NewsBite

FULL LIST: Qld’s boarding schools ranked from most to least expensive

With more than 40 in Queensland, search every boarding school in Queensland from the most to least expensive and see everything on offer.

Queensland government withholding 'clarification' on student border exemptions

Queensland is home to more than 40 different boarding schools, from big city schools to regional facilities from Toowoomba to Townsville.

While some top the list academically in the state, they can also come with a hefty price tag.

With costs ranging from around $20,000 to nearly $70,000 per annum in tuition and boarding fees, finding the right one requires attention and careful planning.

Using available and current information from each boarding school’s 2024 Schedule of Fees, take a look at the total annual costs of Queensland’s boarding schools.

The following are based on tuition, boarding, compulsory levies and application fees for a full-time domestic Year 7 boarding student.

1. Brisbane Grammar School

Brisbane Grammar School was founded in 1868. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning
Brisbane Grammar School was founded in 1868. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning
Brisbane Grammar School offers full-time, short-term and occasional boarding for its students.
Brisbane Grammar School offers full-time, short-term and occasional boarding for its students.

Type of School: Non-denominational, all-boys

Suburb: Spring Hill, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $69,790

Cost breakdown:

  • Tuition fees: $32,760
  • Boarding fees: $32,180
  • Confirmation fee: $2850
  • Technology package levy: $1420
  • Application fee: $550

One of the state’s top schools, Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) houses boys from Years five to 12 and recently underwent a $5 million redevelopment to improve its individual and modern rooms for its students.

Discounts are also available for students who pay their annual boarding and tuition fees in full at the start of the school year, and those who have siblings attending the school at the same time.

The new STEAM Precinct at Brisbane Grammar School was officially opened on Friday, February 23. Picture: Supplied.
The new STEAM Precinct at Brisbane Grammar School was officially opened on Friday, February 23. Picture: Supplied.

BGS also recently opened a $70m STEAM precinct, a new science building with hi-tech equipment, 15 laboratory spaces, a 300-seat auditorium and classrooms.

2. Brisbane Boys’ College

Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong was founded in 1902 and has more than 1500 students. Picture: Chris McCormack.
Brisbane Boys’ College in Toowong was founded in 1902 and has more than 1500 students. Picture: Chris McCormack.
Brisbane Boys College boarding students have access to a number of recreational, cultural and wellbeing programs.
Brisbane Boys College boarding students have access to a number of recreational, cultural and wellbeing programs.

Type of school: Uniting & Presbyterian Church, all-boys

Suburb: Toowong, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $67,564

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $32,460
  • Tuition fees: $29,436
  • Confirmation fee: $2250
  • Campus development levy (per family): $1480
  • Technology levy: $1388
  • Application fee: $550

Brisbane Boys College’s (BBC) Rudd House has been boarding students since 1909, providing boarding facilities for 150 students from Years seven to 12.

Students are provided their own private living and study area, as well as common rooms with Foxtel enabled TVs, board games, table tennis and daily prepped meals.

A 10 per cent sibling discount on tuition fees is applicable for those who have siblings attending BBC at the same time, or attend Somerville House, Clayfield College and Sunshine Coast Grammar School.

3. Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie)

Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) School also provides boarding students with modern dining in the historic School House building.
Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) School also provides boarding students with modern dining in the historic School House building.

Type of school: Anglican, all-boys

Suburb: East Brisbane

Cost per annum: $62,043

Cost breakdown:

  • Tuition fees: $29,176
  • Boarding fees: $27,912
  • Confirmation fee: $1875
  • Building fund levy: $1000
  • Technology levy: $995
  • Application fee: $530
  • Outdoor education levy: $335
  • Book rental levy: $220

Anglican Church ‘Churchie’ Grammar School offers modern and purpose-built boarding facilities, including two main residences, Goodwin and Gerald House, as well as an additional Year seven centre.

Churchie’s Senior School comprises of approximately 1300 students and 150 boarders who are provided with individual rooms, common spaces, study areas and access to the 22-hectare campus and the school’s sporting, recreation and learning facilities.

4. Somerville House

Somerville House has easy access to South Bank Parklands, the QPAC, the Queensland State Library and the Botanical Gardens.
Somerville House has easy access to South Bank Parklands, the QPAC, the Queensland State Library and the Botanical Gardens.
Somerville House also provides its own Boarders’ Library where students can borrow books for private reading time. Picture: Contributed
Somerville House also provides its own Boarders’ Library where students can borrow books for private reading time. Picture: Contributed

Type of school: Uniting & Presbyterian Church, all-girls

Suburb: South Brisbane

Cost per annum: $58,250

Cost breakdown:

  • Tuition fees: $28,500 (includes laptop)
  • Boarding fees: $28,200
  • Enrolment fee: $1200
  • Registration fee: $350

One of Queensland’s top performing schools, Somerville House is a prep to Year 12 all-girls school, that offers boarding for 93 students across Years six to 12.

With modern facilities, shared leisure spaces, supervised study spaces and soundproof music practice areas, Somerville House has three main residences for boarders, including a seniors only McDougall Hall.

Somerville House offers a 2.5 per cent discount for upfront annual payments of boarding and tuition fees, as well as a 10 per cent discount for families who have an older sibling attending a PMSA school.

Uniforms, stationery, camps, special excursions and non-compulsory subject-related items are charged on an individual basis and separate to tuition fees.

