BOARDING AT KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Knox Grammar School acknowledges the land on which we learn, grow and work to honour First Nations Peoples who are guiding us on our Reconciliation Journey.
This land has always been a place of education, where Elders have shared songlines, traditions, celebrations, and knowledge. We pay our respects to all Elders who have nurtured the enduring connection of their Peoples to Country.
In the spirit of Reconciliation, we embrace all First Nations Peoples and Cultures and acknowledge all First Nations members of our community who generously share their Culture with us. We are committed to acknowledging, celebrating, and sharing their rich cultural heritage.
We extend this Acknowledgement to all First Nations Peoples throughout this Country with a foundation of Faith, Wisdom, Integrity, Compassion and Courage.
WELCOME TO KNOX GRAMMAR SCHOOL
As Head of Boarding, I am proud to introduce a program that offers boys much more than a place to stay. Boarding at Knox provides a clear and supportive pathway for growth, guided by stage specific outcomes that reflect where each boy is in his development. At every stage, boys are encouraged to build confidence, independence and a strong sense of who they are.
The Knox Total Fitness Model sits at the heart of boarding life, supporting boys academically, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. Daily life is purposeful and well balanced, with routines, friendships and experiences that encourage boys to challenge themselves and grow. This approach is closely aligned with the Knox Graduate Profile, ensuring boarding helps develop aspects including leadership, citizenship, moral character, resilience and optimism through real and meaningful experiences.
Knox Boarding brings together boys from across Australia and around the world in a welcoming and supportive community. With staff who know them well and a culture that feels like home, boys develop the qualities they need for life beyond school. I hope this bookletgives you a sense of the warmth, structure and opportunity that define our boarding community, and I look forward to welcoming you to it.
ADAM SHAW Head of Boarding | PDHPE Teacher
OVERVIEW OF KNOX BOARDING
OUR LOCATION
Knox Grammar School is located at Wahroonga on the North Shore of Sydney. We are about 20km from the Sydney CBD. We are two minutes’ drive from the M1 Pacific Motorway and 45 minutes from the international and domestic airports. The Knox boarding houses are located on the Senior School campus.
ABOUT OUR BOARDING COMMUNITY
We offer boarding for approximately 210 boys from Years 7 to 12 in a family-style environment. Our boarding community is a diverse, close-knit group, with boys from local suburbs, rural areas and overseas.
KNOX BOARDING HOUSES
OVERVIEW
• Secure, modern accommodation
• In Years 7 to 10, two boys share a double room with ensuites
• In Year 11, single and double rooms, with shared bathrooms
• In Year 12, single rooms with ensuites for all boys
• Individual study spaces
• Large communal lounge areas with games and entertainment
• Wireless network environment
• Communal spaces for collaborative study
KNOX BOARDING CENTRE
The purpose-built Knox Boarding Centre houses boarders primarily from Years 7 to 10, along with some Year 11 and Year 12 boarders. The building is light and airy and fully air-conditioned. Boarders are accommodated in horizontal year groups, allowing them to be treated and supported both personally and academically in an age-appropriate manner.
GILLESPIE HERITAGE HOUSE
Our beautiful original boarding house, Gillespie Heritage House is home to Year 11 boarders. The rooms take advantage of Gillespie House’s traditional bay windows, balconies, high ceilings and other period features.
SENIOR BOARDING CENTRE
Renovated in 2017, the Senior Boarding Centre is a home for Year 12 boarders. It includes a large communal space used by the boys for study and socialising.
BOARDING STAFF AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT
BOARDING STAFF
Our passionate and caring staff provide the highest quality of care for our boarders and establish strong relationships with parents.
