Find Your Home Away From Home
In acknowledging all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their continued connection to land, water and community, the design of this publication celebrates the iconic landscapes of our country, honouring the cultural and environmental significance of these natural wonders.
Pembroke School has a proud history of boarding, welcoming students from around Australia and the world to their home away from home. It is one of the precious elements that makes us at Pembroke stronger together.
With education, and boarding in particular, the choice of school is vital in providing an environment that is warm, welcoming, safe and conducive to positive and effective learning Moving from one’s own community to a new one can present challenges, and at Pembroke, we endeavour to make that transition as smooth, comfortable and reassuring as we possibly can.
Boarding is a unique opportunity to live in and build a strong community. Pembroke is committed to providing quality care for students from rural/regional areas and from overseas. We strive to provide a way of life and an atmosphere that is friendly, inclusive, supportive and offers many and varied opportunities.
The experience of boarding teaches young people how to live with and support one another in a broad and diverse environment. It helps to develop important skills which assist students not only in their studies and interactions at school, but also throughout their lives.
I warmly welcome you and your family to the Pembroke Boarding family and hope that your time with us will be rewarding, happy and successful.
Mark Staker Principal
Mark commenced as Pembroke Principal in July 2022. He is a highly experienced and accomplished educational leader with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in English, History, Communications and Educational Leadership.
Before arriving at Pembroke, Mark served as Senior Deputy Principal at Wenona School in North Sydney where he worked closely with the Principal and School Board of Governors on all matters of school leadership and management, with particular emphasis on leading the innovative staff culture of learning.
Throughout Mark’s extensive career, he has held leadership roles across diverse areas such as Student Wellbeing, Professional Learning, and Teaching and Learning. He is thoroughly committed to developing a school culture that values relationships and fosters personal excellence through continual improvement within a respectful and caring community.
At Pembroke, our boarders are courteous, engaging, worldly and knowledgeable.
They are instilled with the understanding that, through the privilege of a well-rounded education , they bear the responsibility of contributing positively to the broader community before themselves.
We challenge our students to make the very most of every day and cherish the amazing opportunities offered to them at Pembroke – to engage in all elements of school life, and above all, be good citizens. We encourage our boarders to treat people with decency, be appreciative, challenge injustice, embrace diversity and show strong ethics. To empower people by being supportive and caring, open and honest. To become that global citizen.
We understand that, at times, boarding can be challenging; but the rewards far outweigh the obstacles. Our boarders are supported in an environment that fosters harmony, equity, equality and mutual respect, and where they recognise that learning is a lifelong gift.
For us, boarding is all about connections and relationships – connecting with students and learning about who they are, where they have come from and where they want to go, and building relationships with families to help them not only navigate but indeed embrace this special experience.
It is truly an honour and a privilege to be part of such a significant period in the lives of our incredible young people, and we look forward to welcoming your family to Pembroke Boarding.
Doug Fawcett
Michele Bond Head of Boarding Assistant Head of Boarding
Doug joined the Pembroke community at the start of 2024 with his wife Grania , who is also a teacher, their children Harry and Emilia, and dogs Maverick the St Bernard and Maple the Whippet.
Originally from the United Kingdom with an extensive teaching background, Doug moved to Australia in 2015. In addition to his wealth of experience teaching Humanities and English and coaching in sports including Rugby, Kayaking and Mountain Biking, Doug has acquired outstanding expertise in boarding leadership with key roles at Guildford Grammar School in Western Australia and The Armidale School in regional New South Wales.
Doug is passionate about cultivating a boarding house as a place where boarders feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to flourish.
Michele is an admired long-serving member of our community, having commenced at Pembroke back in 2007. She has previously held the role of Boarding House Supervisor, supporting boarders in both Turner House and the main Pembroke Boarding House.
Michele has an exceptional knowledge of boarding operations, strong and supportive relationships with our existing boarding students, and a deep commitment to not only meeting our duty of care to our boarders but also to providing them with a welcoming, caring and respectful environment in which they can thrive.
As a former boarder herself, boarding to Michele centres around connections and relationships.
Adelaide, the vibrant capital of South Australia, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
Renowned for national and international Arts, cultural and sporting festivals, the city is a pulsating heart of energy and diversity complemented by globally acclaimed food and hospitality.
For boarders, Adelaide is an ideal destination to live and study as it offers a safe and friendly environment, affordable cost of living, reliable public transport, lively recreational activities, and wonderful places to visit such as our beautiful beaches and charming Adelaide Hills.
