Boarding Life

Students with Head of Boarding, Ms Jane Shone.

Our Tiddeman Boarding House offers a home away from home for approximately 120 Year 7 to Year 12 students, providing an exciting journey for boarders to experience new opportunities, create lasting friendships and learn independence. We provide a warm, friendly environment that offers the balance of flexibility and structure, privacy and connection.

We are located near the centre of Hawthorn and at the top of Glenferrie Road, a hub of activity with a cinema, countless shops and a huge variety of cafes and eateries ensuring that there are plenty of things for boarders to see and do in their free time. Boarders may also visit Melbourne's CBD, located only a quick train ride away, and explore the unlimited attractions that the 'world's most liveable city' offers.

Boarding Wellbeing

From the moment a new boarder begins at Tiddeman House, she is always supported. We understand that the transition to boarding can be daunting, and our experienced and passionate team of staff are committed to delivering best practice residential care and develop true relationships with our students.

All of our Boarding House staff are qualified teachers, with the added benefit of working in the Boarding House and also teaching some day school classes, so they are well-integrated in the whole school. The team includes a Head of Boarding, Assistant Head of Boarding and Year Level Supervisors, who work together to help each student manage their learning and to ensure that they achieve their personal best. Supervisors regularly liaise with day school teaching staff and parents, ensuring that academic progress is monitored to meet each student's unique learning needs.

Community and Involvement

MLC offers one of the largest and most varied curricula in Australia, and we enthusiastically encourage our boarders to embrace the diverse range of activities available - with 30 sports and a wide range of orchestras, ensembles, choirs, committees and clubs, there is something for everyone. Our College facilities include our renowned Music School and Physical Education Centre for lessons and tuition, as well as dedicated Boarding sporting programs.

The Boarding House upholds a strong sense of community spirit making it a warm and friendly place to be. There are an abundance of organised weekend activities, an annual Boarders’ drama production and special event nights such as our annual Boarders' Birthday Night.  Some examples of activities include city excursions, visits to everything from the Zoo to escape rooms, and even a surf weekend in Geelong! These offer great camaraderie between all students and builds lasting friendships.

Through a different community activity each term, boarders are also able to engage in social justice and community spirit to help those who are less fortunate, and forms the basis of being a good global citizen.

Additionally, each boarder is integrated fully within the day school House system. Boarders are encouraged to embrace life at MLC in order to enrich their learning, extend their friendships and improve their wellbeing.

Leadership and Support

The student leadership team of Prefects and Leaders are there to provide extra support and a friendly face, especially to the younger students or those who are new.

All of our boarders are allocated to one of six 'Tiddeman Families', each with a dedicated student leader. Every Thursday night is Family Dinner, which is a great opportunity for students to share stories and offer support. Our boarders essentially 'growup' with their Tiddeman Family, and it is comforting to know there is always someone they can go to with questions.

Why Board?

Boarding is a fantastic opportunity for students to develop confidence, resilience and time management skills. Our boarders become self-directed, independent and responsible with diverse interests.

Coming to MLC provides your daughter with a myriad of opportunity. Whether it is sporting or musical pursuits, social justice, leadership programs or tours and exchanges, you will always find our boarders a part of them!

For those not from Melbourne, boarding gives students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the city and makes transitions into future tertiary studies far easier. We are proud to foster a community culture of support and diversity, where lifelong friendships are made.

Boarding Scholarships are available, see our Scholarships page for further information.