Boarding At Downlands
Boarding from YEAR 7
Boarding is integral to the Downlands community, and our boarders are the heart and soul of the College. Established in 1931, Downlands welcomed day boys and girls in 1971 and has been fully co-educational since 1993. Coeducation has the advantage of keeping families together - brothers and sisters can stay, live and grow up alongside each other, forming memories that last a lifetime.
Downlands is the boarding school of choice for many rural families in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, and international students are also welcomed. Up to 300 students and eight residential staff call Downlands home during school terms, and three families live on campus full time.
The boarding experience is much more than just meals and beds. Downlands provides an environment that promotes growth as an individual, the development of patience, consideration and interpersonal skills, and access to a wide variety of opportunities and activities. All of which is included in the Boarding fees. For more information, please see our Boarding Handbook.
To help busy families manage their student's schedules, consider our Casual Boarding or Extended Day Student program. Casual boarding offers flexible overnight stays with meals, study routines, and access to sports and cultural activities. The Extended Day Program lets students stay at the College until 8:10pm, sleep over for one or two nights, or use the after-school service from 3:10 pm to 8:10pm. Advanced notice is required for the Extended Day Program.
Full-time (7 days a week), weekday (4 or 5 days) and casual boarding options plus an extended day student program are available.
Our school provides nutritious, fresh meals for all students, ensuring a positive dining experience for both Boarding and Day students. Boarding students enjoy all meals as part of our all-inclusive fee structure, while Day students can access the dining room and pre-order meals from the Manor Cafe. With hot and cold menu options available for every meal, there's something for everyone.
In partnership with Chartwells, our kitchen and dining areas deliver a modern, exciting culinary experience. Students love the fresh, healthy meal options, which have improved the overall sense of community on campus. Downlands College is proud to offer balanced, nutritious meals that support the health and well-being of growing young people. Whether you're a Boarder or Day student, dining on campus is convenient, delicious, and designed to fuel success.
At Downlands College, caring for our boarding students isn’t just a job; it’s a true vocation. Our boarding staff are dedicated to creating a supportive, family-like environment where students feel at home. We believe a busy boarder is a happy boarder, which is why we offer a full calendar of exciting activities designed to keep students engaged and active. From visiting theme parks and climbing Tabletop Mountain to attending sporting events, rock climbing, go-karting, pool parties, trivia nights, and social events with other boarding schools, there’s always something fun happening.
What sets us apart is that all these activities are included in our all-inclusive boarding fees, ensuring every student has access to enriching experiences. As the only coeducational boarding school in Australia with ABSA accreditation, we are committed to providing the highest standards of care and best practices.
