‘Tis the season of school scholarships

It may be tempting to look for the scholarship with the highest dollar value or at the closest school, but there are plenty of factors for parents to consider as part of the
research process. 

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ for school scholarships, with every school offering something different in terms of the rewards and requirements. Some schools offer full scholarships, while others may offer a single-year scholarship, discounted fees or just cover tuition costs. 

The differences between a scholarship and bursary can also create some confusion for parents. Scholarships are awards of financial aid unique to each school, and are often judged on merits including academic performance, student character and values. 

A bursary is a kind of scholarship but is generally means-tested and available to help families that may have financial difficulties meeting the cost of tuition fees from their preferred school. 

Most importantly, parents should assess how the school will nurture learning and personal development. Fortunately, families in NSW are blessed with independent boarding schools that aim to foster good values, personal growth and excellence in education in those formative years. 

Regional centres such as Orange, Bathurst, Mittagong and Armidale are home to some incredible schooling and scholarship options. Some are located on hundreds of acres and offer spectacular extra-curricular and sporting facilities. Sydney also chimes in with scholarship opportunities for rural families at award-winning schools like Loreto Normanhurst in the city’s northern suburbs. 

Here is what is on offer from five highly regarded independent boarding schools in NSW. 

Living and learning together at Scots All Saints College in Bathurst

Regional families looking for boarding school options are drawn to Scots All Saints College in Bathurst for its open spaces, strong academic offering, co-curricular activities and vibrant, welcoming community.

Set on over 200 acres, the day and boarding college has specialist programs in agriculture, music, visual arts and performing arts, a farm, and numerous sports facilities including a strength and conditioning gym, pool and playing fields.  

Well-appointed boarding accommodation is comprised of three separate houses, two for girls, one for boys, with an additional dedicated junior boys house to open in late 2024.  

All senior school living and learning facilities are located on one campus, allowing for boarding students to walk to class and easily access after-school tutorial and homework programs, special interest clubs, sport and co-curricular activities. A dedicated bus transports boarders to a wide variety of out-of-school activities including sport, dance, music, shopping and entertainment outings.

“Extension co-curricular programs in music, visual art, equestrian and cattle teams are matched with dedicated teachers and professionals who encourage students to explore new challenges,” said Head of College, Richard Ford. 

“Students can bring their own horse to school for weekly lessons and regular training is provided by professionals in show jumping and flat work, cross country
and polocrosse.”

Scots All Saints College’s diverse range of scholarships are open for applications until 30 January for current and prospective students entering Years 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11 in 2025.  

“We understand the financial challenges facing rural and regional families and have designed our bursary and scholarship program to encourage interested students to enrol, immerse themselves in college life and work hard to achieve their full potential.” 

Richard Ford, Head of College

Farming families are invited to attend Open Day on 10 February, to meet staff and students, tour the facilities and see first-hand the benefits of a Scots All Saints College education. 

For bursary, scholarship and Open Day information, visit scotsallsaints.nsw.edu.au or contact the Enrolments Registrar at [email protected] or (02) 6331 3911.

Open day at Loreto Normanhurst

Loreto Normanhurst’s award-winning holistic learning model and boarding facilities will be on show for parents and students at an open day on Saturday, 9 March. 

There is much to explore in the historic school’s expansive grounds, which will soon include a new innovative and purpose-built Boarding School due to open in 2025. 

“The new state-of-the-art boarding facility will foster an environment that nurtures personal growth and holistic development for all students,” said Director of Boarding Kate Kovacs. 

Mrs Kovacs said boarding has long been an integral part of the school’s identity and is “interwoven into the fabric of our school”. 

“We proudly welcome over 85 per cent of boarders from regional and rural Australia, as well as students from across the Sydney basin, interstate, and overseas.” 

Mrs Kovacs said boarding at Loreto Normanhurst opens doors to a myriad of extra-curricular and curriculum options. 

“The immersive nature of boarding life not only provides a structured and supportive environment for academic growth but also introduces a diverse range of extra-curricular activities that fosters holistic development in sports, arts, leadership, and other enrichment activities. 

“Students gain exposure to a broader spectrum of experiences, preparing them for future challenges and equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in diverse academic and professional settings.” 

Independence, connections and friendships are nurtured at Loreto Normanhurst with comprehensive pastoral support that fosters self-confidence and broadens students’ perspectives. 

Mrs Kovacs emphasises the importance of a sense of belonging and connection across age groups. 

“The sense of belonging is critical. It’s about feeling connected, not just with your immediate peers, but across age groups. When these girls leave school, they’ve got great friends and great connections.”

Kate Kovacs, Director of Boarding

To register for Open Day, visit www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au/pages/open-day. For additional information, feel free to contact [email protected]

Making a Frensham education possible for all

Through assistance provided by Frensham School’s Scholarships Programme and Winifred West Foundation’s Educational Grants, girls from rural Australia are given the life-changing opportunity of a Frensham education. 