5. St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

St Margaret's Anglican Girls School offers boarding to approximately 185 girls, offering both dormitories and private rooms depending on year level. Picture: St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
St Margaret's Anglican Girls School offers boarding to approximately 185 girls, offering both dormitories and private rooms depending on year level. Picture: St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
St Margaret's Anglican Girls School offers boarding to approximately 185 girls, offering both dormitories and private rooms depending on year level. Picture: St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
St Margaret's Anglican Girls School offers boarding to approximately 185 girls, offering both dormitories and private rooms depending on year level. Picture: St Margaret's Anglican Girls School

Type of school: Anglican, all-girls

Suburb: Ascot, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $56,935

Cost breakdown:

  • Tuition fees: $29,036
  • Boarding fees: $26,109
  • Confirmation fee: $1250
  • Application fee: $250
  • Boarder transport levy: $180
  • Boarder support group levy: $110

Boarding approximately 185 girls, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School offers its students a number of amenities, including access to the school’s main pool and tennis courts, year level common areas, a boarding house reception and a staffed health centre.

Sibling discounts from five to 15 per cent off tuition fees apply for students with one or more siblings at the school, as well as a tuition fee discount of 1.5 per cent for those we pay their annual fees upfront.

Tuition fees at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School covers all compulsory activities including QGSSSA sport, technology, year level camps and class excursions.

Fees do not cover textbooks, stationery, co-curricular sporting camps and tours, Global Exchange and private lessons.

6. St Peters Lutheran College

St Peters Lutheran College boarding students have access to the College’s first-class sport, music and academic facilities.
St Peters Lutheran College boarding students have access to the College’s first-class sport, music and academic facilities.

Type of school: Lutheran, coeducational

Suburb: Indooroopilly, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $52,598

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $28,532
  • Tuition fees: $21,884
  • Confirmation fee: $1250
  • Application processing fee: $300
  • Technology levy: $132

Offering full-time, weekly, short-term and overnight boarding, St Peters Lutheran College has been boarding students since 1945 and now provides 150 students from Years six to 12 with accommodation.

St Peters has four recently refurbished boarding houses, two male and two female, and includes pastoral care facilities, daily supervised study sessions, an on-site medical clinic and diverse catering options.

Boarding fees include laundry service and all meals and does not include books, uniforms and extra student activities, including year level camps, boarder camps, excursions, tours and cocurricular activities are separate to boarding and tuition fees.

Discounts on tuition fees are available with sibling concessions from 10 to 20 per cent for multiple boarding siblings, as well as a 2.5 per cent discount for full upfront annual fee payment.

7. Clayfield College

Clayfield College is a boutique school, just north of Brisbane city in the suburb of Clayfield. Picture: David Clark
Clayfield College is a boutique school, just north of Brisbane city in the suburb of Clayfield. Picture: David Clark

Type of school: Uniting & Presbyterian Church, coeducational

Suburb: Clayfield, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $51,411

Cost breakdown: 

  • Tuition fees: $25,236
  • Boarding fees: $24,900
  • Enrolment acceptance fee: $1000
  • Enrolment registration fee: $275

Recently transitioning from all-girls to co-ed, Clayfield College currently offers boarding for girls from Years seven to 12 and boys from Years seven to eight.

Clayfield offers a number of facilities, such as common rooms, specialist tutoring, nutritious meals, a daily laundry service, a physical education centre and a resident psychologist and nurse.

Tuition and boarding fees include lockers, food, accommodation, laundry, staff services and camp levies, but does not include some extra-curricular charges and special excursions.

A tuition discount of 15 per cent is available for each additional sibling at Clayfield College or 10 per cent where an older sibling attends another PMSA school.

8. Stuartholme School

Stuartholme School in Toowong was founded in 1920 and focuses on blending tradition and technology, spirit and spirituality. Picture: Liam Kidston
Stuartholme School in Toowong was founded in 1920 and focuses on blending tradition and technology, spirit and spirituality. Picture: Liam Kidston
Stuartholme School caters to 700 students total, from Years five to 12.
Stuartholme School caters to 700 students total, from Years five to 12.

Type of school: Catholic, all-girls

Suburb: Toowong, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $50,770

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $26,430
  • Tuition fees: $22,990
  • Enrolment acceptance fee: $1100
  • Application fee: $250

Offering both full-time, term-time and short term boarding for 130 students, Stuartholme School provides a range of facilities for its boarders including an individual space with a bed, wardrobe and study, separate junior and senior common rooms and access to the school’s library, art department, pool and tennis courts.

In 2020 and 2021, the prestigious school underwent a $6 million redevelopment of the Boarding House including a refurbishment of the bathrooms, common spaces and dormitories.

Fees cover textbooks, technology licences, year level camps, retreats, compulsory in-class excursions and class photo packs but does not include other costs including stationery, laptops, camps and co-curricular activities.

Sibling discounts are available from 10 to 25 per cent for parents and guardians with multiple daughters attending the school.

9. Toowoomba Grammar School

Toowoomba Grammar School houses approximately 300 boarding students across its five boarding houses.
Toowoomba Grammar School houses approximately 300 boarding students across its five boarding houses.

Type of school: Non-denominational, all-boys

Suburb: East Toowoomba

Cost per annum: $50,210

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $26,995
  • Tuition fees: $19,475
  • Compulsory general purpose levy: $2035
  • Enrolment fee: $1535
  • Application fee: $170

Boarding since 1877, Toowoomba Grammar School is an all-boys private school that offers its boarders a 24/7 on-site health centre, specialist tutors, regular BBQs, individual private spaces and common areas across its five main boarding houses.

