Boarding
FAQ

Lawrence College accepts students from approximately age 8–10 for the Junior School, though exact entry ages vary by school and class. Boys typically join the Junior School at a young age and progress through the Preparatory and Senior Schools during their time at the college. Please see the Admissions page for current entry requirements and age guidelines.

Historically, Lawrence College was founded for the sons of soldiers. Today, while priority in admissions may be given to sons of serving and retired military personnel, Lawrence College also accepts boys from civilian families. The college is a national institution serving Pakistan's wider community. Please check with the admissions office for current policy on priority categories.

A typical Gallian day begins with morning call at around 6:30 AM, followed by prayers, breakfast and morning assembly. Academic classes run through the morning and early afternoon. After lunch, afternoons are devoted to sports, activities and society meetings. Evening prep (supervised study) takes place before dinner. After dinner, students return to their houses for supervised activities, reading and lights-out at a house-appropriate time. The structured routine builds discipline and good habits.

Lawrence College operates a regular exeat system allowing students to visit home at set intervals during each term. The frequency and length of exeats varies by school (Junior, Preparatory, Senior) and by term. Exeats are important for maintaining family bonds while preserving the immersive boarding school environment. Full details are provided in the college handbook on joining. See the Exeats page for more information.

Every student at Lawrence College belongs to one of four houses: Wightwick, Walker, Peake or Wright. House assignment is made by the college upon entry and takes into account factors such as family connections (brothers are often placed in the same house) and school balance. Each house has its own housemaster, traditions, sports colours and identity. The house becomes a student's primary community and support network throughout their time at the college.

Lawrence College has its own on-campus hospital — the Thurley Hospital — staffed by qualified medical personnel who are available 24/7. The hospital provides general medical care, a sick bay, sports injury treatment, and basic dental services. For specialist treatment or emergencies requiring hospital admission, students are referred to medical facilities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. See the Thurley Hospital page for full details.

Lawrence College offers an extensive programme of sports and co-curricular activities. Major sports include cricket, hockey, football (soccer), athletics, cross-country running and shooting. Minor sports include squash, tennis, badminton, table tennis and swimming. Co-curricular activities include music, drama, art, debating, various academic and interest societies, and the annual inter-house competitions. See the Sports and Arts & Activities sections for full details.

Lawrence College follows the national curriculum of Pakistan, leading to Matriculation (SSC) and Intermediate (HSSC) level examinations. The Senior School prepares students for these national examinations as well as for competitive university entrance. The college has produced numerous university toppers and scholarship winners. See the Academic Overview for more detail.

A detailed joining kit list is provided to all accepted students before their first term. Generally, boys need to bring the college uniform (details provided on acceptance), sports kit, suitable clothing for cold mountain winters, personal toiletries, and any prescribed medicines (with a full medical history for the school nurse). The college provides bedding and most communal items. A full list is in the college handbook.

Applications are submitted to the college directly. Admission forms should reach the Principal's Office by 30 October. The three-phase process comprises a written test in November, a medical examination, and a final interview. Results are communicated by end of December and successful students join in March. See the Admissions page for full details.

No. Possession of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets is strictly prohibited at Lawrence College. This policy exists to maintain the focused, immersive boarding school environment and to ensure students engage fully with college life — academics, sport, friendships and activities — rather than screens. Students found in possession of prohibited devices are subject to disciplinary action. Parents may contact their son through the college's official communication channels.

Parents may visit on designated visiting days published in the college calendar. The Principal is available in his office, including on visiting Sundays, to address any concerns. Junior and Preparatory School boys may visit Murree or nearby areas only with parents on designated days. Senior School boys may visit Murree on designated Sundays. No student may leave the college grounds without permission from their Housemaster or Housemistress. Parents wishing to meet subject teachers or housemasters outside of formal visiting days may do so during school working hours by special request.

Fees are collected in three terms: 1st Term (January–April), 2nd Term (May–August) and 3rd Term (September–December). A fine of Rs. 100 per day is charged after the due date for fifteen days, after which the student stands withdrawn. Fees are deposited in any branch of Habib Bank Limited (Account No. 0042-79921537-03, titled "Principal Lawrence College Admission"). No cheques are accepted. See the Fee Structure page for full details including the fee table by school.

Withdrawals should ideally be at the end of the college year in December. If a boy is withdrawn after 1 January or before the March re-opening, a fine of Rs. 100 per day applies. Students absent without leave for 10 or more days from the start of the March session are struck off the rolls and their security deposit is forfeited. If withdrawal occurs during term, one month's notice must be given or one month's full dues are charged. The Principal also reserves the right to withdraw a student on disciplinary, academic or medical grounds.

The college session runs from the first week of March to mid-December. There are three terms with assessments at the end of each. Junior and Preparatory Schools close from December to March for the winter break. The Senior School closes for December to the second week of January, with a winter camp in January for outgoing Board and Cambridge examination students. The full calendar — including exeat dates, visiting days, holidays and examination windows — is issued to parents each December for the following year.

Admission to Lawrence College is a privilege, not a right. The college receives hundreds of applications for limited seats and finalises admissions strictly on merit. It is also important that parents ensure their son is willing and ready for boarding school life — enrolling a reluctant child can have adverse effects on his personality and development. The college expects full co-operation from parents in maintaining discipline standards, including the prohibition on excess money, prohibited food items, gadgets and mobile phones.