About
Frensham
Grit, Gratitude and Good Humour.
Set against the backdrop of a stunning natural environment and complemented by modern, expansive facilities, Frensham offers a unique blend of academic excellence and character development. Our passionate and caring community fosters a culture of quiet, steadfast commitment to personal growth and service, providing the perfect foundation for students to build the skills and mindset necessary to explore, question, and forge their own path.
At Frensham, our vision is clear: we aim to prepare students to excel academically, while also nurturing their ability to step up with confidence and purpose, to serve others and make a lasting, meaningful impact in the world.
The philosophy of our School is for the girls to work in cooperation with each other, rather than in competition against each other.
A warm
welcome
From Sarah Tynan, Deputy Head of School.
Frensham is a school with a distinctive identity, a rich historical foundation and a commitment to offering a truly exceptional educational experience. It is a unique place, where both tradition and modern, adaptive approaches to education intersect, creating a dynamic learning environment for every student.
Each student is known, valued, and celebrated for their individuality. Our Personalised Learning Programs allow students to craft their academic journey based on interest and ability. Co-curricular opportunities are abundant and thoughtfully integrated to support and enrich the academic program, ensuring students receive a holistic and well-rounded education.
Winifred West, our founder, established the school in 1913 with the motto, ‘In Love Serve One Another.’ She believed in the power of working together—a sentiment that remains as relevant today as it was then.
At Frensham, we uphold the value of service: to others, to our community, and to the wider world.
Sarah Tynan
Deputy Head of Frensham Schools
Our educational philosophy
Fostering a life-long love of learning, creativity, and service.
Frensham’s values and educational ethos are based on the philosophical position that our moral purpose in life is to develop our talents and use them for the common good – to make a meaningful contribution to the world.
Frensham has a broad curriculum offering to challenge our students at various ages and stages to be academically ambitious. Throughout their schooling, Frensham students experience the NESA Curriculum, IGCSE Cambridge Global Perspectives, History and Geography Curricula, the NSW Higher School Certificate as well as a range of individual courses tailored to their learning needs.
Frensham’s values are visible in all facets of the school, including in teaching and learning. We pride ourselves on collaboration and the unselfish pursuit of excellence. Our classrooms foster a clear sense of inclusivity and personalisation where each of our students are known by our highly relational teachers, as young people, particularly girls, thrive when they feel a sense of connection to their teacher. We have a strong focus on personal best and striving, so that all students are supported to demonstrate continual growth and improvement.
Frensham is a forward thinking school, informed by best practice, research and data.
We aim to prepare students to be academically ambitious, while also nurturing their ability to embrace a growth mindset with confidence and purpose, to serve others and make a lasting, meaningful impact in their immediate and broader communities.
Leadership
The Frensham Executive Team.
Mr Geoff Marsh
Mr Geoff Marsh
BSc (USYD), MEdLead (UOW)
With over 20 years of experience at Frensham, Geoff Marsh leads Frensham Schools with a vision that blends innovation with tradition. Passionate about the transformative power of education, he is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, community, and service where every student is encouraged to strive for greatness and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Geoff champions personalised learning and develops leaders who are academically accomplished, emotionally intelligent, and socially responsible. By working closely with staff, students, and parents, Geoff ensures Frensham Schools remain a place where kindness, resilience, and leadership thrive.
Ms Sarah Tynan
Ms Sarah Tynan
BSc (USYD), MTeach (Biology & Chemistry) (USYD), MEd (Student Wellbeing) (Melb)
Sarah is a highly experienced educator whose expertise spans pastoral care, extracurricular activities, and academic leadership. Her collaborative and consultative approach aligns closely with the values and culture of Frensham Schools. As Deputy Head of Frensham Schools, Sarah works closely with the Junior and Senior School Leadership teams in designing curriculum and social emotional learning experiences to support individual student development.
With a wealth of experience in girls’ education, Sarah’s extensive career spans roles at MLC School Sydney, Santa Sabina College, and Wenona School, where she has demonstrated a passion for teaching and learning that addresses the physical, social, and intellectual needs of young people. By leveraging emerging research, Sarah creates effective and innovative learning experiences that inspire her students.
In her spare time, Sarah loves travelling, cooking and spending time outdoors with her beloved Boxer Dog, Squirt.
Mr Ben Chadwick
Mr Ben Chadwick
BA Agri Econ, Econ & Geography (USYD), MTeach (USYD)
Ben is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in residential education, student leadership, and strategic planning. As Director of Students and Strategy, Ben leads the Heads of House and Year Coordinators to support the wellbeing of all students, while contributing to Frensham Schools’ long-term development.
Ben has a strong personal connection to Frensham and is passionate about building a vibrant, supportive community. Outside of school, he enjoys rugby, tennis, cricket, outdoor adventures, and reading military history.
Mrs Lucy Dalleywater
Mrs Lucy Dalleywater
MEdLead (Macq), BEd (Hons)/BA (English & Social Science, English Literature & Business Management) (USYD)
Lucy Dalleywater is the Director of Activities at Frensham Schools, overseeing Sport, Extra and Co-Curricular activities, Camps, and Outdoor Education. Lucy plays a vital role in overseeing Frensham’s Character Education framework delivered through the Jamieson Program.
Prior to this role, Lucy held various positions at Frensham, including Year Coordinator and Head of Strategic Projects. With a strong background in education and leadership, Lucy brings valuable experience to her work at the school. Before joining Frensham, Lucy was Head of English at William Clarke College and Assistant Head of English at The King’s School, where she worked for 11 years. Lucy has also served as a Senior Assessor for the ISTAA Experienced Teacher Assessment Panel, further demonstrating her expertise in education.