With a domestic and international airport, Adelaide features daily direct or connected flights to destinations around the country and the world, including excellent accessibility with Asia, the Middle East and North America.
Pembroke is nestled in Adelaide’s leafy eastern suburbs which are highly regarded for safety and community against a backdrop of stunning parks, ovals and tree-lined boulevards. This prized location is within walking distance of The Parade, Norwood, home of a vibrant retail, hospitality and entertainment district.
Adelaide is internationally recognised as a leader in education across early learning, schooling, boarding, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and tertiary studies. With the latter, Flinders University has amassed half a century of excellence in education and research, while the forthcoming merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will create Adelaide University, becoming the largest domestic educator of students in Australia.
Pembroke’s strong tertiary connections assist dozens of our senior students each year in undertaking local university studies in addition to their schooling commitments, and our collaboration with these institutions as well as residential colleges allows us to provide superior transition and orientation support for our boarding graduates who wish to further their studies in South Australia.
Career opportunities also abound in South Australia which is a world leader in various industries and sectors including health, agriculture, resources, renewable energy, technology, advanced manufacturing, space, tourism, gastronomy, and of course, education.
Renowned for academic excellence and a broad, inclusive program, Pembroke is a co-educational, non-denominational, day and boarding, SACE and IB school offering outstanding education from Early Learning to Year 12.
We are located just 3.5km east of Adelaide’s CBD in picturesque Kensington Park. Our King’s Campus on The Parade is home to our Middle School, and our Girton Campus to the east comprises our Junior School and Senior School.
Pembroke Boarding offers a unique opportunity for boarders to live in a strong and diverse community where we provide exceptional care for students in an atmosphere of friendship and fun.
We offer accommodation for girls and boys from Years 7 to 12 across two residential facilities: the main Pembroke Boarding House situated next to Pembroke’s Haslam Oval and across the road from King’s Campus, and Turner House on Girton Campus which is specifically designed for many of our senior boarders, complementing the Senior School’s young adult pre-university environment.
Safety, security and wellbeing are our highest priority, with staff on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pembroke School’s learning and caring culture guides our way of life through residential, pastoral and academic support of the highest calibre.
Our remarkable facilities include a stunning al fresco area, the School pool, Haslam Oval sports precinct and a new dining room for boarders on our King’s Campus. While boarders cannot access residential wings other than their own, large common recreational areas provide opportunities for boy and girl boarders to socialise together.
As we are only a few kilometres from Adelaide’s CBD, Pembroke Boarding offers a convenient, central location and features easy access to public transport.
A firm of professional caterers provides boarders with excellent meals where the weekly menu is healthy, varied and created specifically for the nutritional needs of fast-growing teenagers.
All boarders are encouraged to make the most of the many and varied activities Pembroke has to offer and to play an active part in the life of the School, both in their studies and co-curricular activities.
Although the first few days may seem daunting to new boarders and their parents, our experience tells us that the boarders quickly adapt to boarding life and become part of our busy, lively and inclusive School community.
School Motto: Ex Unitate Vires –Out of Unity, Strength
School Vision: Free to be ourselves and find our place as we shape a hopeful future
School Values: Bravery, Kindness, Curiosity, Respect, Honesty, Service, Inclusivity, Uniqueness
School Mascot: Pembroke Phoenix
• To offer our students the means to develop a broad and deep knowledge base thus enabling them to act effectively as well-informed citizens.
• To create a dynamic learning community which encourages self-management, curiosity, intellectual rigour, enjoyment, innovation and the exploration of each individual’s potential.
• To facilitate the social, physical and emotional development of each student emphasising student safety, personal growth, integrity, respect for differences in people, resilience, an appreciation of the environment, a sense of social responsibility and care for others.
• To encourage the exploration of students’ spiritual values and their power to make ethical decisions.
• To promote thoughtful, respectful and informed participation in the community locally, nationally and internationally with an emphasis on seeking justice for all.
Respect: the diversity, property, privacy and passionate pursuits of others in the Boarding community
Responsibilities: upholding the routines and responsibilities of living within a boarding family
Relationships: build and maintain positive lifelong connections
Resilience: taking on opportunities and persisting when faced with challenges
Boarding at Pembroke strives to create a cooperative, tolerant and purposeful community in which every member feels comfortable and accepted. All boarders are encouraged to contribute to our Boarding community and to engage with each other in a caring and supportive manner.
We aim to:
• Provide a secure, caring environment where each boarder receives the attention and support they need.
