At Guildford Grammar School, we understand that the transition to boarding is a significant milestone for both students and their families.

Guildford Ascent – Supported Steps to Success is our comprehensive onboarding program, designed to ensure every new Year 7 boarder and their family feels welcomed, prepared, and supported as they begin their journey with us. This program nurtures connections, eases nerves, and builds the foundations for a successful and enjoyable boarding experience. 

This program goes beyond logistics—it prioritises the holistic wellbeing of each student, ensuring they feel confident, connected and ready to thrive in all areas of life at Guildford Grammar. 

• Wellbeing: By nurturing a sense of belonging before students even set foot in the Boarding Precinct, Guildford Ascent eases the emotional transition to life away from home. Personalised visits, supportive staff and shared experiences ensure students feel valued and secure from the outset. 

• Social Connection: Building friendships and a sense of community is at the heart of the program. Through events, online sessions and an overnight stay, students form bonds with peers and staff, creating a strong network of support that will sustain them throughout their time at Guildford Grammar. 

• Academic Preparedness: Early access to resources, including iPads and study preparation sessions, helps students enter the academic year with confidence. By establishing good habits and clear expectations, Guildford Ascent sets students up for success in the classroom. 

A Thoughtful Transition Timeline 

• 9 Months Out: Community Connections Begin
  Families are invited to a special BBQ on campus, where new boarders and their families can meet one another, connect with boarding staff and begin building friendships that will grow throughout their time at Guildford Grammar. This relaxed event eases nerves and fosters a sense of belonging from the start. 

• 6 Months Out: Bridging Home and School
  Boarding staff visit families in their regional or local communities, delivering iPads to students and answering any questions about life in boarding. These personal visits strengthen the bond between school and home, ensuring students feel supported every step of the way. 

• 4 Months Out: Online Transition Sessions
  Students participate in a series of interactive online sessions designed to help them prepare for life in boarding and build confidence before their arrival. These sessions cover a range of essential topics, including fostering a positive mindset, developing independence and planning for academic success. Students also learn practical skills like organisation and time management, as well as strategies for maintaining their wellbeing and accessing pastoral care. With a head-start in using the school’s IT systems, students are equipped to transition smoothly into their new environment. These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity to form connections with peers and begin building relationships within the boarding community. 

• 2 Months Out: Orientation Weekend
  New boarders join us for an overnight stay in the Boarding Precinct, where they experience boarding life firsthand. This includes meeting their peers, bonding with current boarders, and settling into their new environment. The weekend leads into Step Up Day, where boarders join day students in the Senior School’s transition program, further easing the adjustment to life at Guildford Grammar.