Housing approximately 300 students, Toowoomba Grammar School offers full-time boarding for just over $50,000, which includes a compulsory general purpose levy that covers items such as a school provided laptop, a diary, student accident insurance, school camps and sport.

10. The Southport School

The Southport School offers tailored evening programs including one-on-one tutoring with TSS Old Boys.
The Southport School offers tailored evening programs including one-on-one tutoring with TSS Old Boys.
The Southport School is one of the largest boarding facilities in the country. Picture: The Southport School
The Southport School is one of the largest boarding facilities in the country. Picture: The Southport School

Type of school: Anglican, all-boys

Suburb: Southport, Gold Coast

Cost per annum: $50,060

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $24,288
  • Tuition fees: $23,772
  • Enrolment fee: $1750
  • Application fee: $250

Queensland’s largest boarding facility, The Southport School on the Gold Coast offers boarding facilities for more than 300 students, boasting a 24/7 on-campus health centre, and five boarding houses with dormitory style accommodation for Years eight to 10 and private rooms for Years 11 to 12.

The Southport School does not charge additional levies, with tuition fees including sporting events, outdoor education camps, curriculum activities and transport.

Activities such as additional tours, holiday sports camps and individual music lessons come at an additional cost.

Sibling discounts are also available at 15 per cent off tuition for third and subsequent siblings.

11. St Joseph’s Nudgee College

St Joseph's Nudgee College in Boondall houses 330 boys across its Bathersby Boarding Village. Picture: St Joseph's Nudgee College
St Joseph's Nudgee College in Boondall houses 330 boys across its Bathersby Boarding Village. Picture: St Joseph's Nudgee College
St Joseph's Nudgee College in Boondall houses 330 boys across its Bathersby Boarding Village. Picture: St Joseph's Nudgee College
St Joseph's Nudgee College in Boondall houses 330 boys across its Bathersby Boarding Village. Picture: St Joseph's Nudgee College

Type of school: Catholic, all-boys

Suburb: Boondall, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $49,560

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $27,170
  • Tuition fees: $20,340
  • Enrolment fee: $1000
  • Master plan levy (per family: $800
  • Enrolment application fee: $250

St Joseph’s Nudgee College is home to the 330-person boarding house ‘Bathersby Boarding Village’, a four-in-one complex which includes a private courtyard, common rooms, kitchen, individual student rooms, vertical gardens and an on-campus health centre.

Tuition and boarding fees are inclusive of sports, athletics, art workshops and college band programs as well as meals and accommodation.

A sibling discount of up to 20 per cent is also available towards tuition and boarding fees.

The master plan levy is a compulsory payment that helps support the refurbishment and development of existing college buildings and facilities.

12. St Hilda’s School

St Hilda’s School in Southport offers its boarding students extensive activities including nature walks, beach trips, bike riding and rock climbing.
St Hilda’s School in Southport offers its boarding students extensive activities including nature walks, beach trips, bike riding and rock climbing.

Type of school: Anglican, all-girls

Suburb: Southport, Gold Coast

Cost per annum: $48,443

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $24,138
  • Tuition fees: $22,695
  • Enrolment confirmation fee: $1500
  • Enrolment application fee: $110

Boarding girls since 1906, St Hilda’s recently underwent a $4.9m redevelopment of their boarding house in 2019 and 2020, providing its all-female students modern facilities, including an indoor gym, breakout spaces, lounge rooms, soundproof music rooms and cooking facilities.

Tuition fees are inclusive of academic and co-curricular programs, excursions, sport and associated travel, but do not include textbooks, uniforms and rowing camps.

A sibling discount of 15 per cent on tuition fees for the third child and 50 per cent for subsequent children is also available.

13. Fairholme College

Boarders arrive at Fairholme College for the start of new school year. Year 7 boarder Regina Lethbridge, her mum Belinda Lethbridge from Western Australia with Regina's Year 12 buddy, Chloe Brazel.
Boarders arrive at Fairholme College for the start of new school year. Year 7 boarder Regina Lethbridge, her mum Belinda Lethbridge from Western Australia with Regina's Year 12 buddy, Chloe Brazel.

Type of school: Presbyterian, all-girls

Suburb: Toowoomba City

Cost per annum: $44,990

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $25,500
  • Tuition fees: $16,890
  • Compulsory general purpose levy: $960
  • Capital levy (per family): $780
  • Enrolment confirmation fee: $750
  • Enrolment application fee: $110

One of the largest boarding schools in the country, Fairholme College in Toowoomba is home to 220 girls and staff in its boarding facility, making up more than one third of the student body.

Boarding and tuition fees cover food, healthcare, laundry, camps, a school provided laptop and academic excursions, as well as accommodation in its fully-refurbished and modern Fairholme Boarding House.

Family discounts are applicable with a five per cent discount for the second child, 10 per cent for third and 15 per cent for fourth and any subsequent children.

14. Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School

Cribb House at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School includes a dining hall, led by a qualified chef and overseen by a nutritionist.
Cribb House at Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School includes a dining hall, led by a qualified chef and overseen by a nutritionist.
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School encourages its students to be independent and self-reliant, asking boarders to do their own washing and contribute to weekly chores. Picture: Jono Searle
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School encourages its students to be independent and self-reliant, asking boarders to do their own washing and contribute to weekly chores. Picture: Jono Searle

Type of school: Non-denominational, all-girls

Suburb: Ipswich

Cost per annum: $43,200

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $23,560
  • Tuition fees: $17,180
  • IT levy: $800
  • Enrolment confirmation fee: $500
  • Capital levy: $300
  • Enrolment application fee: $110

Offering casual, weekly and full-time on-site boarding for Years seven to 12, Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School’s recently renovated Cribb House boarding facility includes five wings with its own bathroom, laundry and common room.

Sibling discounts apply at five per cent for a second child, 10 per cent for third and subsequent children, plus 2.5 per cent for families who also have boys at brother school, Ipswich Grammar School.

A five per cent discount is also applicable for those who pay annual fees in full upfront.

15. Marist College Ashgrove

Marist College Ashgrove was founded in 1940 and houses approximately 170 boarders. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Marist College Ashgrove was founded in 1940 and houses approximately 170 boarders. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Marist College in Ashgrove also offers sibling discounts of up to 40 per cent for its boarding students.
Marist College in Ashgrove also offers sibling discounts of up to 40 per cent for its boarding students.

Type of school: Catholic, all-boys

Suburb: Ashgrove, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $41,390

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $24,380
  • Tuition fees: $13,790
  • Technology levy: $1380
  • Acceptance fee: $1000
  • Maintenance levy (per family): $690
  • Application fee: $150

Brisbane’s only Catholic boys’ day and boarding school in the Marist tradition, Marist College in Ashgrove offers boarding for Years six to 12 and provides one-on-one tutoring support, pastoral care and extensive sporting facilities, including use of the school’s Olympic swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts and basketball courts.

Marist College also offers a health centre with physiotherapy services, dining hall meals, weekly Mass, Saturday sport and extra-curricular activities such as laser tag and trips to the beach.

A 2.5 per cent discount applies on the tuition fee if fees for the year are paid in full.

Sibling discounts are also applicable to both boarding and tuition fees, with 15 per cent discount for a second sibling, 30 per cent for a third, and 40 per cent for a fourth boarding sibling, regardless if they are a current or past boarding student.

16. Ipswich Grammar School

Ipswich Grammar School offers full, weekly and selective boarding.
Ipswich Grammar School offers full, weekly and selective boarding.
Ipswich Grammar School is one of nine members of the GPS (Greater Public School) system and consistently performs as a top 10 Queensland school in academic results.
Ipswich Grammar School is one of nine members of the GPS (Greater Public School) system and consistently performs as a top 10 Queensland school in academic results.

Type of school: Non-denominational, all-boys

Suburb: Ipswich

Cost per annum: $40,036

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $23,220
  • Tuition fees: $14,752
  • Enrolment confirmation fee: $750
  • Technology levy: $624
  • Capital levy: $540
  • Enrolment application fee: $150

Offering boarding for Years seven to 12, Ipswich Grammar School is Queensland’s oldest Grammar School and provides its boarders with a range of activities and facilities including theme park visits, beach trips, and an on-site gym, pool and pet dog, Broxy the boarding dog.

Tuition fees include camps, excursions and extra-curricular activity buses but does not include additional items such as textbooks, stationery, uniforms, and private tutoring.

A capital levy is charged at $180 per term per family over three terms and supports the capital works program of the school.

17. John Paul College

John Paul College, Daisy Hill.
John Paul College, Daisy Hill.

Type of school: Christian Ecumenism, co-educational

Suburb: Daisy Hill, Logan

Cost per annum: $40,015

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fee: $22,300
  • Tuition fees: $16,490
  • Accommodation placement fee: $550
  • Confirmation fee: $500
  • Application fee: $175

Situated in Daisy Hill in Logan City, John Paul College (JPC) is one of the state’s largest independent K-12 co-educational boarding colleges with nearly 2000 students.

JPC opened its boarding village in 2015 offering ‘twenty-first-century boarding lifestyle’ with villa accomodation, vegetable gardens and contemporary buildings.

18. Toowoomba Anglican School

Toowoomba Anglican School is one of the only schools in the country to offer boarding from Years one to 12.
Toowoomba Anglican School is one of the only schools in the country to offer boarding from Years one to 12.

Type of school: Anglican, coeducational

Suburb: East Toowoomba

Cost per annum: $39,292

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $22,912
  • Tuition fees: $13,435
  • General purpose levy: $1695
  • Boarder levy: $600
  • Enrolment fee: $500
  • Application fee: $150

Australia’s only coeducational school offering boarding from Years one to 12, Toowoomba Anglican School has been named Boarding School of the Year twice in 2020 and 2021 by the Australian Education Awards.

With three boarding houses split by gender and years, Toowoomba Anglican School has implemented a family fee cap on tuition costs of $31,012 per family per year.

Fees such as the general purpose levy includes excursions, incursions, art supplies, sports, sport transport, socials, camps and computer programs.

A three per cent upfront discount is applicable on tuition fees if full payment of the tuition fees and general purpose levy is paid by the start of the year.

19. Townsville Grammar School

Townsville Grammar School has a student population of 1350 from pre-prep to Year 12.
Townsville Grammar School has a student population of 1350 from pre-prep to Year 12.

