This is what continues to draw families to Walford Anglican School for Girls in Adelaide. 

Set in one of Australia’s safest and most liveable cities, Walford offers girls access to outstanding educational and co-curricular opportunities within a caring and close-knit community. For families sending daughters interstate, Adelaide’s accessibility, relaxed pace and strong sense of community provide reassurance from the very beginning. 

For more than 130 years, Walford Anglican School for Girls has been a leader in girls’ education, developing exceptional young women who thrive during school and beyond. Nestled within the leafy suburb of Hyde Park, just three kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, the Walford Boarding House is a beacon of comfort and belonging, providing a supportive environment where girls flourish academically and personally. 

The school’s history is matched by its commitment to preparing girls for the future. Walford is known for strong academic outcomes, exceptional teaching and a broad co-curricular program that encourages girls to discover their strengths — whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through music and the arts or in leadership opportunities. 

Academically, Walford’s program is rigorous and personalised. Students benefit from small class sizes, flexible learning pathways and a wide range of subjects — from STEM and humanities to the arts and vocational education. Student results speak for themselves — in 2025, 51 percent of Walford Year 12 students achieved an ATAR above 90, placing them in the top 10 percent of the nation.

Beyond the classroom, Walford offers a wealth of co-curricular activities, encouraging girls to engage in healthy competition, ensure balance with their academic commitments, build confidence, extend their skills, and enrich their overall educational experience. 

The comprehensive sport and music programs feature opportunities to nurture beginners and challenge experts, with offerings driven by student interest. There is also a diverse array of clubs and activities encompassing a wide spectrum of fields, including chess, debating, the STEM fields, as well as visual arts and environmental advocacy.

Yet what many boarding families value most is the care that lies at the heart of the Walford experience.

Setting the benchmark in modern boarding facilities, the carefully designed rooms within the eight apartments are grouped around a central common room and kitchenette, creating a familiar, warm ambience where girls can relax together and feel genuinely at home.

The Walford boarding community is intentionally small and personal. Each girl is known by name, supported by dedicated staff and encouraged to form friendships across year levels. Shared meals, supervised study sessions, weekend activities and everyday routines all contribute to a strong sense of community.

Walford boarding is more than a community – it’s a family, and one that head of boarding Edwina Birrell holds close to her heart.

“We have a kind, supportive and enthusiastic group of boarders whose connections grow every day,” she says. “It is such a privilege to see them growing and gaining confidence.”

There is something so special about boarding life at Walford. Living and learning with girls from all over Australia and beyond, forging the kind of close friendships that last a lifetime — what could be better than that?

For many boarders, this starts before they even officially move in, with new girls visiting the house for a sleepover.

“Their buddies give them the grand tour, introduce them to everyone, spend time getting to know them, and take them on little outings to explore our local area,” Edwina says. “This means that when they start, they are already part of the family, and their transition is smooth and familiar — there is nothing more reassuring than living with friends who have lived the experience and can share their knowledge, wisdom and friendship.”

This transition is particularly important for regional and remote families. Walford understands that choosing boarding is one of the most significant decisions a family can make, which is why communication, wellbeing and personalised care remain central to the school’s approach.

“The boarding staff also form close bonds with the young women in their care,” Edwina says. “We see them from the moment they wake up in the morning to lights out at bedtime and everything in between. Our staff provide support with every facet of their lives and work closely with school leadership, teachers, nurses and counsellors to ensure that academic and wellbeing information is communicated seamlessly.”

This wraparound approach helps girls feel safe, settled and supported throughout every stage of their boarding journey.

For Territory families, there is also reassurance in knowing that girls can access exceptional opportunities while still remaining connected to home. Direct flights between Adelaide and Darwin make travel manageable, while modern technology and regular communication ensure families remain closely involved in school life.

Walford boarding’s activity program also ensures there is something for everyone. Edwina emphasised how much the boarders’ input is embraced when developing their action-packed weekend schedule. This year alone has seen the boarders enjoy laser tag, bowling, TreeClimb, ice skating, night markets, and even puppy yoga. 

They make the most of all Adelaide has to offer, seeing fringe shows, cheering on the Thunderbirds, or heading to Adelaide Oval for an AFL match. They also hold the ultimate sleepovers, complete with karaoke, face masks and movies.

Ultimately, Walford offers the best of both worlds: the opportunities that come with an outstanding girls’ education and the warmth of a community where every student is genuinely known and cared for.

For generations of Northern Territory families, this makes all the difference. TQ

Learn more at www.walford.sa.edu.au