Geoff Marsh, Head of Frensham Schools
In addition to attending the 2025 UK Boarding Schools Heads Conference and a Frensham Fellowship event in London, my recent tour of the United Kingdom provided an opportunity to visit five outstanding girls’ boarding schools—each school sharing a profile similar to Frensham. The experience reaffirmed my belief that Frensham is a truly special place, a sentiment echoed by the exceptional schools I encountered. However, it also highlighted the rapidly changing landscape for girls’ boarding education in the UK and the need for Frensham to remain adaptable.
Each school I visited was impressive in its own right, with a strong commitment to academic excellence, pastoral care, and the development of character. It was heartening to see that, despite the challenges facing independent schools in the UK, these institutions continue to deliver an outstanding education and nurture lifelong connections—outcomes that Frensham is known for.
The UK boarding sector is facing unprecedented challenges. The introduction of a 20% VAT on already high fees has significantly limited access for many families. The trend towards co-education is accelerating, with both boys’ and girls’ schools adapting to survive. Many schools are heavily reliant on overseas students, making them vulnerable to global economic and political instability. Some schools are struggling to attract enough students to remain viable, and there is a real risk that not all will survive these challenges.
In response, UK schools are innovating. Flexible boarding options—offering two to four nights per week—are now standard. This allows families to tailor their boarding experience. School days are longer, with timetables often running from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday mornings are typically dedicated to lessons and sport. This structure allows for longer mid-term breaks. There is a strong focus on health and wellbeing. Managing student access to technology, especially mobile phones, is a priority, with strict limits during the school day.
One of the most exciting outcomes of my tour is the establishment of new partnerships. Over the next 12 months, we will launch student and possibly staff exchange programs with several of the schools I visited. These exchanges will provide valuable opportunities for our students and staff to experience different educational environments, broaden their horizons, and bring fresh ideas back to Frensham.
While the challenges in Australia are not identical to those in the UK, there are important lessons to be learned. Our position as a dedicated girls’ boarding school—not just a school with boarding—sets us apart, and is a key part of our identity. However, we must remain open to change and continue to explore opportunities to collaborate with other sectors and local schools, enriching our programs and strengthening our community.
As we move forward, we are confident that Frensham’s commitment to a personalised holistic education, and to innovation and community, will ensure we remain a special place for generations to come—ready to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.