Type of school: Non-denominational, coeducational

Suburb: Townsville City

Cost per annum: $39,283

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $22,848
  • Tuition fees: $15,360
  • General purpose levy: $400
  • Confirmation fee: $350
  • Technology levy: $175
  • Enrolment fee: $150

Townsville Grammar School offers coeducational boarding for Years seven to 12 which includes an on-site health centre, structured tutoring programs, as well as access to the school’s netball courts, sports fields, a gym and 50-metre pool.

Sibling discounts apply at 10 per cent for second child, 25 per cent for third and 50 per cent for the fourth and subsequent child attending the school concurrently.

A 2.5 per cent discount is also applicable if tuition fees are paid in full in advance of the due date.

20. Whitsunday Anglican School

Whitsunday Anglican School is the only boarding school in the Mackay area and offers specialist classrooms and spaces for STEM, art and music.
Whitsunday Anglican School is the only boarding school in the Mackay area and offers specialist classrooms and spaces for STEM, art and music.

Type of school: Anglican, coeducational

Suburb: Beaconsfield, Mackay

Cost per annum: $38,686

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $24,657
  • Tuition fees: $11,017
  • Curriculum levies: $1826
  • Enrolment boarding confirmation fee: $1065
  • Enrolment application fee: $121

Offering places for up to 78 boarders from Years six to 12, Whitsunday Anglican School is the only boarding school in Mackay, providing its students with airconditioned rooms, each with a ceiling fan, bed, desk, wardrobe and pinboard.

Girls and boys have separate sleeping and personal amenities, with all senior students provided their own room and separate common area.

Sibling discounts of 10 per cent for a second child, 20 per cent for a third child and 50 per cent for a fourth and/or any subsequent child apply.

21. The Glennie School

Josephine Crothers and Ruby Dyer at The Glennie School, Toowoomba. Picture: Richard Walker
Josephine Crothers and Ruby Dyer at The Glennie School, Toowoomba. Picture: Richard Walker

Type of school: Anglican, all-girls

Suburb: Newtown, Toowoomba

Cost per annum: $37,640

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $22,394
  • Tuition fees: $12,466
  • Compulsory comprehensive fee: $2080
  • Enrolment fee: $550
  • Application fee: $150

The Glennie School in Toowoomba offers boarding across three houses, with students provided living spaces based on year level, with Year 12 students provided their own private room with bed, study, storage and airconditioning.

With access to Glennie’s many facilities, including the Glennie Aquatics and Sports Centres, Glennie’s compulsory comprehensive fee includes the costs of co-curricular programs, excursions, choirs, bands, in-school sport and associated travel.

Sibling discounts are available for those with multiple children at the school, from 10 per cent to 50 per cent discounts available for tuition fees and five per cent to 10 per cent discounts available for boarding fees.

Textbooks, uniforms and private tuition come at an additional cost.

22. SCOTS PGC College

Scots PGC College in Warwick has a student population of 450, including 180 boarders. Picture: Georja Ryan
Scots PGC College in Warwick has a student population of 450, including 180 boarders. Picture: Georja Ryan

Type of school: Uniting, coeducational

Suburb: Warwick

Cost per annum: $37,355

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $25,700
  • Tuition fees: $11,355
  • Confirmation fee: $250
  • Application fee: $50

A coeducational boarding school based in Warwick, Scots PGC College provides separate boarding campuses for boys and girls which include airconditioning, study desks and storage.

Both boarding and tuition fees cover the provision of a laptop, bus fares for excursions, co-curricular activities, food, accommodation, boarding activities and health and nursing services.

A family discount is applicable on tuition fees with 10 per cent discount for a second child, 25 per cent for a third and 50 for a fourth and any subsequent children.

23. The Rockhampton Grammar School

Rockhampton Grammar School provides both on and off campus activities for its students, including co-curricular sporting activities and trips to the beach.
Rockhampton Grammar School provides both on and off campus activities for its students, including co-curricular sporting activities and trips to the beach.
The new girls boarding dorms at Rockhampton Grammar School.
The new girls boarding dorms at Rockhampton Grammar School.

Type of school: Non-denominational, coeducational

Suburb: The Range, Rockhampton Cost per annum: $37,316

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $22,608
  • Tuition fees: $12,900
  • Technology levy: $620
  • Capital maintenance levy: $440
  • Confirmation fee: $400
  • Sundry expenses levy: $208
  • Class set levy: $80
  • Application fee: $60

With more than 140 years of boarding experience, The Rockhampton Grammar School is a co-ed, non-denominational school that is home to more than 315 boarders.

Rockhampton Grammar School provides its boarders with a 24/7 health centre, a fully equipped industrial kitchen with qualified chefs, access to the school’s pool, gym and sports facilities, plus a number of activities including formal dinners, movie nights, beach trips and shopping.

Boarding fees include accommodation, meal, laundry and gym costs, but does not include additional costs associated with camps and excursions.

24. Concordia Lutheran College

Concordia Lutheran College is a coeducational boarding establishment with a focus on 'learning in residence'. Picture: Concordia Lutheran College
Concordia Lutheran College is a coeducational boarding establishment with a focus on 'learning in residence'. Picture: Concordia Lutheran College
Concordia Lutheran College is a coeducational boarding establishment with a focus on 'learning in residence'. Picture: Concordia Lutheran College
Concordia Lutheran College is a coeducational boarding establishment with a focus on 'learning in residence'. Picture: Concordia Lutheran College

Type of school: Lutheran, coeducational

Suburb: Harristown, Toowoomba

Cost per annum: $36,752

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $26,350
  • Tuition fees: $9952
  • Enrolment fee: $350
  • Application fee: $100

Offering boarding since 1946, Concordia Lutheran College in Toowoomba is a coeducational boarding school, with separate male and female boarding houses and a coeducational recreational zone positioned between the two.

