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.

“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

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

Boarding
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Wednesday, 19 July 2023

Developing a Sense of Belonging for our TGS Boarders

How do we adequately develop a teenager’s 'sense of belonging' in boarding? Head of Boyce House, Boarding, Mr Michael Hall has investigated how 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs' applies to boarding. It is a psychological theory that suggests human beings have a set of fundamental needs that must be fulfilled in a hierarchical order. The theory proposes that individuals must first satisfy their physiological needs before moving on to higher-level needs, such as the 'belongingness' that is so…

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Teaching Excellence
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Wednesday, 12 July 2023

Kia Moemoeā – Dream Beyond Limits

A 12-year study has found that boys consistently perform better in an all boys’ school compared to boys in co-educational schools. This was one of several interesting topics presented at the recent International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) Conference in Auckland, New Zealand which I attended alongside three of my Toowoomba Grammar School colleagues – Mr Luke Rawle, Mr Dave Klan and Mrs Jessica Galbraith. We joined 600 leading educators from 15 countries around the world for the four-day…

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Grammar 150
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Thursday, 06 July 2023

Blue and Gold in the Blood

“I had such fond memories from the School and enjoyed all the opportunities available, particularly participating in sport and learning at such a high level; my sons were going to have the same great education,” said Chris adamantly. Chris was a boarder from Dalby and an “all-rounder” as a student. He was part of the 1st XV, a CUO in the Cadets, a member of the debating team, involved in drama (featuring in two plays during his time) and a good academic student. “I really enjoyed boarding,”…

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Teaching & Learning
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Tuesday, 27 June 2023

The Benefits of Repeated Reading

An effective and evidence-based method that can significantly improve your child's reading abilities is repeated reading. Reading proficiency is a vital skill that sets the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. Repeated reading, a simple yet powerful technique, has been proven to enhance reading fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence. Let's delve into why repeated reading is such a beneficial practice for your child. Research consistently supports the benefits of…

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General
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Thursday, 22 June 2023

Print v Digital

I recently read an article by Petra Stock, entitled "Streaming Stories: Will Children’s Digital Book Platforms Upend Print", an interesting discussion comparing ebooks and print media and the ways they are being used during and post COVID. Which is better according to the article? Well, there is a clear winner; however, like many things, the answer can depend on the situation. I'd like to break elements of the article down, along with my own thoughts and compare the two. Social…

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Teaching Excellence
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Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Striking a Balance

We understand that, as parents, we aspire to provide our children with the best education and opportunities for growth. Within the Junior School at Toowoomba Grammar School, we believe in fostering a love for learning while enabling your son to reach his full potential. In this article, we would like to emphasise the significance of automaticity and basic skill practice in extending your child's learning journey, while emphasising the importance of respecting their individual pace. Automaticity…

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Sports & Activities
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Wednesday, 07 June 2023

Developing Sportsmanship from Prep

Overwhelming pride in wearing the Blue and Gold is a familiar emotion for Toowoomba Grammar School students, as is abundantly evident in all our boys, from Prep to Year 12. This emotion and passion for the School is the essence of our TGS culture and defines what it means to be a TGS student. The launch of the 2022 - 2026 Strategic Plan creates an exciting opportunity for our co-curricular program, which links perfectly into the "character and wellbeing" pillar. The development of good…

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The Arts
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Thursday, 01 June 2023

Why Study Drama?

As an educator with over 30 years’ experience in the Arts, I specialise in the analytical, creative and practical spheres that quantify and qualify success in drama. I have been a Drama teacher and Arts Project Officer in the Independent, Catholic, state, and private sectors in primary and secondary, single sex and co-educational environments. This longevity of knowledge, gained through firsthand experience, affirms that students who study drama through until at least Year 10 acquire…

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Grammar 150
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Thursday, 01 June 2023

Drive and Determination

Jeremy Peacock is ranked third in the world in the PTS4 Para category and his sights are set on selection for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. During Jeremy’s time at TGS he represented the School in numerous endeavours but was particularly known for his contributions to the Arts, particularly Music. On the sports field, Jeremy represented TGS in GPS Athletics, Cross Country, Cricket and Football. After returning from a gap year in the UK teaching music at Port Regis School, Dorset, Jeremy…

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