Boarding Schools – Canberra ACT

It goes without saying that families want only the best for their kids. So it makes sense, given their reputation in Australia for academic excellence and quality of student life, that you’d be turning your sights to boarding schools in Canberra. 

Here we answer some of the big questions you’re bound to be asking yourself about the long and short of Canberra boarding schools—Location, facilities, co-curricular programmes, scholarships, school fees and more.

How to choose the right boarding school? 

Choosing the right ACT boarding school is all about doing your due diligence as a family and seeing how the school lines up with you and your child’s interests and preferences, as well as core beliefs.

• Compare your family values and religious affiliation to the school you’re considering. Are you after a co-ed or girls-only school? How important is it for the school to instill religious values? 
• See what extra-curricular programmes the school provides. Do they have a great music department? A range of elite coaches and sports clubs?
• Visit the campus on open days, view the boarding house and talk to the teachers and boarding house staff, even current students if you can to get a feel of who your child will be boarding with
• Attend one of our Expo events where Canberra schools are attending too
• Bring your child with you when you attend the school and have them be an active part of the decision-making process
• Make sure that you’re comfortable with both the cost and location of the institution
• Look at whether there are scholarships or bursaries available

Search Boarding Schools in Canberra

Families will be glad to know that the ACT is home to two of Australia’s finest private institutions—one a co-educational, primary and secondary Independent Anglican school, the other a secondary girls Anglican religious affiliation school. 

Boarding Schools Expo – Free Admission

What makes a boarding school different from a day school?

Boarders in Canberra schools receive not only the best in classroom education, but also enjoy:

• Tremendous freedom when it comes to extra-curricular activities
• The chance to mingle with peers from diverse backgrounds
• An experience-based learning component that allows them to grow as a student and as a person

Academic Excellence

ACT boarding schools are well known for being more academically challenging than many other schools in Australia. Boarding school students are ranked among the top academic achievers in Australia, let alone the territory. 

Smaller class sizes

Boarding students in primary and high schools in Canberra enjoy an intimately sized learning environment. This allows students to feel more comfortable and confident in the classroom and encourages them to constructively interact with teachers and fellow boarders. 

Peer learning and diversity

Learning, living and playing alongside their peers allows girls and boys to not only bond with fellow boarders, but also to motivate each other to grow together socially, as well as academically. 

The fantastic mix of international and local students creates a culturally diverse setting where boarders learn the importance of respect, acceptance and community, especially as they prepare to branch out into the world. 

Extracurricular activities 

Whether you want your child to excel at something that they’ve been doing for some time, or pick up something completely new, boarding schools are excellent places to pursue any number of extra-curricular activities. With an extensive list of opportunities at their fingertips—everything from sport to music to drama—students can explore their talents without restriction. 

How much do boarding schools cost?

Boarding school fees are typically broken down into boarding costs and tuition costs, though prices do typically vary depending on location and exclusivity. As a guide, families should plan on paying around $25k to $33k in tuition and around $25k in boarding during secondary years. For more information go to our Fees Directory.

To help you decide what’s best for your child (and your family) we have developed a checklist of questions to consider.