A Bright Future
As Brisbane’s leading secondary school for boys, BGS has been a pioneer in education in Queensland for over 155 years. This transitions seamlessly to our Boarding Program, which has been an integral part of the School since foundation and continues to set a benchmark for excellence in pastoral care and holistic development.
Boys from all over the world can benefit from a BGS education. Boarding provides some of the best experiences in a student's life, as they make lifelong friends and learn to live independently.
BGS offers impressive accommodation in Griffith House (Years 5 to 8) and Harlin House (Years 9 to 12), with each boy enjoying a private, modern room. These facilities provide comfort and space, while still enjoying a family-like community, helping our boarders to thrive.
Regional Boarding Tour
Connect with us on our regional tour and discover what sets Brisbane Grammar School apart. Discover more about our exceptional Boarding program, explore exciting developments, including our newly refurbished boarding facilities, and learn about the innovative STEAM Precinct that is shaping the future of learning at BGS.
Helping Boarders Feel at Home
Our dedicated boarding team supports the boys to adapt to the boarding environment and feel at home. The Senior Residents (Heads of Harlin and Griffith Houses) are supported by a House Mother and dedicated Boarding Tutor team to support the boarders in their BGS journey.
At the heart of the care model is a House Family – a small, mixed-age group led by a Boarding Tutor who is also a teacher at the School. This tutor, along with the House Mother and Heads of House, carefully monitor the progress of each individual and also provides them with a connection point in the day school. We understand that without parents or guardians to coordinate their daily lives, boarders need adult mentors to support them in achieving their goals.
Griffith House – Years 5 to 8
- Griffith House provides boys in Years 5 to 8 with a private space in a light, airy facility. Our Senior Boarding Tutors live alongside the boys, caring for their social, emotional and physical wellbeing, and promoting a family atmosphere.
Harlin House – Years 9 to 12
- Harlin House is home to boys in Years 9 to 12. Individual rooms provide a space to recharge, while social areas foster connection.
Wellbeing and Academic Support
Boarders excel in their studies and cocurricular passions when they feel connected to the school community. We have several enrichment programs designed to provide personalised support to boarders aimed making them feel like they belong and are an integral part of the boarding family, regardless of their diverse backgrounds.
Wellbeing Enrichment Program
Boarders’ wellbeing is supported through meeting their physiological needs amidst engaging in a proactive care approach. Aided by the boarding staff structure, boarders make strong connections with several staff in addition to being engaged in regular wellbeing surveys. The holistic approach to each boy’s diet, exercise and sleep is complemented by boarders’ access to the full suite of school facilities which aides them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
After-school activities tailored to boys of different ages provide another avenue for connection and the fostering of healthy habits. These opportunities include games such as handball, basketball, soccer and touch football for the younger boys, as well as chances for older boys to learn barista skills or improve their resume writing in preparation for university. All boys enjoy recreational activities such as sport, games and outings together on the weekend.
Academic Enrichment Program
The Academic Enrichment program supports boys’ learning through providing 10 hours of Academic Tutor supported study each week. Boarders study in our state-of-the-art STEAM building and are supported by a team of academic tutors and staff.
Boarders leverage the collaborative academic culture that is synonymous with BGS or work closely with available staff as their context demands.
We are committed to offering boys a supportive environment, where each boy is safe and happy, is valued as an individual, and is encouraged to achieve his best.
Kind, Dedicated and Qualified
Our Boarding Team
Boarders are cared for by a qualified and dedicated staff who are experienced in caring for adolescent boys in a residential setting. The boarding tutor team is led by the Senior Residents (Head of Harlin and Head of Griffith House) and further supported by the House Parent.
Outside of school hours, Senior Residents lead the boarding tutor team in affording a high level of care to our boarders. The boarding program is supported by several other key teams including the Activities Tutors, Health Centre, catering, laundry, security and cleaning staff. Collectively these staff strive to create a home away from home for the boarders.
It has been amazing! Despite the inevitable distance and challenges as boarding parents, we have been made to feel we are still an integral and highly involved part of our sons’ lives and education.
I also found incredible kindness and generosity among the day school families.
- Jenny and Doug MacGibbon (Moranbah, QLD)
Dedicated Health Services
Health Centre staff assist in the care and wellbeing of boarding and day boys.
Registered Nurses are available to boarders 24/7 with the Health Centre staffed from 7am-10pm weekdays, alongside weekend morning and evenings.
Within Boarding, the Health Centre advances the wellbeing of students and acts as a liaison between BGS staff, families and healthcare professionals.
National Boarding Standards
BGS Boarding operates to the highest possible standards with strong processes and procedures in place to meet or exceed the requirements of the National Boarding Standards.
Enrolment Options
Full-time Boarding
- BGS Boarding operates seven days a week and the majority of boys are full-time boarders. Most boys choose to stay in on weekends to take advantage of the excellent enrichment program opportunities.
- Arrangements are flexible, and boys can enjoy leave for all or part of weekends. Midweek leave for family dinners or special occasions can also be arranged.
Short-term Boarding
- Short-term boarding places are offered for periods ranging from a week to an entire term.
- During times of intense school commitment, ranging from school plays to preparation for sporting events or significant academic assessments, short-term boarding can be an appealing option for families. Parents travelling overseas may also choose short-term boarding.
Take a Virtual Tour
Brisbane Grammar School offers impressive accommodation in Griffith House (Years 5 to 8) and Harlin House (Years 9 to 12), with each boy enjoying a private, modern room.
