Studying & life in boarding school – what it’s like

Besides the boarding school’s location, curriculum and activities on offer, an important factor to consider is daily life. To help you make a decision, we hear from students about life in these boarding schools in Singapore, Australia and Malaysia.

Boarding schools in Australia

Shore

Shore is a leading Australian boys’ school, and has educated and nurtured young, curious minds for over 135 years. The school’s campuses offer world-class facilities and a supportive community, all in the heart of North Sydney and close to public transport.

Intelligence, courage and empathy are the bedrock of the character Shore strives to help build, with Christian faith and values steadfastly guiding its holistic approach to education and pastoral care. The school’s mission is to ensure every child receives the support, guidance and instruction they need to become the very best version of themselves, which helps them navigate their journey from the classroom to the world.

Academic excellence is nurtured through the school’s High Potential Learners programme, enhanced by co-curricular and pastoral care programmes. A wide range of opportunities are offered, including Sport, Music, Drama, Cadets, Debating and various clubs designed to foster a well-rounded skill set crucial for personal growth and future success.

In 2024, 33% of Shore students achieved an ATAR of 95 or higher, and the median ATAR was 91.83. NAPLAN results are consistently high, with most students achieving ‘Strong’ or ‘Exceeding’ results across all bands.

The school’s diverse co-curricular programme encourages boys to discover their talents and develop their strengths. There are opportunities available across many areas including robotics, theatre sports, surf lifesaving and taekwondo. More traditional sports are also available, including athletics, cricket, tennis, rowing, rugby and football.

Additionally, Service Learning is a core programme in the curriculum. It extends learning beyond the classroom and inspires students to care for the community. The school aims to graduate men who are compassionate and understand others, with the willingness and ability to relate to all people.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Australia

Shore currently has 1,802 students enrolled, with 171 of them being boarders. Boarding is available to students from Year 7 onwards. There’s also the option of weekly boarding for Sydney families seeking an immersive education at the school.

Hear from a Shore student

“I arrived at Shore as a wide-eyed Year 7, not knowing what to expect. I can confidently say that boarding has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s much more than just a place to sleep at night – you form a second family. From early on, the older boys guided me, taught me how to knot a tie properly and to find my way around the school.

“I have formed great connections and mates across the four boarding houses, as we are situated close to each other. From celebrating victories on the field to late-night study sessions, sharing a laugh, and chucking a footy in the common room, the connections built here will stay with us long after we leave. The Boarding staff genuinely care about every single boy – they’ve taught me countless lessons while always being there for a chat. Boarding at Shore is an experience I’ll always cherish.” – Gus M, Year 12, Boarding House Captain

Shore School is at Blue Street, North Sydney.
+61 2 9923 2277 | enquiries@shore.nsw.edu.au
shore.nsw.edu.au

Seymour College

Seymour College was established in 1922 as Presbyterian Girls College, along with the College’s Boarding House. From Reception to Year 12, the College enrols approximately 750 girls.

Students who successfully complete their senior secondary schooling at Seymour College are awarded the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), which is recognised by universities worldwide.

The curriculum offering in the Senior Years includes:

• Senior Foundation, a range of Year 10 courses that are unique to Seymour
• SACE Stage 1 courses, typically completed in Year 11
• SACE Stage 2 courses, typically completed in Year 12

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Australia

Seymour’s Boarding House is located at the heart of the College’s green and leafy 25-acre campus. Boarders are a short walk from the onsite pool, refurbished sports centre, oval, strength and conditioning gym, and courts. It’s also a short walk to the local shops at Burnside Village, while the CBD is just over 5km away. Seymour’s Boarding House today houses 100 girls. The options for boarding at Seymour include full board (seven days a week) or weekly board (Sunday or Monday to Friday). There are also homestay options.

Boarding life is built on structure, respect and a strong sense of community. As girls transition through the years in boarding, they start to enjoy increased independence, responsibility and freedom.

Each week features a specific boarding activity, from shopping expeditions and movies to rock climbing, paddle boarding, yoga, Pilates or walking a dog. With a busy schedule of activities, there’s never a dull moment. This is on top of the full list of sports, music, arts and other co-curricular activities on offer at Seymour.

Great food is a key part of the experience. The Head Chef prepares nutritious, delicious meals each day and is sometimes assisted by some of the boarders who work in the kitchen.

There are many layers of wellbeing and academic support available, so that students can be the best version of themselves.

Hear from a boarding school student

“The best part about Seymour is its empowering environment. The staff, students and atmosphere are very welcoming; I can thrive without feeling I have to impress anyone. I’ve already made long-lasting friendships that I will likely have for life. I also love being in South Australia, with the school situated in a pristine environment and having the luxury of being close to extended family. My favourite part is the school’s clans and the many fun events I look forward to throughout the year.” – Minnie Hockley, Year 10, boarder for one year

Seymour College is at 546 Portrush Road, Glen Osmond, South Australia
+61 8 8303 9000 | enquiries@seymour.sa.edu.au
seymour.sa.edu.au

Wenona School

Wenona School is located close to the centre of Sydney. It’s an independent, non-denominational school that has been educating girls from K to Year 12 for almost 140 years. Every part of school life at Wenona is built on a deep understanding of how girls think, work and feel. In its global learning environment, Wenona says it’s empowering young women to graduate as Renaissance women.