• Live-in Heads of Stages work with their team to oversee and support your son
• Assistant Heads of Stages
• House Managers (‘House Mums’) work with individual boys and families
• Boarding Wellbeing Leaders who work in the evening within the boarding houses and alongside boarding staff to support boarders
• Director of Culture and Engagement - Boarding
• Director of English as a Second Language or Dialect (EALD) and International Students (SS)
• Director of Academic Excellence Boarding (SS) - Learning Enhancement
• Approximately 50% of our boarding staff are female, promoting a compassionate, family-style boarding environment
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
• Structured and supervised homework and study sessions each week
• Additional staff provide tutoring to boarders in core subjects and major electives. This includes Knox teaching staff and young Old Boys who support boarders across a number of subjects and teach study skills
• Regular seminars on topics such as writing skills, essay writing, exam technique, time management, stress management and mental health
• Academic tracking of our boarders through the Knox Learner Protocols termly reports and followed up by boarding staff and the Director of Academic Excellence Boarding (SS), who focus extra support in the evenings to boarders who need additional help
NEXT GENERATION BOARDING
BOARDING WHOLE OF LIFE PROGRAMS
• Boarding camps to build student relationships and support each boy’s personal growth
• Busy social program including events with neighbouring girls’ schools and activities such as major sports games, movie outings and socials
• ConneXion Camps to develop cultural awareness, character strengths and goal setting
• Ceremonies, functions and events to celebrate the cultural diversity of our boarders
• Service learning opportunities including volunteering at local nursing homes
FACILITIES
• Boarders enjoy after-hours access to school facilities such as the aquatic centre, gym, weights room, basketball, tennis and squash courts and playing fields, musical practice rooms, technical workshops and the Junior Academy, Middle Academy and Weeks Senior Academy
• The on-site 24/7 medical clinic is staffed by fully qualified and experienced nursing staff, who stay in overnight accommodation
• Boarders’ Terrace and Basketball Court located alongside the boarding Houses for use by boarders throughout the week. This wonderful space is also used by boarder families visiting on the weekend
MEALS
• Meals for the boarding community are provided by a professional caterer seven days per week
• Nutritionally balanced menu prepared by a qualified dietitian
• Special dietary requirements are fully catered for (for example, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian)
• Regular feedback from our boarders and boarding staff is encouraged to improve the choice of meals provided by the catering team.
COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT
Our aim is to provide flexible, open communication between the School, parents and boys. We want boys to have as much of a ‘home experience’ as possible and we’d like parents to be able to share their son’s academic, sporting, co-curricular and personal experiences as much as possible.
CONTACT
The Head of Stage is always available for parents to call, as is the House Manager (House Mum). Boarding Reception is staffed by the Boarding Executive Officer (Fiona Sullivan) on weekdays to assist with any parent enquiries. Weekend staff are always available to meet and greet or take phone calls.
VISITING THE BOARDING HOUSE
Parents are always welcome to visit and meet with staff or take their son out for the evening. There are a number of formal events that parents are welcome to attend.
BOARDERS’ LEAVE
Knox maintains a flexible approach to leave, provided it is arranged around sporting and co-curricular commitments. Leave is arranged in advance in consultation with the Head of Stage. Many boarders regularly stay with day boy families on weekends. For the convenience of our parents, weekly and special leave is arranged throughout our online REACH system.
BOARDER PARENTS SUPPORTERS GROUP (BPSG)
The Knox Boarder Parents’ Supporters Group (BPSG) is a network of parents. All boarding parents are automatically members of the BPSG. The BPSG consists of a President, Secretary and Year Group Representatives and are there to help you navigate unchartered territories if you are new to boarding. The BPSG aim to meet once a term to facilitate communication between parents and boarding staff, promote a network of boarder parents and support the Knox Parents’ Association in its fundraising activities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW ARE THE BOARDING HOUSES STRUCTURED?
We have three boarding houses. The Knox Boarding Centre, which opened in 2010, houses boarders from Years 7 to 12. Our beautiful original boarding house, Gillespie Heritage House, was fully renovated in 2011. It is home to Year 11 boarders. The Senior Boarding Centre, which was renovated in 2017, has single rooms for our Year 12 boarders.
HOW MANY BOYS ARE IN EACH ROOM?
In Years 7 to 10, two boys share a double room. Each boy has his own desk and storage facilities in his room, just like he would in his own bedroom at home. Each room has an ensuite, allowing for privacy, comfort and a level of personal responsibility.
In Year 11, boys either have a single or a double room, with a shared bathroom. All Year 12 boys have their own room, with an ensuite.
The Head of Boarding and boarding staff typically allocate boys to their rooms in consideration of student needs.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE BOARDING HOUSES?
Every level of the boarding house has a large communal recreational area for boys to relax and socialise with their housemates. These lounge areas have televisions with streaming services, Xbox and areas for collaborative learning opportunities.
The boarding houses also have several large, modern kitchens for boys to prepare snacks if they wish.
HOW MANY BOARDERS ARE THERE AT KNOX AND WHERE DO MOST BOARDERS COME FROM?
We have places for approximately 210 boarders. We are a diverse community with boarders coming from Sydney, regional NSW and overseas.
HOW CAN I ARRANGE A TOUR OF THE BOARDING HOUSES?
We would love to show you around our boarding houses. To arrange a time, please contact Martin Gooding on +61 2 9473 9768 or goodingm@knox.nsw.edu.au.
WHAT IS THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF KNOX BOARDERS?
Boarders benefit from homework and study sessions supervised by Knox teachers and Old Boys. We also hold regular seminars for boarders on topics such as essay writing, exam technique and time management.
