Boarding Schools Expo

The NSW, ACT & VIC Boarding Schools Resource

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Choosing a Boarding School


Download our ‘Choosing a Boarding School’ Checklist (PDF)

School Policies and Values

  • Do the school’s values fit with those of my family?
  • Am I happy with the size of the school and its boarding and class numbers?
  • Does the school offer counselling and support services to students?
  • Does the school’s religious affiliation match my family’s beliefs?
  • Does the school have an anti-bullying policy or other programs to ensure the safety of my child?
  • Does the school have a policy on accessing social media?
  • Does the school have student leaders and student bodies to build morale and encourage leadership skills?
  • Am I satisfied with the school’s disciplinary code?
  • Am I satisfied that this school has structures and policies in place to provide a caring and nurturing environment for my child?

Academic Standards

  • Does the curriculum offer everything my child wants to pursue (incl. specific languages, for example)?
  • Does the streaming or grading of classes suit my child’s academic needs?
  • Will the technology available meet my expectations?
  • Am I happy with the assessment and reporting processes?
  • Is there a career advisory service at the school that will help my child make informed decisions?
  • Would this school challenge and extend my child?

Extra-Curricular Activities

  • Does the school cater for my child’s preferred extra-curricular activities (incl. sport and music)?
  • Is there an extensive range of summer and winter sporting activities to choose from?
  • Would I be happy with the travel and supervision arrangements for weekend sporting commitments?
  • If my child’s preferred activity is not catered for, can he or she pursue that activity outside the school? How will the logistics be worked out?
  • Am I aware of the additional charges associated with any extra-curricular activities?

Location and Access

  • Is the school close to public transport for sporting activities and other outings?
  • Is the school easy for us to visit as a family or for family and friends who may take my child out for the weekend?
  • Proximity to sibling’s school for ease of weekend visits?
  • Are there other facilities close by that the school uses for after school and weekend outings?

Parental Communication and Involvement

  • Am I satisfied with the way the school communicates with students and parents?
  • Am I satisfied with the way the boarding house communicates with students and parents?
  • Would I be comfortable with the regularity of contact with my child?
  • Can my child have access to a mobile phone so that we can contact each other?
  • Are there suitable opportunities for me to be involved in the school as a parent?

Boarding Facilities

  • Will my child be comfortable in the school’s boarding facilities?
  • Is the level of supervision in keeping with my expectations?
  • Are there enough support services to meet my child’s needs, including tutors, medical care, counsellors, etc?
  • If my child has a problem or concern, am I satisfied that there would be somebody approachable for them to talk to?
  • Is there access to technology, including computers and the internet, in the boarding houses?
  • Am I comfortable with the way access to the internet is monitored in the boarding houses?
  • Will the homework/study policy and supervision during that time meet my child’s needs?
  • Am I comfortable with the weekend leave arrangements?
  • Are there adequate recreation programs on weekends and after school?
  • Do I understand and agree with the pocket money policy?
  • Will my child’s dietary requirements be met by the catering arrangements for boarders?
  • Is there a peer support program for new boarders?

Fees and Charges

  • Do I have a realistic appreciation of the fees and costs associated with sending my child to this school?
  • Do I have a good understanding of the additional costs, including uniforms, excursions, text books, etc?
  • Are there scholarships/bursaries available?
  • Is there a fee-paying plan?

Shortlist

  • Should I make an appointment to visit this school?

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