Founded in 1899, Somerville House is the leading Presbyterian and Uniting Day and Boarding School for Girls’ leading and leadership development, providing empowering education for girls from Pre-Prep to Year 12 and co-educational Pre-Prep.  Boarding is offered to girls from Years 6 to 12.

Located in South Brisbane in an enviable position overlooking the Brisbane city skyline, Somerville House focuses on girls’ education, development, and wellbeing. Our schools provided a personalised learning experience in an environment where girls can be fearless leaders of change.  With us, they can develop confidence, pursue excellence and find their purpose.

Learn more about the opportunities for your child at Somerville House. Book a personalised tour of our campus and facilities via somerville.qld.edu.au or phone 07 3248 9267.

There is no better example of the celebrated Somerville House spirit than that embraced by our Boarding Community. It is the friendships, a sense of belonging and a shared commitment to the fullness of life and learning and that makes the Somerville House boarding house a true home away from home.

In the supportive and warm boarding environment, students are encouraged to balance structure and routine with the freedom to explore and develop individually. 

Boarders of diverse nationalities and culturally rich backgrounds travel from around Australia and the world, to take advantage of our renowned academic, cultural and sporting facilities at Somerville House. 

Our boarders enjoy modern bedrooms, shared leisure spaces, in-house kitchens, modern bathroom facilities, supervised study spaces, sound-proof music practice areas and views overlooking Brisbane city.

Our central location means students have the cultural heartland of Queensland literally on their doorstep with easy access to South Bank parklands, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Queensland State Library, Museum and Art Gallery, the botanical gardens and much more. 

For more information about boarding at Somerville House, please visit www.somerville.qld.edu.au/boarding

Shaping the future of young people – the way they think and solve problems, and the way they perceive themselves, others and the world around them – is an increasingly complex challenge. In a world that demands innovative, ethical solutions to a wide range of humanitarian, environmental and commercial challenges, Somerville House strives to ensure students leave with, not only a first-class education, but a well-rounded and supported schooling experience.

Since its establishment, Somerville House has exercised its unwavering commitment to provide an education that nurtures students into well-rounded, confident and knowledgeable citizens of integrity. 

In addition to our efforts to develop academic excellence, this commitment is reinforced through the provision of extensive staff and peer support networks, student-led activities, progressive leadership opportunities and dedicated Pastoral Care within the School curriculum.

Junior School Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is an essential element of the Junior School curriculum and is primarily delivered by the classroom teacher. Initially, students learn the social skills required to work and play happily with other children in both formal (classroom) and non-formal (playground) settings. 

Students will explore topics which are relevant to their year level, such as self-responsibility, interpersonal understanding, the changes associated with puberty, and the skills to promote successful learning are explored. 

Middle and Senior Schools Pastoral Care
In the Middle and Senior School, Pastoral Care is arranged in a horizontal structure, with Heads of Year assisting at each year level. Homeroom Teachers and Tutors, who have extensive contact with students on a daily basis, take significant responsibility for the care of students in their class groups, assisting new students to settle in and providing a knowledgeable point of contact for any initial parental or student concerns.  

Formal weekly Pastoral Care sessions, conducted by Homeroom Teachers or Tutors cover a variety of important topics through discussion and activities. These include: manners and demeanour, assertiveness, resolving conflict, strengthening support networks, dealing with stress, how to stay safe, making decisions, developing friendships and the ethical use of technology.

Pastoral care at Somerville House is more than an action, and more than a subject to be studied, it is implicit in our daily interactions with each other, in our many family events such as welcome evenings for parents, mother/ daughter breakfasts, family chapel services and boarding family gatherings, it is our cultural norm.

Somerville House encourages academic excellence and personal growth. To support this, the School and the Somerville House Foundation offer a range of scholarships for students in Years 7 to 12. 

Our Scholarship program provides opportunities for exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence and support the values of the School. For more information, visit www.somerville.qld.edu.au/admissions/scholarships

As the twelfth Principal of Somerville House, I acknowledge those colleagues who have come before me.  Each day as I walk through my office and pass a portrait gallery of the past Somerville House Principals, I am reminded of the responsibility I have to carry on the legacy established by Miss Eliza A Fewings. Somerville House has a long history of tradition and pride. Since its foundation in 1899, Somerville House has epitomised the essential elements of a leading girls’ school: intellectual endeavour, teaching excellence, a caring Christian community, a wealth of opportunities and a stimulating environment fostering innovation and growth.  120 years later, the School’s outlook continues in the tradition of Miss Fewings, as the Founding Principal who established a school designed to educate young women to take a leading role in society.  Today, Somerville House is focussed on educating the next generation of fearless leaders of change so that they are well-prepared for the future workforce of the 2030s.

I am honoured to be part of this passionate, inclusive and supportive school community. The vision, purpose and values of Somerville House align closely with my own personal philosophy and ambition for girls’ education. Somerville House offers an exemplary educational environment with a culture of academic scholarship, Christian faith serving as a strong foundation for enhanced social and emotional wellbeing, and a strong sense of meaningful community service and civic engagement experiences.  

What a privilege it is for us to be part of the Somerville House community. Collectively, we can encourage each student to develop confidence and connection to their individual purpose.  Specifically, we can help our students learn to trust their voices, as sources of power and encouragement, to self and others, and to have a fulfilling life that makes a meaningful contribution to society.

I encourage you to learn more about Somerville House.  Please explore our website, visit our social media platforms or take a 24/7 Tour.

Mrs Kim Kiepe
Principal