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 located in Sydney, New South Wales, that has been providing quality education for young men in Years 5 to 12 since 1880. Located on a 110-acre campus along the Lane Cove River, it offers both day and boarding options.
There are approximately 310 boarding students among its 1,600 student body – a mix of boys from throughout Australia as well as international locations. Students must be Australian citizens to apply for enrolment, as the College is not accredited to enrol international students
Students can choose from a diverse selection of over 22 summer and winter sports. There are also opportunities in the performing arts including music and drama, with five annual productions catering to each year group from Years 8 to 12. Additionally, students can pursue debating, public speaking and a range of clubs and activities including Chess, Environmental Club, Multimedia & Robotics and the Historical Society.
Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is at 115 Tambourine Bay Road, Riverview NSW, 2066.
+61 2 9882 8222 | riverview.nsw.edu.au
Boarding schools for boys in Sydney – Shore
DR PETER MILLER is the new Headmaster at Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore), and he brings to the role plenty of experience around the unique needs of boarding students – including those from Hong Kong.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your career in education. Is it right that you previously taught at Shore?
Yes, I started teaching at Shore in 1989 in my first fulltime and ongoing position as a teacher of Geography; this included involvement in all the activities of Shore, such as cadets, rowing, rugby, athletics and boarding. Boarding has evolved significantly over the 35 years since I first served as a Boarding Housemaster at Shore (Hodges House 1991-1992; Robson House 1994-1995).
I left in 2000 to take on a senior role in another Sydney school, followed by two appointments as Headmaster – one in New South Wales and another in Victoria – before returning to Shore this year.
What do you like most about the school?
I thoroughly enjoy the connection of the boys with their school and each other, and how this translates to the “vibe” in the community. I have known many schools in my time, but the sense of belonging is distinctive for the boys at Shore.
How has your experience as Headmaster been so far?
The opportunity to reconnect as Headmaster of the school where I started my professional career is very special. I feel familiar with the landscape, but Shore has evolved, and I am becoming increasingly familiar with what has been retained and the changes over time. The role is challenging and complex, which is something I love to take on.
What are some aspects of the role that you feel are most important?
To have the confidence of the boys and the wider community. There are so many decisions and strategic actions to consider in this role, it’s imperative for the Headmaster to have the trust and confidence of the community as I continue to guide the evolution of Shore into the middle of the 21st century.
What’s your favourite part of the school day or week?
The arrival of the boys in the morning and the preparation for each day are the highlights. Obviously, I am here before them each morning to see the freshness they bring with them and the outstanding energy each day. It is fantastic!
How big is the boarding cohort at Shore, and how many of those students are international?
Shore has a strong boarding community of nearly 200, with students from across Sydney and regional Australia, as well as an important cohort of international students who enrich the cultural life of the school.
Can you give us an insight into how Hong Kong students find the transition to boarding at Shore?
Hong Kong students typically settle quickly, supported by our structured pastoral care, dedicated boarding staff and a welcoming peer culture. Many value the opportunity to immerse themselves in a broad Australian school experience while remaining closely supported academically and personally.
How is boarding set up at Shore in terms of different houses?
Boarding is organised through our vertical Boarding Houses, where boys from Years 8 to 12 live together in close-knit communities under the care of experienced Housemasters and staff, fostering a strong sense of belonging and mentorship. Boys in Year 7 begin their boarding journey in School House, living as a year group alongside senior boys, providing additional structure and support in their first year.
What co-curricular activities are available to boarders?
They have full access to Shore’s wide co-curricular programme, including sport, performing and creative arts, cadets, service and clubs, allowing them to pursue their interests, form friendships and develop well beyond the classroom.
Along with the start of your tenure, what is new or notable for Shore in 2026?
I am consciously working with the community to be able to explain what is distinctive about Shore. This means regularly participating in conversations about this topic and feeding this back to shape the language and understanding of our school. I want our community to understand and to champion our Purpose, which is to serve the boys, to maintain a strong sense of belonging and help them to thrive in all aspects of their lives – faith, academic, personal and physical endeavours. This is my focus in 2026.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy reading and chatting, hearing stories about other people. Also, I love the outdoors and taking the time to notice its magnificence. At the same time, I enjoy time with family and friends. The place I really love to be with any of them is on a beach at low tide, walking in the intertidal zone. There is something remarkable and calm about that. As a Geography teacher, I might also do that with 25 students – that isn’t bad either!
SHORE: FACT FILE
Year of opening: 1889
Grades taught: Kindergarten to Year 12
School year: January to December
Student population: Approximately 1,700
(200 boarders)
Location: Situated on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, with views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s a short walk to train and bus routes and the Milsons Point ferry wharf, and Sydney Airport is a 30-40 minute drive.
+61 2 9923 2277 | registrars@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 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.