• Create an open and trusting atmosphere where each boarder learns to value truth and respect for others.
• Make boarders feel confident and comfortable.
• Provide opportunities for each boarder to develop their intellectual talents.
• Provide opportunities for each boarder to develop physically, socially, culturally and morally.
• Develop boarders’ qualities of leadership, ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Encourage boarders to integrate fully with day students in the life of the School.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of each boarder by providing an environment that is free from physical hazards and dangers.
• Provide accommodation which is comfortable and suited to the needs of boarders according to age and maturity, and which provides adequate levels of privacy.
• Encourage links with parents in the support and development of their child as a boarder.
• Employ Boarding staff who are fully dedicated to the wellbeing and development, both socially and intellectually, of all boarders.
Pembroke Boarding is led by the Head of Boarding and Assistant Head of Boarding with quality support from a large team of Boarding Supervisors and Assistants.
Boarding staff and teachers communicate regularly with parents about the progress of their child , and Boarding staff work diligently with boarders to provide pastoral care and academic support . Our House Supervisors and Assistants are on hand day and night to assist students with their needs, taking an active interest in their academic and social progress and wellbeing.
All Pembroke staff are required to have a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and regular training in matters related to child protection Boarding staff are also required to be trained in the Australian Boarding Schools’ Association (ABSA) Duty of Care.
Room occupancy changes every term. Boarders submit room requests and the final decisions are made by the Head of Boarding in consultation with Boarding staff.
Once room allocations have been made, boarders will be informed and asked to move in the final week of the term prior.
Each boarder is allocated to a Boarding House Cluster Group . With support from Boarding staff, Cluster Group members are encouraged to work together and look out for one another. Cluster Group is mixed gender and has a Year 12 Captain or Co-Captains who facilitate activities and goodwill within the group.
Pastoral care is paramount to Pembroke’s learning and caring culture. Under the leadership of the Head of Boarding and the Dean of Student Wellbeing respectively, Boarding staff and School Psychologists and Counsellors play a significant wellbeing role within the Boarding community. Boarding Reports are written for each student by the Head of Boarding and included within the School’s reporting cycle during the year.
Boarders are encouraged to speak with Boarding Assistants, Boarding Supervisors, the Assistant Head or Head of Boarding if they have any queries or concerns. In addition, boarders may seek the support of others such as the following key staff:
• Home Group Teacher
• Head of House/Year Level Coordinator
• Dean of Student Wellbeing
• Registered Nurses
• Psychologists/Counsellors
• Head or Assistant Head of Sub-School
• Chaplain
• Coordinator of International Students, EAL and Homestay
Homesickness is a common and natural feeling for many people who leave home – whether it be children or adults – and the extent of it varies from person to person. It is also not unusual for parents to feel a sense of sadness when their child goes away to school. If parents become concerned by the level of homesickness expressed in telephone conversations or other means of communication, they are encouraged to contact our Boarding staff.
As a long-established boarding school, we are highly knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of pastoral care and have specific strategies to support our boarders whenever they feel homesick – whether upon arrival or at any time in their boarding journey.
Academic support is naturally a top priority for Pembroke School and Pembroke Boarding. All boarders undertake ‘Prep’, a compulsory period of homework and study which takes place Monday to Thursday (unless those days precede a public holiday or student free day). Prep commences at 7pm and concludes at 8.30pm. Year 7 to 10 boarders must study in the Middle School Resource Centre (MSRC) where a member of the teaching staff is present. Year 11 and 12 boarders may study independently in their own rooms.
During Prep, other staff and Boarding Assistants on duty are able to offer further assistance and may have particular academic strengths to support students. Additionally, they can assist boarders to develop a schedule or scaffold a task and find resources. Boarders are encouraged to establish sound, regular and organised patterns of work and study so that they may maximise their learning opportunities. Technology use for study purposes is permitted during Prep time.
Pembroke Boarding has specific protocols regarding opening times, visitors and leave . As there are no formal exeats, we remain open on all weekends during term time, with the exception of some public holidays. If we will close for a public holiday, families will be advised well in advance.
Boarders may receive visitors including relatives, day students and other friends after school hours between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, and on weekends between 8am and 5.30pm. Boarders must introduce visitors to Boarding staff members on duty and visitors must sign in.
During term time, boarders may apply for leave on weekends that are convenient to them and their families.
If a boarder will remain in Adelaide during Terms 1, 2 or 3 school holidays, the School can assist with arranging, approving and overseeing of the provision of suitable Homestay accommodation for the relevant period if required.
