the heart of the College’s 25-acre campus. There’s an onsite pool, refurbished sports centre, oval, strength and conditioning gym, and courts. It’s a short walk to Burnside Village, while the CBD is just over 5km away. The options for full board (seven days a week), weekly board (Sunday or Monday to Friday) and homestay. Each week features a specific boarding activity, from shopping expeditions and movies to rock climbing, paddle boarding or yoga. This is on top of the full list of sports, music, arts and other co-curricular activities on offer at Seymour.
Seymour College is at 546 Portrush Road, Glen Osmond, South Australia.
seymour.sa.edu.au
Not decided on boarding schools in Australia for your family? Read on to find out more about schools in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – click for the answers!
The best boarding schools in Australia are known for high academic standards, modern facilities and strong extracurricular programmes, attracting both local and international students.
Yes, many international boarding schools in Australia welcome students from around the world, offering global curriculums, English support programmes and multicultural environments.
These schools provide quality education, safe environments, experienced teachers and a balanced focus on academics, sports and personal development.
Fees for boarding schools in Australia typically range from A$25,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the school, facilities and level of study.
Top boarding schools in Australia offer modern dormitories, sports complexes, libraries, performing arts centres and dedicated study areas.
Yes, Australian boarding schools are highly suitable for international students, providing academic support, pastoral care and a welcoming community.
The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, English proficiency results and sometimes an interview or entrance assessment.
Most boarding schools accept students from around age 12 (Year 7) onwards, although some offer earlier entry options.
Yes, good boarding schools in Australia offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, arts, leadership programmes and outdoor education.
