The Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) has always been committed to outstanding boarding practice in member schools to achieve the best possible outcomes for every boarder.

What is the Accredited Boarding Practitioner scheme?

The ABSA Accredited Boarding Practitioner scheme is an individual recognition of those boarding staff who are making a personal, professional commitment to best boarding practice. 

To be considered, all applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to meeting the following core commitments:

  • Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
  • Achieving excellent boarding practice and outstanding outcomes for boarders.
  • Reflecting on practice and undertaking regular training.
  • Working collaboratively with other boarding colleagues.

Who can apply?

Any member of staff who works in boarding can apply once the minimum criteria for the different Accredited Practitioner levels are met.

What are the levels?

  • LEVEL 1 – A boarding member of staff who has completed at least one year working in boarding, undertaken a minimum of the ‘Duty of Care Certificate Course in Student Residential Care’ training or ‘Boarding Fundamentals’ training (or equivalent) within the last five years and met the core commitments.
  • LEVEL 2 – Someone who has worked in boarding for at least three years, met the core commitments and those in level 1, and completed appropriate specific boarding training in each year.
  • LEVEL 3 – A person managing boarding, or an aspect of boarding, within their own school, has served for a minimum of five years in boarding, consistently met the key commitments and has completed a higher level of specific boarding training during their time of service. They are also actively involved in their respective State Division of ABSA.
  • LEVEL 4 – Someone who has been a boarding practitioner for ten years or more, has consistently met the key commitments, completed further study in boarding and has made a significant contribution to boarding beyond their own setting, for example as a presenter at an ABSA Conference (or equivalent) or a regular contributor to Lights Out or similar.

NB: Acceptance of equivalent qualifications is at the absolute discretion of ABSA.

How do I apply?

• Download an application form.

• Applications can be submitted by email or by post.

  • The application form will ask for details of boarding experience, training, key safeguarding information and a brief personal statement. 
  • You will need to submit proof you are certified to work with children (a teacher registration, working with children check, etc)
  • In addition, all applicants at practitioner and professional status will require an endorsement by the person responsible for boarding within the school.
  • Managers and leaders will require an equivalent professional endorsement.

How much does it cost?

The application fee is only $110 (incl GST).

How long does it last?

Once granted, status is permanent, unless moving up to the next level, but recipients will be invited to update their portfolio of information annually.

NB: The ABSA Executive reserve the right to withdraw Accredited Boarding Practitioner status from any individual who fails to keep to the four key commitments.

What are the benefits?

In addition to the appropriate professional designation as an Accredited Boarding Practitioner the scheme has the following benefits:

  • Certificate and pin/lapel badge.
  • A dedicated newsletter each Semester.
  • A dedicated online peer support forum.
  • Joining the mailing list to receive all ABSA publications.
  • Offers from selected partners.
  • Recognition of your Profession within the industry.

The ABSA Accredited Boarding Practitioner programme has been developed following the launch of ABP in the UK by the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) in 2017. ABSA and BSA are proud to work in partnership to promote boarding and raise standards.

Download the ABSA Accredited Practitioner Application Pack.

Download a flyer with this information.