Concordia Lutheran College also selects two Boarding Captains from the senior cohort each year, acting as leaders to represent boarding students in the College community.

Outdoor education experiences, camps, subject levies and private tuition are not included in tuition fees.

Sibling discounts apply for the tuition and boarding fees with 10 per cent for the second child, 20 per cent for third and 50 per cent for fourth and subsequent children.

25. Downlands College

Downlands College in Toowoomba offers boarding for up to 300 students. Picture: Downlands College
Downlands College in Toowoomba offers boarding for up to 300 students. Picture: Downlands College

Type of school: Catholic, coeducational

Suburb: Harlaxton, Toowoomba

Cost per annum: $36,481

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $21,424
  • Tuition fees: $11,206
  • Information and communications technology levy: $1494
  • Compulsory boarder activities and participation levy: $433
  • Capital levy: $742
  • General purpose levy: $567
  • Acceptance fee: $515
  • Application fee: $100

Fully coeducational since 1993, Downlands College offers up to 300 students with accommodation at their Toowoomba college, with inclusive tuition fees which cover textbooks, stationery, academic excursions, meals, boarding house activities, tutoring and mentoring programs.

Family discounts on tuition fees are available for siblings attending Downlands College simultaneously and range from 10 to 25 per cent.

26. Hills College

Hills International College in Jimboomba
Hills International College in Jimboomba

Type of school: Independent, coeducational

Suburb: Jimboomba, Logan

Cost per annum: $35,545

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $26,362
  • Tuition and resources fees: $8018
  • Capital fund levy: $400
  • Homestay maintenance fee: $350
  • Enrolment confirmation fee: $250
  • Application fee: $110
  • ICT adjustment: $55

Situated in Jimboomba, Hills International College offers boarding facilities for both male and female students, with supervised boarding houses and a homestay program.

Tuition fees include class excursions and incursions, swimming programs, textbooks, stationery, camps and school sports.

Sibling discounts apply for tuition at 10 per cent for second child, 20 per cent for third child and a 100 per cent discount for fourth and subsequent children.

27. St Teresa’s Abergowrie College

St Teresa's College, Abergowrie is an independent Catholic secondary day and boarding school for boys, located about 40 kilometres north west of Ingham. Picture: Townsville Catholic Education
St Teresa's College, Abergowrie is an independent Catholic secondary day and boarding school for boys, located about 40 kilometres north west of Ingham. Picture: Townsville Catholic Education

Type of school: Catholic, all-boys

Suburb: Abergowrie, Hinchinbrook

Cost per annum: $35,217

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $22,401
  • Tuition fees: $12,816

St Teresa’s College offers modern residential facilities to its boarding students, including newly refurbished double occupancy dorms, computer labs, kitchenettes, open common areas, a recreational area with pool tables and table tennis tables, a media room and a 25-metre swimming pool.

The school also has 8:00am to 10:00pm daily internet access, airconditioning and a number of ovals and courts for sporting activities.

28. The Cathedral School

The Cathedral School in Townsville offers coeducational boarding with separate dormitories for boys and girls. Picture: The Cathedral School
The Cathedral School in Townsville offers coeducational boarding with separate dormitories for boys and girls. Picture: The Cathedral School
The Cathedral School in Townsville offers coeducational boarding with separate dormitories for boys and girls. Picture: The Cathedral School
The Cathedral School in Townsville offers coeducational boarding with separate dormitories for boys and girls. Picture: The Cathedral School

Type of school: Anglican, coeducational

Suburb: Mundingburra, Townsville

Cost per annum: $35,050

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $21,500
  • Tuition fees: $13,150
  • Confirmation fee: $100
  • Acceptance fee: $300

Situated in Townsville, The Cathedral School offers its students a range of high-standard facilities, including airconditioned dorms with desks, private rooms for senior students, laundry facilities, home-cooked meals three times a day and separate boys and girls dormitories that recently underwent an $8m refurbishment.

Sibling discounts apply for 20 per cent for second child, 25 per cent for third child and 50 per cent for fourth and subsequent children for tuition fees.

The Cathedral School also offers a family maximum tuition fee cap set at $26,920 per annum.

29. St John’s Anglican College

St John's Anglican College offers its students both boarding and homestay options. Picture: St John's Anglican College
St John's Anglican College offers its students both boarding and homestay options. Picture: St John's Anglican College
St John's Anglican College offers its students both boarding and homestay options. Picture: St John's Anglican College
St John's Anglican College offers its students both boarding and homestay options. Picture: St John's Anglican College

Type of school: Anglican, coeducational

Suburb: Forest Lake, Brisbane

Cost per annum: $32,340

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $16,952
  • Tuition fees: $12,084
  • IT levy: $1140
  • Enrolment confirmation fee: $600
  • Camp levy: $450
  • General levy: $380
  • Private boarding placement fee: $290
  • Music levy: $224
  • Registration fee: $220

Offering boarding for students in Years six to 12, St John’s Home Boarding program offers both private boarding or homestays, providing students with their own bedroom, desk, wardrobe and three meals a day.

Tuition fees include pastoral care, compulsory incursions and excursions, sporting facilities and careers counselling.

Uniforms, elective programs, photos and school-based apprenticeships are not included.

