Choosing a boarding school is one of the most significant decisions a family can make, involving considerable emotional and financial investment.
With the Australian Government Department of Education reporting that over 21,000 students were enrolled in boarding schools across Australia in 2023, and with Queensland hosting a significant portion of these students, the options in Brisbane are both plentiful and complex.
Furthermore, the National Boarding School Network highlights that boarding fees, alongside tuition, can represent a major financial commitment, with annual costs often exceeding $30,000 for boarding alone.
This substantial investment, coupled with the profound impact on a child’s wellbeing and academic development, means parents must move beyond glossy brochures and impressive campuses.
A school tour is your most valuable opportunity to look behind the marketing and assess the true substance of a school’s offering.
To ensure you gather the critical information needed, here are the 7 essential questions every parent must ask on a Brisbane boarding school tour.
A well-prepared list of inquiries will help you gauge whether the school’s philosophy, culture, and practicalities align with your child’s needs and your family’s values.
Here are seven crucial questions every parent must ask on a Brisbane boarding school tour.
1. “Can we speak with current boarders without a staff member present?”
This is perhaps the most revealing question you can ask. While tours led by staff are invaluable, the unfiltered perspective of students is irreplaceable. Listen carefully to their language. Do they sound genuinely happy, engaged, and proud of their community? Ask them what they would change if they could, what their favourite weekend activity is, and how the staff handle homesickness. Their candid responses will tell you more about the school’s culture than any mission statement. At schools like Somerville House, known for its strong sisterhood, asking a current boarder about the relationships between year levels can provide powerful insight into the real-world application of that community spirit.
2. “What is the specific ratio of academic staff to boarders, and what are their qualifications?”
Supervision is about more than just headcount. You need to understand the quality and role of the boarding staff. Are they also teachers at the school, which can help integrate academic and pastoral care? Or are they dedicated boarding professionals? Ask about their training in adolescent mental health first aid, conflict resolution, and leadership. A low student-to-staff ratio is ideal, but qualified, engaged, and emotionally intelligent staff are paramount.
3. “How does the school proactively manage digital wellness and device usage?”
The online world is a central part of a teenager’s life, but in a boarding context, it requires careful management. Don’t just accept “we have rules.” Ask for specifics: Are phones collected at night? What are the policies on social media use during study hours? How does the school educate students about cyber safety, digital footprints, and maintaining a healthy balance? A robust digital policy protects your child’s sleep, study time, and mental well-being.
4. “Can you walk us through a typical weekend programme?”
Academic excellence is often a given at top schools; the differentiating factor is often how they engage students outside of classroom hours. A vibrant weekend programme is essential for preventing boredom and homesickness. Look for a balance of structured activities (excursions to South Bank, beaches, or sporting events) and unstructured downtime. Ask if activities are mandatory and how they cater to diverse interests, from the sporty to the artistic.
5. “How is communication between the house parents, academic teachers, and parents facilitated?”
Seamless communication is critical for catching issues early. Ask for a clear example of how the school would handle a scenario where a student’s grades begin to slip or if they seem withdrawn. Is there a dedicated portal or regular update emails? How quickly can you expect a response if you email your child’s house parent? Understanding these channels ensures you remain a partnered and informed part of your child’s support network.
6. “What specific strategies and support systems are in place for managing homesickness?”
Every child experiences homesickness at some point; it’s not a question of if but when. A good boarding school will normalise this and have a proactive, multi-layered strategy to support students. This includes training staff to identify signs, fostering buddy systems with older students, creating comfortable spaces for students to connect with family, and organising engaging distractions. The answer to this question will reveal the school’s empathy and practical care approach.
7. “What is the school’s philosophy on building independence and leadership within the boarding house?”
The end goal of boarding is to prepare resilient, independent young adults ready for the world. Ask how this is intentionally cultivated. Are there leadership roles for senior boarders? How are students given increasing responsibility for managing their time, belongings, and commitments? For example, a school like Somerville House might highlight its student-led committees or mentorship programs where senior girls guide younger boarders, explicitly building leadership skills that align with its ethos of empowering young women.
A school tour is your best opportunity to look behind the curtain. By asking these detailed, thoughtful questions, you shift from a passive observer to an active investigator. The answers you receive will provide a clear, honest picture of where your child will not only be educated but will truly live, grow, and thrive.