Student leadership comes to the fore at Pembroke Boarding as we recognise that student agency and student voice positively shape the experience of all boarders. The student leadership team features two Year 12 Boarding Captains and Vice Captains who lead the Pembroke Boarding Student Council (PBSC) and are also members of the Senior School Student Staff Executive (SSE).
The PBSC has a student representative from each year level and meets three times each term to discuss boarding matters and feedback. Updates are shared with all boarders at weekly Monday night meetings and published in the fortnightly Pembroke Boarding House Press eNewsletter. In addition, our Boarding House Catering Committee (BHCC) meets twice a term with catering management, the Head of Boarding and Assistant Head of Boarding.
Pembroke School offers a wide range of co-curricular activities and all boarders are encouraged to participate on a regular basis. The Co-Curricular Program develops important aspects of life including cooperation, commitment, organisational skills, teamwork and respect for others. This is also an opportunity to develop friendships with other students.
• Sport: Athletics; Badminton; Basketball; Bouldering; Cricket; Cross Country; Equestrian; Fitness and Conditioning; Football; Hockey; Mountain Biking; Netball; Pilates; Rowing; Running Club; Soccer; Squash; Swimming; Table Tennis; Tennis; Touch Football; Triathlon; Volleyball; Water Polo
• Music (Middle/Senior School Ensembles) : Big Band; Stage Band; Concert Band; Wind Ensemble; Symphony Orchestra; Chinese Orchestra; String Orchestras; Chamber Ensembles; Saxophone Ensembles; Guitar Ensemble; Percussion Ensembles; Concert Choir; Chamber Choir; Jazz Choir; Rock School
• Other opportunities include: The Arts; Debating and Public Speaking; Chess; Community Service; da Vinci Decathlon; Oliphant Science Awards; Philosothon; Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award; Pembroke student-led Aesthetic Magazine; Environmental Group; Yoga; Human Powered Vehicle Program (Pedal Prix); Robotics; Pembroke Scout Group; Pembroke Teddy Bear-Making Program
In addition to our comprehensive Co-Curricular Program, Pembroke Boarding offers boundless opportunities for recreation.
Our facilities and regular activities include sporting equipment, table tennis, a pool table, board and card games, books, pianos, televisions and home theatre systems.
Boarders are also encouraged to make use of the School’s sporting facilities such as the swimming pool (under supervision), sports courts and Haslam Oval.
In addition, Pembroke Boarding runs an extensive and vibrant Recreational Activity Program each term which is informed by student suggestions and ideas. Group outings are organised by Boarding staff during weekends.
Popular activities include:
Scavenger hunts
Surfing
Go karting
Zoo visits
Dumpling making
High ropes
Golf and mini golf
Movie nights
Fundraising activities
Beach clean ups
Paint by numbers
Hiking
10-pin bowling Water parks
Ice skating
Bouldering
Other highlights include residential games nights, themed dinners, a footy tipping competition and tailored activities connected to School events such as a Pre-Formal Gathering for our Boarding families.
From time to time, boarders’ activities are organised by various boarding schools in Adelaide including Pembroke. Boarders from other schools are invited and Pembroke students are actively encouraged to attend, supervised by our Boarding staff. It creates a wonderful collegiality across the schools as boarders further extend their social circles with peers who are also experiencing life away from home.
Laser tag
Craft making
Karaoke
Pool parties
Adelaide Fringe
Escape rooms
Dessert making
Sport spectating
Catering in a residential school setting is core to the boarding experience.
At Pembroke Boarding, a professional catering company provides boarders with balanced, varied and nutritious meals . We carefully manage known allergies, intolerances, religious requirements and dietary preferences.
Fortnightly dining menus are advertised in advance in the Pembroke Boarding House Press eNewsletter and regular feedback is provided to the caterers via the Boarding House Catering Committee. Indeed, a recent review including extensive student consultation has resulted in an elevated offering that better complements the tastes and preferences of our young diners.
Boarding House common rooms are stocked with fruit, bread, cereals, condiments, milk, juice and a variety of snacks which may be enjoyed by all. Boarders are also able to supply their own personal snacks.
Middle School boarders collect their recess and lunch from the Middle School’s dedicated King’s Café, while senior boarders collect theirs from the Senior School Refectory.
Breakfast and dinner are served in our new John Moody Dining Room on King’s Campus . This state-of-the-art facility has transformed our boarders’ dining experience , offering a modern and comfortable space where students can share a meal with fellow boarders and Boarding staff. It is equipped with the latest kitchen technology and the seating areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage social interaction, making mealtimes an even greater highlight of the boarding day
Breakfast – open bagel with smashed avocado, poached egg and sauce vierge
Continental Breakfast Station –cereals, fresh fruit, bread, spreads, milk, etc.