Sibling discounts from 5 per cent to up to 50 per cent are also applicable on tuition fees.

30. St Augustine’s College

St Augustine's College provides its male students with a number of modern facilities in its boarding house, with senior students provided with their own private room. Picture: St Augustine's College
St Augustine's College provides its male students with a number of modern facilities in its boarding house, with senior students provided with their own private room. Picture: St Augustine's College

Type of school: Catholic, all-boys

Suburb: Parramatta Park, Cairns

Cost per annum: $31,672

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $23,895
  • Tuition fees: $6977
  • Boarder enrolment confirmation deposit: $500
  • Day school enrolment acceptance fee: $200
  • Enrolment application fee: $100

Offering both weekly and full-time boarding options, St Augustine’s in Cairns has been providing boarding for its students since 1930.

Living across four residences, the boarding houses include recreational and TV areas, a private study space, airconditioning and Wi-Fi, as well as Sunday Mass in the College chapel.

Family discounts apply to families that have other children currently attending Catholic schools in the Cairns Diocese.

31. Rockhampton Girls Grammar School

Rockhampton Girls Grammar School
Rockhampton Girls Grammar School

Type of school: Non-denominational, all-girls

Suburb: Rockhampton City

Cost per annum: $31,525

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $20,125
  • Tuition fees: $10,990
  • Confirmation fee: $345
  • Application fee: $65

Providing a range of flexible boarding options, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School offers boarding for Years six to 12 and includes a number of recreational trips and activities, including weekly bus trips to Stockland and Sunday trips to the beach.

Sibling discounts apply to tuition fees only and are 10 per cent for a second child, 20 per cent for a third child, 33 per cent for a fourth and 50 per cent for a fifth.

Other charges include textbooks, school uniforms, stationery and some excursions, with annual camps ranging from $50 to $400.

32. Peace Lutheran College

Peace Lutheran College Picture: Brian Cassey
Peace Lutheran College Picture: Brian Cassey

Type of school: Lutheran, coeducational

Suburb: Kamerunga, Cairns

Cost per annum: $30,635

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $22,900
  • Tuition fees: $7280
  • Enrolment deposit: $400
  • Application fee: $55

Offering coeducational boarding, Peace Lutheran College in Cairns is home to four boarding houses, two houses for boys and two houses for girls, providing accommodation for 82 students.

Across the four houses, the College offers a dining hall, an airconditioned recreation centre with a pool table and video game consoles, plus a wide range of catering options, including a boarders kitchen that students can use for their own cooking.

Family concessions are available on tuition fees at 20 per cent for second child, 40 per cent for third child and 60 per cent for fourth or subsequent children.

School uniforms, textbooks, stationery and devices are not included in fees, but does include school excursions and extra-curricular activity costs.

33. Mount St Bernard College

Mount St Bernard College, Herberton.
Mount St Bernard College, Herberton.

Type of school: Catholic, coeducational

Suburb: Herberton, Atherton Tablelands

Cost per annum: $29,694

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $26,265
  • Tuition fees: $2644
  • Building levy: $620
  • P & F levy: $165

Accommodating 170 boarders, Mount St Bernard College provides both weekly and full time boarding and includes a range of facilities including basketball and netball courts, a climbing wall, music rooms, art rooms and a gym.

Camps, excursions and year level subject levies come at an additional cost to boarding and tuition fees.

Discounts are available for students with siblings at other Cairns Diocese Catholic schools.

34. Saint Patrick’s College

St Patrick's College in Townsville is an all-girls boarding facility located near the beachfront at The Strand in Townsville. Picture: St Patrick's Townsville
St Patrick's College in Townsville is an all-girls boarding facility located near the beachfront at The Strand in Townsville. Picture: St Patrick's Townsville

Type of school: Catholic, all-girls

Suburb: Townsville City

Cost per annum: $29,220

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $23,070
  • Tuition fees: $6150

With newly renovated facilities, St Patrick’s College in Townsville offers its female students airconditioned single and multi-dorm facilities, tutoring, an on-site health centre, pastoral care, daily study programs and structured sports and arts recreation programs.

Tuition fees do not include subject excursions, school photos, uniforms, textbooks and extra-curricular trips.

35. Columba Catholic College

Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers.
Columba Catholic College, Charters Towers.

Type of school: Catholic, coeducational

Suburb: Richmond Hill, Charters Towers

Cost per annum: $28,192

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $19,712
  • Tuition fees: $7108
  • Student levy: $852
  • Non-tuition fees: $520

Boys and girls at Columba Catholic College live on two separate campuses that are both equipped with sporting facilities, modern spaces, computers, a pool and garden area, as well as pastoral care.

Columba Catholic College has family boarding discounts of 10 per cent for two siblings, 20 per cent for three siblings and 30 per cent for four siblings.

36. St Brendan’s College

Boarding facilities at St Brendan's College in Yeppoon. Picture: St Brendan's College
Boarding facilities at St Brendan's College in Yeppoon. Picture: St Brendan's College

Type of school: Catholic, all-boys

Suburb: Yeppoon

Cost per annum: $27,350

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $20,190
  • Tuition fees: $7060
  • Application fee: $100

Each of the four boarding residences at St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon comes with airconditioning, Wi-Fi, individual study areas and weekly Saturday night barbecues.

Boarding fees include accommodation, meals, laundry and health care, with family discounts available on tuition fees from 10 per cent to 40 per cent.