The exceptional HSC results of the 2025 Boarding cohort highlight the strength of Knox Boarding’s academic support program, built on consistent routines, structured evening study sessions, and the guidance of dedicated boarding tutors who help students develop strong study habits and confidence. Last year’s Boarders achieved remarkable success, including a state Top Achiever who placed second in English EAL/D and three All Round Achievers who scored 90 or above in their best ten units. Boarders were also recognised in prestigious HSC showcases, with nominations for ARTEXPRESS in Visual Arts and SHAPE in both Industrial Technology and Design and Technology. In total, twenty five Boarders earned one or more Band 6 results across a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics Extension 2, Chemistry, Visual Arts, Business Studies, Agriculture, Music and more. These achievements reflect not only the hard work of the students but also the supportive and structured environment that enables Boarders from across regional NSW and around the world to thrive academically.
WHO DOES THE LAUNDRY FOR THE BOYS?
School and casual clothes for the boarders are washed and ironed by professional launderers and delivered back to the boys. Laundry costs are included in our boarding fees.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE FOR BOARDERS?
Meals for the Knox boarding community are prepared by a professional caterer. The meals are nutritious and the menu is created by a qualified dietician. The menu changes every week; no two weeks are the same. Visit our website to see a sample menu. Special dietary requirements are catered for. Additional snacks such as fruit and toast are also available in the Boarding Houses for the boys to eat outside normal meal times.
The boys are encouraged to provide input on the boarding menu.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHO TIDIES THE BOYS’ ROOMS?
The boys are responsible for ensuring their rooms and ensuites are kept neat and tidy. The boys also take care of day-to-day tasks such as making their beds which is also checked each day by House Managers.
Professional cleaners visit the boarding houses several times a week to vacuum and undertake a more thorough clean of the boys’ rooms, bathrooms and the rest of the boarding house.
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF STUDY?
On weekday evenings, boarders have time allocated for homework (or ‘Prep’, as we call it). These sessions are supervised by the boarding staff, with academic assistance being provided by Knox teacher staff and our Evening Boarding Tutors. To help reduce distractions during Prep, all boys’ mobile phones are placed in the technology storage cabinet.
The structure and amount of time allocated for Prep depends on each student’s year group. Boys will utilise academy and classroom spaces to complete Prep, allowing for collaborative learning and greater access to academic supports. For more independent work, boys may study at their desk in the room, with boarding staff and Evening Boarding Tutors checking in on progress. Year 7 generally have two 45 minute Prep sessions each evening, whilst senior students often study for several hours.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BOARDERS’ ELECTRONICS AT BEDTIME?
Sleep is a key requirement for the growth and development for each boy to reach his full potential each day. All boarders must hand in their laptop and phone each evening at bedtime. These devices are locked away and charged overnight. They are collected by the boys as they depart for the school day. Boys collect their laptops as they depart for school, however, their phones remain in the Boarding Houses for the day.
CAN THE BOARDERS USE THE SCHOOL FACILITIES?
Yes, the boarders can use the school facilities including the Junior Academy and Performing Arts Centre (Years 7-8), Academy of Global Competency (Middle Academy, Years 9-10), Weeks Senior Academy (Years 11-12), aquatic centre, basketball, tennis and squash courts, cricket nets, playing fields, gymnasium, weights room and the Boarders’ Terrace and Basketball Court.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE BOARDERS ALLOWED OUT ON THE WEEKEND?
Yes; with permission from their parents/guardians and Head of Stage, boarders can take leave from the boarding house and stay with the family of Knox day boys or family friends.
CAN I VISIT MY SON ON THE WEEKEND AND TAKE HIM OUT?
Yes, by prior arrangement with the Head of Stage, you are very welcome to take your son out any time from 3.15pm on Friday to 8pm on Sunday.
WHAT IF MY SON BECOMES SICK AND NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION?
We have a fully-qualified nurse on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also have an on-call school doctor who visits the school and can prescribe medicine if required.
ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR BOARDERS?
Yes, we offer a number of boarding scholarships for boys from regional areas and a Year 7 boarding scholarship for the sons of Old Boys. For more information, please visit the Scholarships page on the Knox website. Scholarship applications normally open each year about November, with Scholarship exams held each February.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR A BOARDER?
Wake-up time
The day begins at 6.45am when boys are woken by their House Manager (or ‘House Mum’). Each boy showers (in his ensuite) and dresses in his uniform, after which he makes his bed and tidies his room ready for room inspections. Once everything is in order, the whole house attends breakfast in the Dining Hall between 6.30am and 7.45am. Boys who have before-school extracurricular activities can attend breakfast earlier if required.
