Living At Downlands College

Life at Downlands

Downlands College is a place where young people grow, connect, and truly belong. Each year, between 200 and 300 students from Years 7 to 12 call Downlands their home, forming a vibrant community grounded in friendship, routine, and shared experience.

Every element of the boarding journey is intentionally shaped to help students flourish in their own “home” space. When students feel settled, supported, and energised, they step into the school day ready to learn, ready to contribute, and ready to thrive.

When your child boards at Downlands, not only will they enjoy the exceptional boarding facilities, they will also be able to take advantage of every aspect of the Downlands College experience. Not only is the academic program on offer expansive and full of choice for each student, students have the option to explore a range of vocational pathways through our Registered Training Organisation.

Additionally, students are encouraged to explore the wide range of co-curricular and specialised programs on offer, including sport (such as rugby, netball, basketball, soccer or football and more), Performing Arts (through instrumental, theatre or dance), agriculture on our on-site farm, and a range of other activities to facilitate the growth of well-rounded young people.

At Downlands, we ensure that when each child spends so much of their time on campus, their ‘outside of school’ life is just as rich as their academic life, with a key focus on boarder wellbeing and support.

DOWNLANDS Boarding HOUSES

Our five boarding houses are designed to create a sense of belonging, comfort, and age‑appropriate independence. For boys, Copas House welcomes Years 7 to 8, Cody House supports Years 9 to 10, and Harris House becomes home for Years 11 to 12. For girls, Baker House accommodates Years 7 to 10, with Chevalier House dedicated to Years 11 to 12.

We are dedicated to offering high-quality living spaces. Baker and Chevalier House has been fully refurbished with modern amenities and upgraded reverse-cycle air conditioning, while Cody House has been equipped with new air conditioning after recently being refurbished to provide students with a comfortable and welcoming home away from home.

Additionally, there are many outdoor spaces within close proximity to the boarding houses that boarders are able to take advantage of after school and on weekends without crossing over into the day school.

smart food program

In partnership with Chartwells, Downlands offers nutritionally balanced and innovative meals tailored to support the growth and development of our students. The Smart Food Program emphasises quality, seasonal ingredients and healthy cooking methods, reducing saturated fats, refined sugars, and sodium while delivering delicious, satisfying meals. With a focus on promoting healthy habits, the menus are thoughtfully designed to provide variety, encourage students to try new foods, and support both their physical and mental demands during these key years.

social activities

Boarding at Downlands is truly a home away from home, where every effort is made to create a balanced lifestyle. While health and academics are key priorities, we also focus on helping our boarders make the most of these formative years—enjoying time with peers and siblings, and having the freedom to simply be kids.

The social activities available change each term, catering to a wide variety of interests and skills. Past weekend activities have included:

• Arcade games
• Attending home sports games and performing arts showcases
• Attending Queensland Rugby Union games
• Bouldering
• Camping & Hiking
• Crafting
• Excursions to Brisbane and Gold Coast
• Fishing
• Games nights
• Go-karting