Mr Nathan Bessant
Mr Nathan Bessant
MEdLead (UNSW), MA (History) (Macq), GradDipEd (Macq), BEc (Macq)
Nathan Bessant is the Director of Studies at Frensham Schools, where he leads academic programs and drives curriculum innovation and development. Since joining Frensham in 2020, Nathan has played a key role in enhancing the school’s educational offerings, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and curriculum development.
Prior to this, he was Head of HSIE at Northern Beaches Christian School, where he contributed to significant improvements in the department. Nathan’s leadership and commitment to educational excellence have made a lasting impact on the schools he has worked in.
Nathan has visited some of the world’s most innovative schools while attending the Sydney Centre for Innovation and Learning European Vision Tour in 2015, was a recipient of the Gandel Scholarship for Educators in 2019 and the Frensham Foundation Scholarship in 2024 to attend the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He is a regular presenter on teaching and learning and curriculum strategies.
Our facilities
Frensham occupies a magnificent 300 acre rural property, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
Our inspiring environment comprises a blend of historic buildings and state-of-the-art facilities, all set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and natural bushland.
The original Main House was once the home of the Tooth family. It was purchased by Frensham’s founder, Winifred Mary West, in 1916 and became the foundation for the School we know today.
A selection of key buildings
North & West Wings
The North Wing, built in 1926, and the West Wing, completed in 1937, together form the main teaching hub at Frensham. This building houses a variety of academic spaces across three floors, each designed to support the diverse needs of the school community.
These wings are central to Frensham’s academic life, offering a dynamic and well-equipped environment for learning across a wide range of disciplines. The combination of historical architecture and modern facilities in the North-West Block creates an inspiring atmosphere where students and staff can engage in creative collaboration and rigorous academic study.
The Esther Tuckey Library
The opening of the Esther Tuckey Library in 1971 was a moment of great significance, named as a tribute to Miss Tuckey. Tuckey had served with distinction as both the Librarian and an English teacher at the school for many years, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students.
The new Esther Tuckey Library was officially opened on Sunday, 1 March 2009, by Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales. This new space reflects the evolving needs of the school and its commitment to fostering academic excellence and a love of learning for future generations.
Cooper Hall
Formerly known as School Hall, this iconic building is important space where Prayers are held each weekday morning, along with select school services. In recent years, theatre lighting was installed to enhance performances and to support both permanent and special art exhibitions.
In 2013, the space was renamed Ian Cooper Hall in honour of the late Ian Cooper AM, who taught Music at Frensham from 1960 to 2012. The renaming pays tribute to Ian’s profound impact on the School and its music program, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire generations of Frensham students.
Clubbe Hall
Clubbe Hall was built to celebrate Frensham’s 50th Birthday in 1963 and opened in 1966. The name honours Phyllis Anna Harrison Clubbe, Winifred West’s greatest friend and co-founder. It was financed almost completely by gifts from friends of Frensham all over the world. The Walcker pipe organ was given to Frensham by Phyllis Bryant and her relatives in memory of Mrs ‘Ma’ Bryant. In 2020, technical and interior refurbishment was completed, including the installation of state-of-the-art audio and visual systems.
Schavemaker Centre for Science and Technology
Opened in 2003, named in honour of Miss Ann Schavemaker, headmistress of Frensham (1994-2000). The Centre houses three Science Laboratories, a research laboratory, a Collaborative Learning Space and the Science Staff room.
Glenn Music Centre
Originally known as Little Frensham, Glenn was the first house to be purchased for Frensham. It was acquired in 1915 and later renamed in 1938 in honour of Blanche Glenn, its housemistress for many years.
In 1989, Glenn was repurposed and dedicated as the Music Centre, offering a range of facilities including music teaching and practice rooms, a composition studio, and a classroom and staff office, becoming a central hub for the School’s vibrant music program.
The Parker Gymnasium
The Parker Gymnasium is a versatile indoor sports facility at Frensham, designed for a wide range of physical activities including basketball, volleyball, and indoor fitness programs. It supports both individual and team-based sports, with state-of-the-art equipment on-hand.
The Julie Gillick Sports Complex
The Centenary Pool
Opened in 2013 to commemorate the Centennial Year of Frensham Schools, the Centenary Pool is a state-of-the-art indoor aquatic centre. It features a 25-metre competition pool designed for training and water polo, as well as a dedicated learn-to-swim pool, maximising opportunities for community use.
The facility also includes a cardio and weights area to support cross-training and therapy, along with modern showers and change rooms for added convenience.
Two-Court Indoor Sports Hall
Part of the Gillick Sports Complex, the Two-Court Sports Hall offers versatile spaces for various sports and activities. The two courts can be used for netball, basketball, futsal soccer, volleyball, badminton, and floor gymnastics, making it an ideal venue for training and competitions.
Games Field
Frensham is a proud home venue for the 32 schools that participate in the IGSA competition, where students don’t need to travel off-campus for competitions. IGSA schools come to us, making use of our top-tier facilities, including eight netball and tennis courts, a synthetic turf hockey field, and adjoining grass playing fields.
More than 90 percent of girls represent the school in the IGSA competition each term. At Frensham, students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of sports, fostering both skill development and a love for physical activity.
The Centenary Trail
Designed by Head of School Geoff Marsh and spanning 3km, the Centenary Trail is a picturesque cross-country route that winds through the Lower Holt and around the Games Field. In 2013, it was further enhanced with the Centenary Avenue of Trees, adding both functionality and beauty to the trail.
Join the Frensham community
Find out more about us with a personal tour of the School or begin the application process for your child. We look forward to welcoming you to the Frensham Schools community.