This is achieved through an holistic education with a diverse curriculum that includes STEM, ethics, philosophy, culture and humanities, creative and imaginative expression, and physical development. Complementing this is the Renaissance Studies course for Years 5, 7, and 10 to 12, modelled on the Socratic method of teaching. Students participate in cooperative dialogue and debate that encourages critical thinking.

Wenona students have many options for Sports, including the community-based Swim Club, Cross Country, Athletics, Gymnastics, Pilates and Fencing. From Year 3 onwards, girls have the opportunity to compete in interschool competitions organised by the Independent Primary Schools Heads of Australia or the Independent Girls’ Schools Association. From Year 3 onwards, the girls go on camps and adventure trails. These hone their self-reliance, motivation, confidence and leadership while deepening their bonds with each other and their teachers.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Australia

Wenona has boarding options for students from Years 7 to 12. Of the 1,380 students, approximately 50 are boarders, hailing from locations including rural Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, India and Dubai. There are options for full, weekly and temporary boarding, with Boarding Scholarships for full or partial remission of boarding fees.

The girls live in the heart of the school, in refurbished heritage accommodation. During the week, a dedicated prep supervisor is present to guide Middle and Upper School boarders with homework. At the Evening Study Centre, teachers from all curricular areas are there for Senior College students. Boarders can find academic, social and emotional support from the Head of Boarding, and dedicated and experienced staff.

There are many extracurricular activities available to boarders at Wenona. Activities that are available over the course of their school years include Abseiling, Canoeing, Canyoning, Horse Riding, Rock Climbing and Mountain Biking. Also available is the Duke of Edinburgh programme with its Adventurous Journey requirement in Years 9 to 12. During their free time, the girls can experience Sydney as public transport, shops and parks are within reach of the campus.

Hear from boarding school students

“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! Figuring out boarding life was challenging at first, but I quickly found my way in this supportive community.

“From day one, I’ve felt welcomed into a great group of girls – their generosity and kindness make it feel like home. The ‘threads of connection’ 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. Our boarding house is a web of shared stories, late-night chats, daily routines, and moments that tie us together. Each thread creates a vibrant tapestry that makes boarding at Wenona so special.” – Bethany, Boarding Prefect

“I joined Wenona in 2022 from Illabo, a small rural town. I found boarding daunting at first but soon formed friendships with girls across different year levels in our small community. One of the best things about boarding is not having to wake up early to travel to school! After classes finish, we catch up on family chats and study before dinner together.

“What I enjoy most about boarding is living with my 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. For this year’s National Boarding Week, we created a boarding banner where each girl sewed a letter – a small symbol of the many threads connecting us as boarders. Coming from different backgrounds, we’re stitched together by common experiences.” – Asha, Boarding Captain

Wenona is at 176 Walker Street, North Sydney
+61 2 9409 4400 | wenona@wenona.edu.au
wenona.nsw.edu.au

Boarding school in Singapore

United World College South East Asia

UWCSEA provides a holistic, values-based education supporting students to develop as individuals and as members of a global society. Students follow a concept-based curriculum leading to IGCSE, IBDP or the UWCSEA High School Diploma. In Grade 9/10, UWCSEA courses replace the legacy IGCSE programme. Besides mandatory core subjects, students have free-choice electives tailored to their interests. The school also has a scholarship programme for students from around the world.

A snapshot of life at this Singapore boarding school

Boarding in Singapore is available for students of diverse backgrounds and nationalities from Grade 8 onwards. Their school day begins with mentor time before the first class. Lessons end at 3pm, followed by extracurricular activities in school. After dinner, there’s mandatory study time from 7pm to 8.30pm in designated study areas around the boarding house or campus. After this, Grade 11 students have free time to relax until 10pm followed by lights off between 10.45pm and midnight.

Hear from a Singapore boarding school student

“I’ve been a boarder at Tampines House in UWCSEA East since I was a Grade 9 student. The biggest challenge for every boarder is time management. Here, you’re responsible for planning your day and balancing various activities and services. With time, this skill develops, and you gain valuable life skills along the journey.” – Jeffrey, Grade 11

East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5344
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6775 5344
uwcsea.edu.sg

Boarding school in Malaysia

Marlborough College Malaysia

Located in Johor Bahru along Malaysia’s southern coast, Marlborough College is a 10-minute drive from the Singapore border. The campus sits on a lush 90-acre estate that includes a lake for water sports, an organic farm, rugby and football pitches and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. All of these facilities are available for boarding students. The College follows the UK curriculum and is based on British standards and content, enriched with a global perspective. It offers the IGCSE for 16-year-olds and the IB for 18-year-olds.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Malaysia

Pupils boarding at MCM enjoy a British boarding school experience without having to make the long journey to the UK.

MCM boarders enjoy a British boarding school experience with access to academic support outside of regular lessons. A significant number of teaching staff and their families live on campus. Teachers are readily available to offer assistance with homework, while visiting tutors offer subject specific help during evenings and weekends.

Hear from a boarding school student

“The boarding community is very supportive, everyone is friendly, and you can ask anyone for help. During the exam period, we gathered in the common room and studied there. It was nice because we could support each other, ask each other questions and also have some fun relaxing.” – Mayuka, Year 12

Jalan Marlborough, Puteri Harbour, Johor
marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org

Found this article on boarding schools in Singapore, Australia and Malaysia helpful? Don’t miss parent reviews of the best international schools in Singapore. Plus, camping sites in Singapore to rough it out with the kids.

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