“Boarding is who we are. When we first opened as a school in 1877 with 44 students, 20 of those were boarders. The experiences that our boarders bring to TGS enhances our community and makes us a better school. We are proud to be a boarding school, not just a school with boarders.”Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh
At TGS you will find a boarding experience that offers educational programs allowing every boy to deliver their best and develop their character.
Our boarders make up nearly one third of our student cohort from Years 5 to 12, which enables us to consider the boarding experience in all that we do at the School. Every boarding experience at TGS is about equipping boys with the skills to function as a student and preparing them for their future.
We recognise that each student is unique; whether it is a university or vocational pathway they seek, our boarding program supports each boy’s journey. Our experienced staff guide students in the classroom and within the boarding houses, with personalised assistance available to help boys thrive academically.
We prioritise the character development and wellbeing of our boarders. With nearly 150 years of experience, we understand what it takes to nurture young men into well-rounded individuals. We appreciate that every boy brings a distinct perspective to our boarding community, so we actively engage with families to develop a boarding program that recognises the value of these diverse experiences.
“With the breadth and variety of options available, the TGS Boarding experience is special, unique and individual for every boarder.”Mr Nick Byron, Director of Boarding
Boys of all backgrounds and abilities are given the opportunity to participate in a broad range of co-curricular and house-based activities in addition to their daily educational experience.
We work in partnership with our boarding community to foster a sense of community that is like no other.
At TGS, boarding is who we are.
Why TGS boarding?
Current TGS parents Duncan (TGS 1990-94) and Toni were kind enough to share some insights into their experience as a TGS boarding family; discussing some of the unique opportunities that cater for each of their sons' interests.
Toni
"We have had a long association with the School, with Duncan attending in the early 1990s and the boys grandfather completing scholarship in the 1950s. The high boarder to day boy ratio is something that particularly appealed to me. Since first enrolling the boys in 2022, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know other families in the broader boarding family. For the boys, having come from a very small, rural primary school, they have relished developing friendships with so many other like-minded boys, from similar backgrounds and family values. The staff are friendly and engaging and you won’t often walk past a TGS student on campus without an acknowledging “hello”."
Duncan (TGS 1990-94)
"In my early years as a student at TGS, a memorable experience was watching the First XV Rugby match - the overwhelming sense of pride and respect amongst the TGS boys was something I had never experienced. This, along with the many opportunities available at Toowoomba Grammar was something that I wanted our boys to experience as I know that it will be so beneficial for them in their later years."
Adrian (Year 9)
"I have had some amazing opportunities while I have been in boarding - the experience of living away from home and the weekend activities that are put together for us. So much consideration is given to the activities on offer to make sure that all boarders have a good experience. I have been able to get a good taste of a broad range of things while I have been at Grammar. These experiences have changed the way I look at life and what my future plans might hold after school. I strongly believe that I am getting the education that I need to succeed after leaving school."
Riley (Year 9)
"Boarding at TGS is a wonderful and rewarding prospect, as it allows for you to participate in so many activities with all your mates and develop into a young man giving you a head start towards the future. There is a strong sense of community amongst the boarders. I really appreciate the mateship and sharing experiences with the great people surrounding me."
Curtis (Year 7)
"There are so many opportunities on offer as a TGS boarder. You can play a term sport, go on leave with day boys and get involved with club sports. There is also a great amount of academic support if you need it. I enjoy being part of the TGS Show Cattle team - it's fun going out on the weekends with your mates and judging some cattle. It feels good to get out of the city and back into the country atmosphere."
Latest Blog
Developing Generational Change in our Men – Stand Up and Speak Out
The devastating effects of domestic and family violence (DFV) are more prominent today as this previously ‘taboo’ issue is finally being publicly recognised and addressed. Toowoomba Grammar School is proud to be leading the way in creating generational change for this sensitive issue through a variety of School initiatives and by supporting community groups associated with DFV. Our programs are aimed at developing good men of the future who will “Stand Up and Speak Out.” TGS became a White…
The Barbour Connection
They will tell tales of meeting someone on the other side of the world whom they spotted wearing a TGS cap. It led to an instant connection. Of getting their dream job by simply proudly sporting a TGS Old Boy tie at the interview. It led to an instant connection. There is no denying that Toowoomba Grammar School students share a special bond. We celebrate it with our annual Old Boys’ Sons and Grandsons photo and our Old Boys’ Generations Gathering dinner. You see it in the playground at…
“I’ll Be There for You” at Toowoomba Grammar School
“I’ll be there for you” was the theme of National Boarding Week. This statement is particularly relevant at Toowoomba Grammar School as the boarders, the dayboys and the staff, help each other in the good times and the bad. We see our school as a ‘boarding school’, not a ‘school with boarders’. We are proud to be one of the oldest and most highly regarded boys’ boarding schools in Australia, providing a home away from home for boys for almost 150 years. TGS came from very humble beginnings. The…
Helping families navigate rules, rewards and consequences for boys
Recently I was in a webinar that aimed to tackle the issues surrounding technology and its effects on students. Some members of the forum started openly criticising boys for their poor behaviour. Whilst their criticisms were not directed specifically at our boys, I was offended at their general statements. We can be too quick to criticise boys and we forget that their frontal lobes are still developing. We also forget that their brains are “wired” differently from girls and that they don’t see…
Accepting Our Past, Creating Our Future
Toowoomba Grammar School has added the new role of Indigenous Education Coordinator to the School’s offering, to further promote a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation. Mr Scott Gale has been appointed to this ground-breaking position that aims to spread awareness and understanding of the significance of Australia’s culture and history. “That’s something that has been lacking in Australia’s education system for so long,” said Scott. “It’s an extremely significant part of our…
The Gift of Music
You can feel the pride and passion exude from Janelle Fletcher as she reflects on her thirty-year career as a Music Tutor at Toowoomba Grammar School. “It’s a long time to stay in any job,” she admitted. “But working with the boys, seeing how important it is to have music in their lives and to develop not only as musicians but as people, that’s what’s kept me here.” Janelle believes staff in an all-boys’ school have a real understanding of boys. “It’s been very positive for me to see the…
