Tucked away in the beautiful Southern Highlands of NSW, just 100km from Sydney, Frensham is home to a boarding tradition that is as unique as it is heartfelt. With more than 70% of students living in residence (and most of them from regional and rural Australia), boarding is the heartbeat of the school.
It’s what makes Frensham the largest girls’ boarding school in the country by both number and percentage, while remaining intentionally small with around 360 students. That balance means every girl is known, supported, and connected in a close-knit community.
Frensham’s 300 acre campus offers the space to focus on what matters, and for this school, what matters is connection, compassion and contribution.
Removed from the distractions of city life but close enough to Sydney to stay connected, it’s a place where friendships are forged, independence is built, and leadership is encouraged.
I have many friends that were Frensham girls and there has always been something unique about their connections and traditions. We are well into our 50s now and the traditions remain steadfast for these women – I think that’s super special.
These are the traditions that bind their school community together: Birthdays are celebrated with flower crowns, the coveted Iris Award recognises contribution and spirit, and Friday Night Activities, run by Year 12 students, bring laughter, costumes, and dancing to the week.
Weekends are equally treasured, mixing House Games, bowling, pamper nights and outdoor adventures with time to simply relax and recharge.
Whether a student is a Full Boarder, Weekly Boarder or Day Boarder, every day at Frensham is purposeful and filled with opportunities – from sport, music and drama to outdoor education and service initiatives.
At its heart, Frensham is about the unselfish pursuit of excellence, a vision of education that goes beyond academics to ignite curiosity, nurture connection, and set each girl on her own path with strength and joy.
Enjoy today’s Takeover by Frensham.
Don’t forget our ‘Have Your Say and Help Shape the Boarding School Journey’ Survey…at the bottom of this email. I’ve kept it open for a bit longer as the responses have been incredibly heartfelt and thoughtful. I’ve had amazing conversations with many respondents and know that this Survey will truly contribute to the support we offer families, and indeed, the support our boarding schools offer your kids.
CONNECTED, COMPASSIONATE CONTRIBUTORS
Frensham – A True Boarding School
With more than 70 per cent of students living in residence, and the same proportion from regional and rural areas Frensham is the largest girls’ boarding school in Australia by number and percentage boarding. At the same time, we are intentionally small with around 360 students, ensuring every girl is known and supported as part of a close-knit community.
Our 300-acre campus in the Southern Highlands offers a distinctive pace and perspective. Removed from the distractions of city life, yet close enough to Sydney to remain connected, it provides an environment where learning, friendship and nature come together.
Boarding is at the centre of school life. It shapes every program, facility and decision, creating a community where students develop independence, resilience and friendships that last well beyond their school years.
At Frensham, students pursue their passions, discover their voice, and grow as leaders with confidence, compassion and purpose.
Boarding Traditions
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.
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.
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, Southern Highlands, NSW for showing us around their amazing school. As always, enjoy the resources on our website helping you and your family make decisions about boarding school & supporting you once you’re there.
ONE MORE THING: Our 2025 Parent Survey
Have your say and help shape the boarding school journey.
If you’re a rural, regional or remote parent who’s ever considered boarding school, or you’re on that journey now, or maybe boarding school is behind you, whatever the case, I’d love to hear from you.
You’ll also have the chance to WIN $500 for completing the survey with your contact details (totally optional).