Boarding at Dilworth

Director of Boarding - Gareth Hore

Since joining Dilworth in 2020, I have had the privilege of serving our community in both academic and pastoral roles - initially as Head of the Social Sciences Learning Area and as a House Manager at the Junior Campus and later a House Leader at the Senior campus. 

In July 2023, I stepped into the role of Director of Boarding.

At the very core of my leadership is my personal philosophy and mandate to prioritise student well-being and safety in every decision we make and to continually enhance the Dilworth boarding experience for our young men.

“Because the boarding experience defines so much of our students' lives, we owe it to them to question everything.”

Last year, I led a comprehensive review of our boarding operations to ensure Dilworth remains at the forefront of pastoral care. By benchmarking our practices against the best-known boarding schools worldwide, our team examined every aspect of the student experience—from staffing and policies to digital well-being, sleep hygiene, and the development of essential life skills. 

This guided our transition to a new year-level boarding structure, which we implemented this year.

As we move through 2026, it is incredibly rewarding to see these enhancements come to life. The year has started exceptionally well, and I remain dedicated to fostering a boarding environment where every Dilworth student feels safe, heard, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Boarding at Dilworth

Boarding allows students to get involved in everything Dilworth has to offer. It also develops skills and independence, opening up a world of opportunity.

A strong family and community culture is created to enhance students’ experience. Our staff understand that boarding can be a difficult transition for students and their whānau and are committed to making Dilworth a ‘home away from home’. A strong support network is provided, which includes managing day-to-day care and well-being, tending to minor injuries or illnesses and monitoring academic, sporting and co-curricular progress. Additional support is available through Dilworth’s Psychologist and Counselling Service if needed.

Boarding at Dilworth is centred around each student's social and personal development while prioritising academic development. The experience of boarding also provides an ideal environment for developing character. Respect, empathy, kindness, and independence are all required for successful boarding. Students' engagement and enjoyment are paramount, they learn many precious life skills from living as boarders. 

Most students go home on the weekends, with a provision made for out-of-town students (stay-backs) and around winter sports.

We encourage whānau to be part of our young men’s boarding experience. We facilitate ongoing communication through phone calls, emails, attending school events, and regular conversations with house staff at drop-offs. Students from Auckland can also keep links with local sporting or cultural clubs, and we try to grant leave where possible a week for outside practices (subject to fulfilling Dilworth obligations).

Meals cater for the needs of growing active young men. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are provided. The meals are both wholesome and nutritious. 

Special dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated. 

Our Staff 

Each boarding house is led by a House Leader, who is supported by House Managers and Coordinators. House assistants help students with their studies and activities. A dean is also associated with each year’s group to oversee students’ academic development and assist with pastoral care.

Isabella Dilworth Lodge

If a student’s home or boarding environment is temporarily disrupted, Isabella Dilworth Lodge provides short-term respite care.

The lodge ensures a safe and caring stay, overseen by two House 'Parents'.

Read more here about Isabella Dilworth House.