37. Blackheath & Thornburgh College

Blackheath & Thornburgh College
Blackheath & Thornburgh College
Blackheath & Thornburgh College
Blackheath & Thornburgh College

Type of school: Non-denominational, coeducational

Suburb: Richmond Hill, Charters Towers

Cost per annum: $25,960

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $15,800
  • Tuition fees: $8260
  • Day student dining hall fees: $1750
  • Blackthorne Past Students Association (BPSA) membership fee: $100
  • Enrolment application fee: $50

Boarding at Blackheath & Thornburgh College in Charters Towers is separated with dormitory blocks for boys and girls, which each include communal kitchens, common rooms with TVs, airconditioning and private student sleeping and reading areas.

Tuition fees include camps, textbooks and subject levies and sibling discounts are available, ranging from 10 to 50 per cent off tuition.

38. All Souls St Gabriels School

All Souls St Gabriels School, Richmond Hill, Charters Towers.
All Souls St Gabriels School, Richmond Hill, Charters Towers.

Type of school: Anglican, coeducational

Suburb: Richmond Hill, Charters Towers

Cost per annum: $25,670

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $15,950
  • Tuition fees: $9520
  • Enrolment confirmation fee: $150
  • Application fee: $50

All Souls St Gabriels School in Charters Towers offers a range of features for its boarders including its 45 hectare boys’ and girls’ dormitories, an on-site doctor, private study areas, an on-campus recreation officer to organise activities, a pastoral care system and permissions to bring their own horse to school.

Boarding and tuition fees are discounted by 10 per cent for second and third siblings, with fourth and subsequent children receiving a 100 per cent discount on their tuition and boarding fees when simultaneously attending the school with their siblings.

Students can also receive 10 per cent discounts on tuition and boarding if family members have previously attended All Souls St Gabriels School.

39. Spinifex State College Residential Campus

Spinifex State College residential campus.
Spinifex State College residential campus.

Type of school: Public, coeducational

Suburb: Healy, Mount Isa

Cost per annum: $25,000

Cost breakdown:

  • Tuition and boarding fees: $24,500
  • Student contribution fees: $445
  • Residential polo: $55

Spinifex State College is the first state-run boarding facility in Queensland and houses 60 students.

Established in 2003, the Residential College is fully supervised and includes a modern kitchen with a cook, a 24-our student support worker, a games room, a shaded multipurpose court, music room, common areas and a number of onsite staff including a residential teacher.

40. The Cathedral College

The Cathedral College Rockhampton.
The Cathedral College Rockhampton.

Type of school: Catholic, coeducational

Suburb: Rockhampton City

Cost per annum: $23,535.10

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $17,750
  • Tuition fees: $4459.50
  • Building levy: $615.60
  • Enrolment acceptance fee: $400
  • Technology levy: $130
  • Enrolment processing fee: $100
  • P & F family contribution: $80

A Catholic coeducational facility, The Cathedral College in Rockhampton provides a home for 189 boarders and provides activities including shopping, attending movies at the cinema, sports and more.

Costs associated with camps, retreats and some excursions come at an additional cost.

41. Saint Ursula’s College

Mr Kevin Wallis, Ms Tracey Quinnell and YuMi Deadly maths students at St. Ursula's College in Yeppoon.
Mr Kevin Wallis, Ms Tracey Quinnell and YuMi Deadly maths students at St. Ursula's College in Yeppoon.

Type of school: Catholic, all-girls

Suburb: Yeppoon

Cost per annum: $21,840

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $15,550
  • Tuition fees: $5910
  • Year seven camp levy: $230
  • Enrolment fee: $150

Providing boarding facilities for more than 95 years, Saint Ursula’s College in Yeppoon provides its female students with a home for 40 weeks of the year via a three-storey boarding house equipped with a kitchen, common rooms and individual living areas.

Tuition fees cover textbooks, compulsory excursions and compulsory events, with sibling discounts available ranging from 10 per cent to 40 per cent off fees.

42. Dalby Christian College

Dalby Christian College
Dalby Christian College

Type of school: Christian, coeducational

Suburb: Dalby, Western Downs

Cost per annum: $20,760

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $15,800
  • Tuition fees: $4960

Dalby Christian College has been boarding students from Years seven to 12 for more than 20 years, offering facilities for up to 16 boys and 16 girls, with two students a room and separate girls and boys common lounges.

Tuition fees cover compulsory excursions, year level camps, workbooks, textbook hire and laptop hire and do not include costs association with school uniforms, stationery and non-compulsory activities.

43. Dalby State High School

BOARDING AVAILABLE: Dalby State High School's Bunya campus offers both weekly and full-time boarding.
BOARDING AVAILABLE: Dalby State High School's Bunya campus offers both weekly and full-time boarding.

Type of school: Public, coeducational

Suburb: Dalby, Western Downs

Cost per annum: $16,506

Cost breakdown:

  • Boarding fees: $16,236
  • Student resource scheme fee: $270

Dalby State High School’s 116-student residential facility offers its students a chance to enjoy the Campus’s fully equipped gym, recreational room, 25-metre pool and expansive school grounds.

Boarding and tuition fees are inclusive of accommodation, meals, laundry, uniforms, excursions, camps and textbook hire.

Read related topics:Private schools

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/queensland-education/full-list-qlds-boarding-schools-ranked-from-most-to-least-expensive/news-story/df8cb3a57796833abc71d435612d08d0