Two such recipients of these Educational Grants are Millie and Alex Bolger, hailing from the village of Wombat in the South West Slopes Region of NSW. 

Millie had seen the Frensham school calendar at a boarding expo and she also knew some older girls in the Wombat/Harden/Young area who attended the school. 

“They were great people to be around, who really loved their families. They were so inspiring and I wanted to be a Frensham girl.”

Millie Bolger, Frensham School student

When Millie was in Year 8, a local family wrote a beautiful letter of recommendation for her, and then the Bolger family began the application process for means-tested support. To the entire family’s great joy, Millie was awarded a place at Frensham, starting in Year 9. Alex followed Millie to Frensham and they both have so many fond memories of their formative years in boarding at the school.  

“We would never have been able to put the girls through Frensham without the support that we received. Looking after ill parents, both of us working full-time, trying to give your children the best possible education… we’ve just been so grateful,” said their mother Gen. 

Frensham invites applications for Educational Grants from parents who are committed to the ideals of the school, and whose daughters have shown a strong capacity for involvement, the pursuit of excellence, and the heartfelt willingness to contribute to the welfare of others. It is intended that Educational Grants be awarded to those whose financial circumstances would preclude them from enrolling on a full-fee paying basis.

Applications for 2026 support will open in March 2024. For more information, visit www.frensham.nsw.edu.au/admissions/scholarships.

Becoming a part of Stannies history 

Enrolling in the boarding program at St Stanislaus College is a transformative decision that promises not only academic growth but also the nurturing of lifelong values.

Located in the picturesque town of Bathurst, Stannies fosters a unique environment where boarding students develop independence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. 

Living on campus creates a bond among students that extends beyond the school years, forging friendships that last a lifetime. The shared experiences, whether in the dormitories, during study sessions, or engaging in extracurricular activities, contribute to a rich tapestry of personal and social development for boys. 

The College has a long history dating back to its founding in 1867, and this tradition is woven into the fabric of daily life at the school. 

“Boarding students immerse themselves in this storied history, becoming part of a legacy that values academic achievement, leadership and service,” said Head of College, Lindsay Luck.

“The College’s commitment to holistic education is reflected in its approach to fostering not just academic success but also the development of well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the future.”

Lindsay Luck, Head of College

“Enrolling your son at St Stanislaus College is an investment in his academic and personal growth. It’s a choice that goes beyond education; it’s a choice to embrace a transformative journey toward a brighter and more fulfilling future.”

Beyond the academic curriculum, boarding students at St Stanislaus College benefit from extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural events. These opportunities provide a platform for students to discover and nurture their talents, be it on the sports field, in the arts, or through leadership roles in various student organisations.

Stannies’ two-year scholarships are now open for Year 7 in 2025. The three categories are Academic, Creative Arts and All Rounder. The application is online at stannies.com. 

Achieve an all-round education at Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange

Kinross Wolaroi School immerses your child in a diverse and expansive co-curricular and academic program that fosters a growth mindset, builds resilience and builds a strong sense of self. 

A leader in education for over 130 years, with 1,100 students from Pre-kinder to Year 12 and 350 boarders, the Orange-based school is one of Australia’s largest co-educational boarding schools. Boarding is available from Year 7 and boarders make up 40 per cent of the senior school, hailing from both city and country NSW, as well as interstate. The school offers co-ed boarding with boys and girls accommodated on separate campuses. 

Its 2025 scholarship and bursary program is open for registrations up until 26 January. The categories include Boarding Scholarships for Years 7-11 and Academic Scholarships for Year 5 and Years 7-11. 

“Many assume that the extraordinary education we offer at Kinross Wolaroi School is out of reach, but we are committed to creating pathways for talented young people, no matter their background or financial position.”

Dr Andrew Parry, Principal of Kinross Wolaroi School

Dr Parry said the extra activities at Kinross Wolaroi School are what makes the school come to life. 

The extra-curricular choices include debating, cadets, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, musical ensembles, private music tuition, annual school musicals and much more. Alongside traditional sport options, the school also offers nationally recognised swimming and rowing programs.

Kinross Wolaroi School was also recently granted membership to Round Square, a worldwide association of 230 schools in 50 countries which share a commitment, beyond academic excellence, to personal development and responsibility. 

“As a Round Square School, we focus on the connection between character education and academic success, celebrating internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, service, leadership, and adventure,” Dr Parry said. “This provides our students with the opportunity to discover and explore experiences within a global context.” 

For more information about educating your child at Kinross Wolaroi School contact the Admissions Team on (02) 6392 0303 or email [email protected].

If you enjoyed this piece on school scholarships, you may like to read about NSW Farmers Tertiary Scholarships which bolster future careers in agriculture.