Boarding FAQs
Your questions answered
Choosing the right Boarding school for your daughter is a significant decision, and you probably have many questions. Boarding at Pymble Ladies’ College is always best experienced in person, with a guided tour. In the meantime, we have answered the most-frequently asked questions below. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, please reach out directly to our friendly Enrolments team, who will be happy to help.
Getting started
Who can board at Pymble?
Boarding is available to girls in Years 7 to 12. We welcome students from regional, rural and remote Australia as well as international students. Day students who wish to transition to Boarding are also welcome to enquire about availability.
How do I apply for Boarding?
Boarding applications follow the same process as general enrolment. We recommend applying early, as Boarding places are in high demand. Please visit our Enrolments page or contact our Enrolments team to begin the process.
Can my daughter start Boarding partway through the year?
Yes, subject to availability. Mid-year Boarding entry is possible and our Boarding team will work with your family to ensure a smooth transition. Please contact us to discuss your daughter’s situation.
What is the orientation process?
All new Boarders are invited to attend a sleepover in the term prior to entry, giving them a chance to meet their housemates and experience the rhythm of Boarding life before the year begins. An orientation weekend at the start of the year welcomes the whole family and gives parents the opportunity to meet Boarding staff and other families.
Daily life
What does a typical day look like?
Boarders follow a structured daily routine that balances academic time, co-curricular activities, meals and social life. Mornings begin with breakfast before the school day, and evenings include a supervised study period, dinner and time to relax with housemates. Weekends offer a mix of social activities, excursions and downtime.
Which meals are provided?
All meals are provided for Boarders, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend meals. Our catering team prepares nutritious, varied menus that cater for all dietary requirements and allergies. Please advise the Boarding team of any specific dietary needs prior to your daughter’s arrival.
Can Boarders participate in co-curricular activities?
Absolutely. Boarders are strongly encouraged to participate in the full range of Pymble‘s 55 co-curricular programs, including sport, music, drama, dance and more. Boarding staff will work with your daughter to build a personal co-curricular program that fits her interests and timetable.
How do Boarders get around Sydney?
Your daughter has access to Sydney’s public transport network and are supported by house staff for planned excursions. Permission requirements for independent travel vary by year level. Boarding staff co-ordinate regular group outings throughout the term.
What technology can my daughter use in the Boarding House?
Pymble has a thoughtful approach to technology in the Boarding environment, including the Pymble Wise Phone Initiative which prevents younger students from accessing social media apps and internet browsers on their phones. Boarders have access to devices for academic purposes, and the use of personal devices in common areas and bedrooms is managed in accordance with College guidelines. Full details are provided to families prior to enrolment.
What can my daughter bring to Boarding?
A detailed list of what to bring and what is provided is shared with all new Boarding families before the start of the year. Rooms are furnished, and your daughter is encouraged to personalise her space with photographs and personal items to make it feel like home.
Wellbeing and support
How is my daughter's wellbeing supported?
The wellbeing of your daughter is our highest priority. Each house has a dedicated team of trained residential staff who know every girl personally and are available around-the-clock. Our onsite Health and Wellbeing Centre has a permanent team of registered nurses and psychological services staff, and regular visits from a GP and physiotherapists. School Counsellors are also available to support Boarders through any emotional or personal challenges.
What happens if my daughter is unwell?
Our onsite Health and Wellbeing Centre is staffed by a permanent team of registered nurses available to all Boarders. If your daughter is unwell, she will be cared for by our nursing staff and, if needed, arrangements will be made for a GP appointment on campus. Parents are always notified in this instance. For more serious situations, emergency services or specialist care will be arranged immediately.
How do you support new Boarders who are feeling homesick?
Homesickness is a normal part of the transition to Boarding, and our staff are experienced in supporting our students through this. New Boarders are paired with a House Buddy, and our residential staff will also check-in on new Boarders regularly. We encourage open communication between students, staff and families so that any homesickness is addressed promptly and with care.
How do you manage the Year 7 transition?
Year 7 Boarders live in Avonmoore House, which provides a dedicated and intimate environment specifically designed for our youngest Boarders. A sleepover and orientation activities prior to the start of the year will help your daughter feel comfortable before she commences. Our experienced staff are trained to support the emotional and social development of younger students during this important transition.
Fees and enrolment
What are the Boarding fees?
Boarding fees are in addition to tuition fees and cover accommodation, all meals and access to Boarding programs and facilities. A full fee schedule is available here.
Are Boarding scholarships available?
Yes. Pymble offers several Boarding scholarships for eligible students, including the Evonne Goolagong-Cawley First Nations Scholarship in partnership with the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation, and the Alanda Clark, Jane Gay and Prudence Papworth Boarding Scholarship. Please visit our scholarships page or contact the Enrolments team for current availability and application details.
How far in advance should we apply?
As soon as possible. Boarding places are limited and in high demand, particularly for Year 7 entry. We encourage families to begin the enrolment process early to secure a place for your daughter.
Who do I contact to find out more?
Our Enrolments team is always happy to answer questions and support your family through the decision-making process. Please contact us by phone or email and we will arrange a time to speak with you.
