2 schools · 2026 fees verified

Best Boarding Schools in ACT (2026)

Boarding in the ACT is more limited than other states — the major option is Canberra Grammar School (Red Hill) with a small senior boarding house. Most ACT boarders come from southern NSW (Riverina, Snowy Mountains).

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 9 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Key takeaways

  • 2 schools matched, ranked by ICSEA (highest first).
  • 2026 Year 12 tuition ranges $44,630–$50,270.
  • 2 of 2 offer boarding.
  • Sourced from each school's published 2026 fee schedule. Independent — no paid placements.
Best Boarding Schools in ACT (2026) — quick compare table · Click any header to sort
Provider Suburb Sector Gender ICSEA Y12 fee Boarding
Canberra Grammar School Red HillAnglicanco-educational1194$44,630Yes
Canberra Girls Grammar School DeakinAnglicangirls (co-ed ELC-Year 3)1155$50,270Yes

Top 20 by ICSEA. Independent — no paid placements.

1
Anglican Co-ed Top tier Boarding Est. 1929

Canberra Grammar School is in Red Hill, Canberra. Anglican, co-educational, Preschool-Year 12. $44,630/yr Year 12 tuition · ICSEA 1194. Founded 1929. Boarding offered. Standout: Computing and digital innovation program.

Y12 fee 2026

$44,630/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$43,455

ICSEA

1194

Year levels

Preschool-Year 12

Best for: Boarding families across ACT

Standout programs

  • Computing and digital innovation program
  • Fully co-educational since 2018
  • Boarding houses for senior students
2
Anglican Girls Elite tier Boarding Est. 1926

Canberra Girls Grammar School is in Deakin, Canberra. Anglican, girls (co-ed ELC-Year 3), ELC-Year 12. $50,270/yr Year 12 tuition · ICSEA 1155. Founded 1926. Boarding offered. Standout: IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme.

Y12 fee 2026

$50,270/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$46,330

ICSEA

1155

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Boarding families across ACT

Standout programs

  • IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
  • Up to 80 boarders Years 7-12
  • Sibling discounts of 7.5%-15%

Common questions

Why is boarding limited in the ACT?

Canberra is the smallest mainland capital and has lower historical demand for boarding. Many southern NSW families opt for Sydney boarding schools instead.

Can NSW students board in Canberra?

Yes — NSW residents can attend ACT schools. Canberra Grammar accepts boarders from Riverina, Snowy Mountains and southern NSW.

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