The Best Boarding Schools in Sydney

Discover the best Boarding Schools in Sydney in this 2026 guide. Explore top-rated schools, tuition costs, parent reviews, and more.

The Best Boarding Schools in Sydney

Boarding Schools in Sydney are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best Boarding Schools in Sydney, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.

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Why choose a boarding school in Sydney?

Sydney, known for its vibrant culture and high educational standards, offers several top-tier boarding schools that not only promise an excellent academic environment but also nurture holistic development. Choosing a boarding school in Sydney means immersing your child in a milieu replete with opportunities for personal growth, cultural exposure, and academic excellence.

Academic Excellence

Boarding schools in Sydney are renowned for their rigorous academic programs that challenge and motivate students. These institutions often boast a higher ratio of teachers to students, which allows for more personalized attention and tailored teaching methods. The curriculum is designed to not only meet but exceed national standards, with many schools offering international baccalaureate or other globally recognized programs. This robust educational foundation enables students to perform exceptionally well in national and international assessments.

Comprehensive Development

One of the key advantages of boarding schools is their focus on the comprehensive development of students. Sydney’s boarding schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, arts, music, and various clubs. These activities are structured to promote leadership qualities and teamwork among students. Moreover, the residential experience cultivates independence and self-discipline, traits that are invaluable throughout life.

Cultural Diversity

Sydney’s cosmopolitan environment makes its boarding schools a melting pot of cultures, which fosters global citizenship and broadens students’ perspectives. Interaction with peers from diverse backgrounds encourages students to develop respect for different cultures and enhances their social skills. This exposure is pivotal in preparing students to navigate and thrive in today’s globalized world.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Boarding schools in Sydney are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities that support both academic and extracurricular pursuits. From modern classrooms, science labs, and libraries to sports complexes and art studios, these schools ensure that students have access to the best resources. This environment not only enriches the learning experience but also helps in the physical and creative development of the students.

Network and Opportunities

Attending a boarding school in Sydney places students in a network of influential alumni and provides them with opportunities that might not be available elsewhere. These connections can be instrumental for future academic and career prospects. Additionally, the schools frequently host seminars and workshops with experts from various fields, thereby enhancing the educational experience and providing students with insights into different career paths.

In conclusion, boarding schools in Sydney represent an amalgamation of challenging academics, comprehensive development, cultural diversity, superior facilities, and valuable networking opportunities. The decision to enroll your child in one of these schools can be seen as an investment in their future, equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

How much does it cost to attend Boarding Schools in Sydney?

The yearly tuition fees for Boarding Schools in Sydney generally range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $60,000 annually.

Category
Low Range
High Range
Annual Tuition
$30,000
$50,000
Monthly Tuition Equivalent
$2,500
$4,165
Registration Fee (one-time)
$500
$1,000
Uniforms & Materials
$300
$500
Extras & Trips
$500
$1,000
Total Est. Annual Cost
$31,300
$52,500

Top Boarding Schools Sydney 2026

  • Newington College

    Sydney, New South Wales
    Co-Education
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: Cambridge Curriculum - IB Curriculum - Other
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 24,390 to 42,201 AUD

    Foundation: 1863
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Examinations: Cambridge - IB Diploma - IGCSE
    Newington College is a comprehensive Early Learning Centre (ELC) to Year 12 Day and Boarding school located in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1863, we are more than 160 years in the making and, as a Uniting Church school, offer high-quality education and a diverse co-curricular program to primary and secondary school students across four spacious campuses.
    Newington College offers the Higher School Certificate (HSC), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways. We also help our students develop the skills to think broadly and deeply through our Centre for Critical Thinking and Ethics. This delivers a bespoke critical thinking program, by world leading experts to teaching staff and students in Years K to 12.

    Annual tuition fees at Newington College range from AUD 24,390 to AUD 42,201, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition: Newington College provides a range of academic, named, music and sporting scholarships which focuses on social justice in education and offers opportunities to students with potential in both specific...
    Boarding tuition: Newington College offers a range of academic and sporting scholarships for students including several scholarships specifically for rural, regional and international boarding students.  - 2024 Boardin...
  • Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Sydney

    Sydney, New South Wales
    Girls Only
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: Other

    Yearly fee: from 16,620 to 48,300 AUD

    Foundation: 1888
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A

    Presbyterian Ladies’ College, Sydney (PLC Sydney) is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected schools for girls. PLC Sydney is a day and boarding school that offers the renowned NSW Curriculum.

    Annual tuition fees at Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC), Sydney range from AUD 16,620 to AUD 48,300, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • The Scots College, Sydney

    Sydney, New South Wales
    Boys only
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: Other

    Yearly fee: from 37,760 AUD

    Foundation: 1892
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A

    With sweeping views of the historic harbour, The Scots College is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Presbyterian boys’ schools, located in Sydney. The College is a distinctive Australian school that defends the honourable traditions adventures and learning of boys. The Scots College is a day and boarding school that offers the renowned NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum.

    Annual tuition fees at The Scots College, Sydney range from AUD 37,760 to AUD , depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Abbotsleigh School

    Sydney, New South Wales
    Girls Only
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: Other

    Yearly fee: from 21,050 to 39,030 AUD

    Foundation: 1885
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A

    Abbotsleigh is a PreK to Year 12 Anglican day and boarding school for girls located in Wahroonga, on Sydney’s North Shore. It offers the renowned NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) curriculum.

    Annual tuition fees at Abbotsleigh School range from AUD 21,050 to AUD 39,030, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
  • Knox Grammar School

    Sydney, New South Wales
    Co-Education, Boys only
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: Other

    Yearly fee: from 19,720 to 86,970 AUD

    Foundation: 1924
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A

    Located in Wahroonga on Sydney’s North Shore, Knox Grammar School is a leading independent Uniting Church school. Knox Grammar School was founded in 1924Knox Grammar School seeks to be an exemplary School, developing, within a caring Christian environment, students of Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage, with a sure knowledge of who they are and how they should live. The school offers the renowned NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Curriculum.

    Annual tuition fees at Knox Grammar School range from AUD 19,720 to AUD 86,970, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition: The Boarding fee covers all meals and laundry services etc. during term time.
  • Cranbrook School

    Sydney, New South Wales
    Boys only
    School type: Boarding School - International School - Private School
    Curriculum: IB Curriculum
    Language of instruction: English

    Yearly fee: from 10,396 to 56,346 AUD

    Foundation: 1918
    Nationalities: N/A
    Nr of students: N/A
    Examinations: IB Diploma

    Cranbrook is a multi-campus Anglican independent day and boarding School for students Pre-School to Year 12. Overlooking Sydney Harbour, Cranbrook School was founded in 1918 as a haven for the pursuit of truth and knowledge.Inspired by the enduring centrality of the principles of the great liberal traditions of education, we were also the first major Independent School in Sydney to become an IB Continuum School. Our aim as a School…

    As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Cranbrook’s approach to Teaching and Learning is informed by pedagogical philosophies espoused by the IB. The IB is a global leader in international education, developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. Their programmes empower students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.

    Annual tuition fees at Cranbrook School range from AUD 10,396 to AUD 56,346, depending on the student’s grade level and program.

    Day school tuition:
    Boarding tuition:
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Summary

Boarding schools in Sydney offer a distinctive blend of rigorous academics, comprehensive personal development, and cultural diversity, all supported by state-of-the-art facilities. These schools not only prepare students for global challenges through a vibrant educational experience but also nurture essential life skills and provide significant networking opportunities, making them a prudent choice for your child's future.