Morning Tea – croque madame with cheese sauce and over-easy egg
Lunch – ginger chicken with wok-tossed rice noodles, Asian greens and prawn crackers
Afternoon Tea – chicken wings with honey, soy and ginger
Dinner – battered fish with lemon basil aioli; homemade beef pies; chips/fries; baked polenta; roasted vegetables; steamed vegetable medley; Moroccan beetroot salad with spinach, mint and yoghurt dressing
Dessert – vanilla panna cotta with peach
*Adjusted for individual dietaries
Weekdays
7am Wake Up
8am Breakfast
8.30am School Starts
3.30pm School Ends
3.30 – 4pm Return to Boarding House
Afternoon tea served. Those approved to take short leave must sign out and return by 5.30pm. 6pm Dinner
7 – 8.30pm Prep (Monday – Thursday)
All boarders have 1.5 hours of compulsory homework/study time
8.30pm Free Time
9.15pm Year 7 Tech Lock Up
9.30pm Year 7 Bed
Year 8 Tech Lock Up
9.45pm Year 8 Bed
Year 9 Tech Lock Up
Common Rooms Close
10pm Year 9 Bed
Year 10 Tech Lock Up
10.15pm Year 10 Bed
Year 11 Tech Lock Up
10.30pm Year 11 and 12 Bed
Year 11 and 12 boarders to be in their own rooms
Tech lock up and bed times above apply to Sunday to Thursday nights. Tech devices include phones, laptops, tablets, PCs and gaming consoles.
9.15am Wake Up
Boarders with no co-curricular commitments may sleep in on Saturday/Sunday
8 – 10am Breakfast
12pm Lunch
5pm Return to Boarding House
Boarders (unless on approved leave) must return by this time
6pm Dinner
7 – 8 pm Organisational Hour
Sundays – Compulsory hour to prepare for week ahead, complete homework/study or tidy room
8pm Free Time
9.45pm Year 7 Tech Lock Up
Common Rooms Close
10pm Year 7 Bed
Year 8 Tech Lock Up
10.15pm Year 8 Bed
Year 9 Tech Lock Up
10.30pm Year 9 Bed
Year 10 Tech Lock Up
10.45pm Year 10 Bed
Year 11 Tech Lock Up
11pm Year 11 and 12 Bed
Year 11 and 12 boarders to be in their own rooms
Tech lock up and bed times above apply to Friday and Saturday nights. Tech devices include phones, laptops, tablets, PCs and gaming consoles.
Stay open-minded, embrace the diversity around you and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Treat everyone genuinely and always remember to show respect and kindness.
– Rachel, 2025 Boarding Captain
Get involved. Any weekend activity, small sporting competition or other inclusive boarding event should be used to familiarise yourself with our distinct Boarding culture and the other boarders. It has surprised me how much in common I have with students from other corners of the world.
– James, 2025 Boarding Captain
Living in the Boarding House makes me feel like living at home. There are many lovely House Supervisors who help us with everything, and they are like our friends as well. Three years of boarding life has slipped away so fast, and now I have to say goodbye to these unforgettable experiences.
– Cathy, 2019 Graduate
The day I arrived, I had no idea what to expect. I knew nothing about boarding houses and how they operated, or how I would carry out my normal routine. It was amazing to me how each staff member was so dedicated to the care of all students. As well, as a community of boarders, we all constantly stepped up to help someone in need, even for the little things like a spare toothbrush or the maths homework you forgot to do.
– Alex, 2020 Graduate
I’ve met so many people over the years and it’s basically our home away from home, and we’re all like siblings here. Boarding means a lot to me. I started in Year 7, so it’s been a long ride, and coming from a really small town to a big city, it was a big change but it was for the good.
– Abbey, 2024 Graduate
It’s a great experience having the opportunity to be in Adelaide. And having a group of family, a group of mates, it’s an experience you wouldn’t get anywhere else.
– Julian, 2025 Year 12 Boarder
To access our online Application for Admission, click here or scan the QR code:
International Student Prospectus (English)
To access our International Student Prospectus (English version), click here or scan the QR code:
To view our schedule of fees, click here or scan the QR code:
International Student Prospectus (Mandarin)
To access our International Student Prospectus (Mandarin version), click here or scan the QR code: