Gosh it’s a worthy question isn’t it? When the educational outcomes for rural, regional and remote (RRR) children are compromised (as they are) by a variety of challenges, isn’t it ‘ok’ to seek more for your kids?
Quite often we receive pushback for looking towards a boarding school education to make up the shortfalls of a RRR education. In some rural communities we can be reluctant to admit that we have chosen to send our kids to boarding school. And let’s not forget that for many remote families, boarding school is the only option.
“The key challenge for regional, rural and remote education is ensuring, regardless of location or circumstances, that every young person has access to high quality schooling and opportunities.”
– Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education / January 2018
Among the key findings and recommendations of this report is that access to boarding school gave RRR families the ability to offer ‘high quality schooling and opportunities’ to their children. This was a Federal Government review and there are others that have followed with each continuing to identify the ongoing challenges, and subsequent strategies that can be employed, to ensure that our RRR children receive the education they not only deserve, but require.
So again I ask, why so many still call the pursuit of a quality education for our children ‘elite’ or ‘privileged’ ?
It may be a complex response that is needed. That certainly for our urban counterparts, the top tier independent schools can be seen as ‘elite’ or ‘privileged’ but please know that there is nothing ‘elite’ or ‘privileged’ about the educational outcomes for our RRR children.
Being able to offer RRR families the opportunity to explore what a boarding school education for their children may look like, in a welcoming environment where there are countless options, is something we take really seriously here at Boarding Schools Expo.
We invite ALL boarding schools – government, independent, Catholic, local regional, metropolitan and interstate – to join us and we are only limited by the size and locations of venues in our rural and regional towns. Such is the commitment of our boarding schools in ensuring that our RRR children have access to an exceptional high quality and holistic education.
Every one of our events for 2025 is booked out with schools on the waiting list. I am so proud of this – and really proud to support these schools to meet RRR families closer to the places they call home.
We’re about to popup in Griffith, and then onto Wagga Wagga in the Riverina of NSW. 26 and 45 schools exhibiting respectively.
I mean holy moly.
How good is that?
We invite you and your family to join us, to come and talk face to face with the schools (because we know – just as in education – face to face is better). Whether you’re a generational boarding school family, or a first timer, our events allow you to talk with the school representatives directly.
And, as always, you are welcome to call me for a chat to understand more about our mission and what to expect at one of our events.
Until next month,
REAL CONVERSATIONS. HONEST ANSWERS. SUPPORT WHERE IT MATTERS MOST.
Live Q&A for Boarding Parents: What It Really Takes to Make It Work
Discover our Live Q&A panels created by us and especially for rural, regional, and remote families navigating boarding school. From finances and emotional readiness to wellbeing and staying connected — hear directly from parents who’ve been there. Ask your questions, share your concerns, and walk away with genuine advice and practical tools.
Wagga Wagga 20-21 June
BRINGING BOARDING TO THE BUSH
Get the real story on boarding at our Griffith and Wagga events
26 and 45 boarding schools respectively at these events. Wagga Wagga is our biggest event ever. So you went to boarding school and your kids are going where you went? Then why not come along and compare schools alongside each other – ensure your decision is the best one for your kids. Maybe you’re one of our many ‘first-gen’ boarding families – open to the possibilities of every school. Regardless of your position, our Expos are where you need to be.
2025 SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AWARD
Win $1000 at our Wagga Expo
We kicked off our 21st Birthday with the School of the Year Award at our Dubbo Expo in May. 78% of families who attended voted for their favourite exhibiting schools – only three criteria : friendliness, presentation of booth, and knowledge of boarding at their school.
It’s that easy. When you visit our Wagga Expo and vote for a minimum of three, maximum of five schools you’ll go into the draw to WIN $1000.
I’ve got to say that the unexpected bonus of implementing this Award was watching families having open and animated conversations about the schools they had connected with.
Here are the things we’re loving right now…
SCHOLARSHIPS – A LEGACY FOR QUEENSLAND & NT FAMILIES
The Winchester Foundation backing bright futures from the bush
Mrs. Beryl Neilsen OAM established the Winchester Foundation in 2011 to assist rural and remote children via Winchester Scholarships, with their educational expenses. The Winchester Foundation has provided approximately $9.8M in scholarships to over 729 students, via 1246 scholarships to students living in rural and remote Queensland and Northern Territory.
“We endeavour to provide rural families with the same educational opportunities as those given to students living in the cities.”
GALAH PODCAST
What’s happening in our country schools?
A thought provoking discussion between Annabelle Hickson (Galah Magazine publisher) and author/journo’ Gabrielle Chan. Including ‘voice notes’ from a variety of people for whom this discussion holds deep relevance. *My footnote to this discussion is to recognise my somewhat lofty ambition for every family in any small rural town to get to know what a boarding school education might look like for their child. Not every boarding school costs the earth. Not every boarding school sets us apart from our small town roots.
Have you finished your boarding school journey ? Share our news…. tell your friends and family who might be on their way. Our website provides almost 20 years of resources and experience to families and students considering their options and beginning their days at boarding school.
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