“Boarding is who we are. When we first opened as a school in 1877 with 44 students, 20 of those were boarders. The experiences that our boarders bring to TGS enhances our community and makes us a better school. We are proud to be a boarding school, not just a school with boarders.”Headmaster, Dr John Kinniburgh
At TGS you will find a boarding experience that offers educational programs allowing every boy to deliver their best and develop their character.
Our boarders make up nearly one third of our student cohort from Years 5 to 12, which enables us to consider the boarding experience in all that we do at the School. Every boarding experience at TGS is about equipping boys with the skills to function as a student and preparing them for their future.
We recognise that each student is unique; whether it is a university or vocational pathway they seek, our boarding program supports each boy’s journey. Our experienced staff guide students in the classroom and within the boarding houses, with personalised assistance available to help boys thrive academically.
We prioritise the character development and wellbeing of our boarders. With nearly 150 years of experience, we understand what it takes to nurture young men into well-rounded individuals. We appreciate that every boy brings a distinct perspective to our boarding community, so we actively engage with families to develop a boarding program that recognises the value of these diverse experiences.
“With the breadth and variety of options available, the TGS Boarding experience is special, unique and individual for every boarder.”Mr Nick Byron, Director of Boarding
Boys of all backgrounds and abilities are given the opportunity to participate in a broad range of co-curricular and house-based activities in addition to their daily educational experience.
We work in partnership with our boarding community to foster a sense of community that is like no other.
At TGS, boarding is who we are.
Why TGS boarding?
Current TGS parents Duncan (TGS 1990-94) and Toni were kind enough to share some insights into their experience as a TGS boarding family; discussing some of the unique opportunities that cater for each of their sons' interests.
Toni
"We have had a long association with the School, with Duncan attending in the early 1990s and the boys grandfather completing scholarship in the 1950s. The high boarder to day boy ratio is something that particularly appealed to me. Since first enrolling the boys in 2022, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know other families in the broader boarding family. For the boys, having come from a very small, rural primary school, they have relished developing friendships with so many other like-minded boys, from similar backgrounds and family values. The staff are friendly and engaging and you won’t often walk past a TGS student on campus without an acknowledging “hello”."
Duncan (TGS 1990-94)
"In my early years as a student at TGS, a memorable experience was watching the First XV Rugby match - the overwhelming sense of pride and respect amongst the TGS boys was something I had never experienced. This, along with the many opportunities available at Toowoomba Grammar was something that I wanted our boys to experience as I know that it will be so beneficial for them in their later years."
Adrian (Year 9)
"I have had some amazing opportunities while I have been in boarding - the experience of living away from home and the weekend activities that are put together for us. So much consideration is given to the activities on offer to make sure that all boarders have a good experience. I have been able to get a good taste of a broad range of things while I have been at Grammar. These experiences have changed the way I look at life and what my future plans might hold after school. I strongly believe that I am getting the education that I need to succeed after leaving school."
Riley (Year 9)
"Boarding at TGS is a wonderful and rewarding prospect, as it allows for you to participate in so many activities with all your mates and develop into a young man giving you a head start towards the future. There is a strong sense of community amongst the boarders. I really appreciate the mateship and sharing experiences with the great people surrounding me."
Curtis (Year 7)
"There are so many opportunities on offer as a TGS boarder. You can play a term sport, go on leave with day boys and get involved with club sports. There is also a great amount of academic support if you need it. I enjoy being part of the TGS Show Cattle team - it's fun going out on the weekends with your mates and judging some cattle. It feels good to get out of the city and back into the country atmosphere."
Latest Blog
Old Boy Geoffrey Smith inspires at our Senior School Speech Night
Toowoomba Grammar School’s Senior School Speech Night was marked by a powerful address from Old Boy Geoffrey Smith (2002–06), recently named the 2025 Australian of the Year for Queensland. Geoffrey, co-founder of Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA), has become a national leader in recognising the untapped potential of neurodivergent Australians in the workforce. His organisation provides geo-spatial and engineering services while creating meaningful employment opportunities - with 80 per cent…
Tears at the Gate, Pride at the Finish
Melanie Elms says she regularly sees a group of TGS parents socially, they've become lifelong friends Heartfelt moments bookend the boarding years “It feels very surreal. I'm proud, but it is very surreal.” Those were the words of Mrs Melanie Elms from 'Taringa' near Edgeroi, New South Wales, as she reflected on the moment her youngest son Sam finished his time at Toowoomba Grammar School. An end to walking up to Taylor House returning a boarder to TGS forever and it comes just 12 months after…
The Grammar Boy: TGS Character Cast in Bronze for All Time
Unveiled on Friday, 7 November 2025, this new statue is more than a work of art. It is a symbol of the enduring character that has shaped Toowoomba Grammar School for 150 years. The ceremony began with the ringing of the School House bell, it’s a sound many current students were hearing for the first time but one that may just have stirred memories for some of the Old Boys in attendance. As Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh remarked in his address, “Today is a special occasion… one I’ve been…
Taking TGS Rugby West: making mates in the Longreach district
Last month, Head of Rugby Lincoln Clapham, TGS Old Boys' Association Vice President, Trent Raymond (1989-93) and two Year 11 boarding students, Luke Burrow (2025 First XV Co-captain) and Archie Smart, travelled 11.5 hours west to Longreach to deliver rugby clinics in partnership with the Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE) and Western Queensland Rugby Union. Archie and Luke had both been to Longreach before but enjoyed the QANTAS Founders Museum The visit was part of a broader…
The Modified Rugby Program’s Game-Changing Impact
Founded in Brisbane in 2014 by the not-for-profit GingerCloud Foundation Limited, the Modified Rugby Program (MRP) gives neurodiverse young people the chance to play a sport and their families the opportunity to be part of a sporting community. It also allows coaches and player mentors the very privileged role of helping these young people have what many consider a normal experience - the joy of being part of a team. For Year 12 boarder Will Brown, it is a cause that is close to his heart.…
When School days become years of Mateship, Growth and Unforgettable Memories
Yesterday’s Awards Assembly for our senior cohort saw lashings of pride, reflection and a time for parents and caregivers to savour the very nearness of graduation after years of growth and grit. As the boys prepare for their final external exams and the much-anticipated Formal, this gathering marked the beginning of their final chapter at Toowoomba Grammar School. The assembly featured a moving reel that traced their growth from wide-eyed Junior School boys to confident young men. There were…
Japan: A Journey of Discovery, Culture and Connection
For 30 students and four staff members from Toowoomba Grammar School, the recent Japan Cultural and Technology Tour was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, innovation and transformation. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, this immersive experience offered students a unique lens through which to view the world. The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
TGS Puts Boys’ Online Safety First with Global EdTech Honour
This year, Toowoomba Grammar School was honoured at the Global EdTech Awards, becoming the only Australian school to receive recognition in this category of the prestigious international program. While the category - Best Network Manager - may not often make headlines, it celebrates the quiet achievers who empower learning, protect students and enable innovation. Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” If that’s true, then network…
Ompelliargo - Episode 2 - School House: A Gothic Revival at the Heart of TGS
School House in 1907 Constructed in 1875, School House is more than just a structure - it’s a symbol of the community’s commitment to education and a cornerstone of the School’s heritage. Designed by Toowoomba architect Willoughby Powell and built by local craftsman John William Garget, the building reflects the Gothic Revival style, a design language that blends classical proportions with pointed arches, intricate fretwork and a sense of grandeur. Heritage architect Ms Stephanie Keays, a…
