Somerville House is just a stone’s throw from the city and is the only private boarding school for girls in the heart of Brisbane. Located on the edge of the South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane River, the School is within easy walking distance to Brisbane’s CBD, the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), the Gabba sports ground and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Boarders often run or walk the path around South Bank Parklands and the Kangaroo Point cliffs on the weekends or after school. Our school provides boarding from Year 5 onwards and offers a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.

Somerville House boarders enjoy modern bedrooms, shared leisure spaces, in-house kitchens, modern bathroom facilities, supervised study spaces, sound-proof music practice areas and views overlooking Brisbane city.

Our Boarding House accommodates approximately 100 local, rural and overseas boarding school students from Years 5 to 12.

Somerville House also offers weekly term-time boarding. Weekly term-time boarding enrolments will be for one term with students entering the Boarding House on Sunday afternoons and exiting on Friday afternoons.

This opportunity is only open to current day students from Years 5 to 12, dependent on availability in the Boarding House.

For further information and enquiries, please contact the Admissions Office on 07 3248 9267 or via enrolments@somerville.qld.edu.au

Wellbeing

Physical and emotional wellbeing is a priority at Somerville House. The School provides a safe environment for the girls to live and learn, with qualified staff nurturing their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Weekend activities include bush walks and picnics.

Big Sister Program

This program helps new boarders transition smoothly into their new environment, minimising homesickness and fostering lifelong friendships through mentorship from older students.

Traditions

Boarding traditions include dining together in table families created by Boarding Captains, with younger girls benefiting from senior girls’ mentorship. The servers roster and Invite Night are key traditions, with the latter celebrating Year 12 students’ boarding journey.

Support Services

Boarders have access to the School Psychologist, Guidance Counsellor, and School Chaplain for support in various areas, including conflict resolution and mental health.

Medical Services

High-quality medical services are available, including a Registered Nurse, clinic appointments with a visiting GP, physiotherapist, dietitian, and access to local doctors, dentists, and specialists. The proximity to Mater Hospitals ensures quick hospitalisation if needed.

Boarders are cared for by our Head of Boarding, Mrs Kathryn Emtage, and a team of caring and dedicated on-site Supervisors and Assistants.

The Boarding School team manage the day-to-day operations of the Boarding House while fostering a safe, harmonious and happy environment, ensuring the right balance between study and leisure.

All boarding staff are trained in first aid and the boarding specific qualifications of:

  • Duty of Care Level 1 for Junior
  • Duty of Care Level 2 for Senior

Senior boarding staff are also engaged in The Accident Counsellor training.

Implementing highly effective study habits impacts not only academic success but also a student’s ability to better cope with competing demands and deadlines.

We provide our boarders with the tools, routine and guidance they require to study smarter by ensuring adequate homework, reading and revision is carried out, while also encouraging the development of their own disciplined study habits.

Evening Study

All boarding students have a set period of Prep before and after dinner each night, Monday to Thursday, under varying levels of supervision dependent on year level.

The program for Study Prep from Monday to Thursday is as follows:

  • For Years 6 to 10 – 6.30pm to 8.30pm with an optional break at 7.45pm in the common areas within each Hall
  • For Years 11 and 12 – 6.30pm to 8.30pm with an optional break at 7.45pm in rooms at study desk.

The time set for Prep is a minimum guide. Many girls will want, or need, to do extra study. After bedtime, quiet study is permissible by arrangement with the House Supervisor.

Weekend Homework

Boarders will have weekend homework which they complete unsupervised and in their own time.

Private Tutoring

Private tutoring can be arranged through the Dean of Student Wellbeing in consultation with the Head of Boarding.

Boarders’ Library

Through the generosity of the Boarding House Support Group (BHSG), the Boarding House has a dedicated Boarders’ Library allowing students to borrow for reading during quiet time.

We encourage and support our boarders to experience all aspects of school life including sport, music and additional co-curricular activities, as offered by the School, both on and off campus.

Our students may choose to participate in club sports and part-time work, undertake cultural excursions at the many art galleries, museums and theatre facilities situated on our doorstep, as well as organised impromptu social activities with fellow students, friends and family.

The Head of Boarding, and relevant boarding staff will work with students, and parents as necessary, to co-ordinate student participation or attendance and ensure relevant approval processes and safety considerations are always implemented.

Types of Leave

Somerville House has a structured, yet liberal, leave schedule for its boarders which includes the following leave types:

  • After School Leave
  • Family Dinner Leave
  • Weekend Day Leave
  • Overnight Leave
  • Weekend Leave

Variations to the type of leave, the location, time periods, and accompaniment requirements are generally dependent on the age or year level of the boarder.