Boarding at Frensham

Hartfield is one of Frensham’s two junior boarding houses and was the first house to be built in the Holt. It was officially dedicated on 17 July 1934, marking Frensham’s 21st birthday. The house was named in honour of Margaret Hartfield, who made a significant contribution to the School by giving its first singing lesson and also teaching Music and German. The tablet at the east entrance was unveiled by Fanny West (née Sturt), the mother of Frensham’s founder, Winifred West. In 2006, Hartfield underwent extensive renovations, transforming it into spacious accommodation for students in Years 7-9, with twin-bed studies added for Year 10.

Kennedy was the second junior boarding house to be built in the Holt, officially opened in 1956. It was named in honour of Frances Kennedy, the sister of Miss West, who taught a wide range of subjects in the early years at Frensham. Later, she focused her teaching on Drama, and the house was strategically built near the open-air theatre in recognition of her work.

In 1988, a new house was constructed to meet the requirements of Ordinance 70 fire prevention standards and was dedicated to Mrs Kennedy. The original building still includes an extension, known as the Annexe, which is now used for examinations. Kennedy underwent further extension and refurbishment in July 2017, with the work completed in time for the start of the 2018 school year.

The Bryant McCarthy extension, which links Bryant and McCarthy Houses, was completed in January 2012. The extension includes a reception area and office, 14 additional Year 12 bed-studies, and a large common room for Year 12 students. It also connects to a new residence for staff.

Bryant House, opened in 1970, was named in honour of Phyllis Bryant, Frensham’s second Headmistress, who served from 1938 to 1965. The house was refurbished in 1998, when the junior dormitories were converted into senior twin bed/study areas, and bathrooms were renovated in 2006.

McCarthy House, opened in 1981, was named in recognition of the McCarthy family. Two sisters, Marjorie and Betty, were pupils at Frensham, and their father and brother were solicitors to the School.

The refurbishment and expansion of Linden Turner was completed in 2016, adding 16 additional twin rooms (32 beds), a new student common room, updated bathrooms, a laundry, a Parent Reception, and a drop-off/pick-up area at the Waverley Parade frontage. Originally, Linden Cottage was purchased from the Department of Community Services in 1995 as part of the ‘Stanley Street property.’ It was converted into senior accommodation, while Turner Cottage was similarly transformed and opened in 1998 to house Year 12 students.

Connecting these two senior houses is a staff residence known as Topp Cottage, named in honour of Mr. Godfrey Topp, who served as Warden of Winifred West Schools Limited for many years.