School time
After breakfast the boys return to the house to collect their books and belongings and get ready for the day ahead at school. The boys sign out with the House Manager and exit the house before 8am (the senior boys before 8.15am).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Recess and lunch
Stage 4 and 5 boarders go to the Dining Room at recess and lunch to collect their meals. After eating they can join their day friends in the school grounds or attend lunchtime activities. Stage 6 boarders enjoy recess and lunch from the Boater Cafe in the Weeks Senior Academy.
End of school
At the conclusion of the school day, boys return to their boarding house where they are greeted by their House Manager. Afternoon tea is provided for them in the kitchen located on their level. At this time boys can change out of their uniform and enjoy some free time, including local leave to Wahroonga shops or relaxing in the lounge areas and recreational room. Some boys have sports training or music rehearsals to attend during this time.
Dinner
There are three sitting times for dinner. Boys in Years 7 and 8 have dinner at 5.45pm, Years 9 and 10 at 6.15pm and Years 11 and 12 at 6.45pm. Boys are asked to wear a collared shirt and closed shoes in the Dining Hall on weekdays.
Prep
Prep is a productive time for study and homework. The boys are required to do a minimum of two Prep sessions each weekday, and one session on Sunday evening. During Prep, boys will work in allocated academy and classroom spaces completing homework, assignment and revision tasks. Boys are permitted to use their laptops, with collaborative learning opportunities available to them. Evening Boarding Tutors attend Prep on scheduled nights to help boys with specific problems or study techniques. These Tutors are subject specific Knox teaching staff or recent Old Boys who have experience in a number of subject areas. They assist boys during each Prep session, providing valuable support, guidance and mentoring.
Tutorials are often held in the communal spaces to provide further information and instruction for boys about specific topics, as well as study techniques and strategies. These are popular with both younger and older students, particularly during exam periods.
After Prep, boys are allowed to have free time, socialising in the common spaces or utilising the school facilities to play sports and games.
Bedtime
Nighttime routines allow our boarders to complete all necessary tasks before handing in their phones and laptops and heading to bed. Years 7 and 8 boarders are in bed by 9pm each evening, and Years 9 and 10 boarders head to their rooms at the same time. Boarders are often given reading time before lights out each night. Years 11 and 12 boys can continue with Prep later into the evening, but will have phones handed in and be in their own rooms by 10pm each night. These nighttime routines are designed to support student learning, whilst allowing boys to get the necessary hours of sleep to perform well.
Weekends
Weekends for the Knox Boarding community are a bit more casual and relaxed. Saturday mornings are similar to that of weekdays due to sporting activities; however after lunch they are able to have some free time. On Sunday the boys are allowed a sleep in and have a later breakfast. The older boys are allowed to go on local leave unsupervised; however the younger boys are usually taken out for outings and excursions by the weekend duty staff.
ARE BOARDERS ALLOWED OUT ON THE WEEKEND?
Yes, with permission from their parents/guardians and Head of Stage, boarders can take leave from the boarding house and stay with the family of Knox day boys or family friends.
TIPS FOR BEATING HOMESICKNESS FOR NEW BOARDERS
It’s only natural for children to experience some degree of homesickness when they first start boarding. Homesickness tends to come and go for the first couple of terms when children are tired and on their own or when they’ve just spoken to their parents on the phone.
At Knox, we encourage boarders to tell us and their friends when they’re missing home. It is completely acceptable to admit you’re homesick these days. We encourage our boys to be open about it. We find that keeping new boarders busy helps to keep their mind off home and we ensure that there is never a situation where they’re left on their own feeling miserable.
The first few terms of boarding school can be an emotional roller-coaster for parents as well as boys. Until the boys are fully settled, we advise parents to refrain from speaking to them too often. Yes, some children feel better if they speak to their parents regularly on the phone but it’s not healthy if they’re speaking several times a day. We try and teach the boys to divide up the time until they next see their parents into manageable portions of time and encourage them to do plenty of exercise, play music and talk to their friends from home on the phone. The Boarding Wellbeing Leaders run regular sessions to provide support and strategies for the boys.
The process of overcoming homesickness is one of the most positive aspects of the boarding school experience. It makes you stronger; the boys realise that they can do things on their own.
They learn to rely on their peer group and significant other adults, rather than their parents all the time. And, most importantly, they learn to take charge of their emotions.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BOARDING AT KNOX
The choice of a boarding school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. We are happy to assist you in any way we can.
Tours of our boarding facilities are always available. For more information and to arrange a time, please contact:
Martin Gooding Head of Engagement
Phone: +61 2 9473 9768
Email: goodingm@knox.nsw.edu.au
