Compare International Schools in Hobart, Australia

Ages 2 - null years

Fees A$2,544 - 7,164

Type Co-educational

Southern Christian College is a co-educational Australian school located at 150 Redwood Road, Kingston, Tasmania. It delivers Early Learning to Year 10 with a blend of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the Australian Curriculum, and a bespoke curriculum tailored to individual learners. The college operates as a Christ-centred community, partnering with families to support learners spiritually, intellectually, physically, emotionally, creatively and socially. The PYP is authorised for Early Learning Centre through Year 6, guiding inquiry-based learning and cross-curricular connections. Languages include Indonesian, expanding international-mindedness. Distinctive features include weekly Learning Labs to support personal learning strategies, and a broad co-curricular program featuring School Production, music ensembles and a range of arts electives. Service and action, leadership opportunities, and wellbeing programs foster responsible citizenship within a faith-based framework. The college acknowledges the Muwinina people of Nipaluna as traditional custodians. It is part of a supportive, family-centred community focused on growth together.

Location

150 Redwood Road, Kingston, TAS 7050, Australia. Kingston is the location of the campus in Tasmania. Postal address: PO Box 62, Kingston, TAS 7051. Public transport includes Metro buses stopping directly outside the College; regional bus services connect from Huonville via Coal River Coaches and Tassielink routes 716/711.

Stages

Early Learning to Year 10.

Type

co-educational.

Country affiliation

Australia

Religious affiliation

Christian

School day structure

First Steps in Learning (Birth-5) Fridays 9:45-11:00; Kinder 8:45-3:10; Primary (Prep-Year 6) 8:45-3:10; Secondary (Year 7-10) 8:45-3:15; Kingston Early Learning Centre and Southern Christian College Outside School Hours Care operate 7:30-6:00; First Steps and Early Learning programs run on specific days as noted by the school.

Bus service

Metro buses stop outside the College. Coal River Coaches operate buses from Huonville; Tassielink connects via Huonville with routes 716 (morning) and 711 (afternoon); Metro bus routes are available nearby for student travel.

Application fees

- No separate application or enrolment fee is listed for Southern Christian College for the published fee schedule and fee policy.

Tuition fees — Term and Annual (per student by year group and sibling position)

- Senior Secondary (Year 11–12)
- Term fee: AUD 1,791 (1st/oldest child), AUD 1,362 (2nd child), AUD 1,198 (3rd child).
- Annual fee: AUD 7,164 (1st/oldest child), AUD 5,448 (2nd child), AUD 4,792 (3rd child).

- Years 7–10
- Term fee: AUD 1,692 (1st/oldest child), AUD 1,274 (2nd child), AUD 1,026 (3rd child).
- Annual fee: AUD 6,768 (1st/oldest child), AUD 5,096 (2nd child), AUD 4,104 (3rd child).

- Years 3–6
- Term fee: AUD 1,289 (1st/oldest child), AUD 959 (2nd child), AUD 813 (3rd child).
- Annual fee: AUD 5,156 (1st/oldest child), AUD 3,836 (2nd child), AUD 3,252 (3rd child).

- Prep–Year 2
- Term fee: AUD 1,213 (1st/oldest child), AUD 901 (2nd child), AUD 744 (3rd child).
- Annual fee: AUD 4,852 (1st/oldest child), AUD 3,604 (2nd child), AUD 2,976 (3rd child).

- Kindergarten (Monday to Wednesday)
- Term fee: AUD 636 (1st/oldest child), AUD 574 (2nd child), AUD 512 (3rd child).
- Annual fee: AUD 2,544 (1st/oldest child), AUD 2,296 (2nd child), AUD 2,048 (3rd child).

- Family concession rule: No tuition fees are charged for the fourth and subsequent enrolled child in a family during the same school year; other costs listed separately still apply. Annual fees are the equivalent of term fees multiplied by four.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Term fees are invoiced at the start of each school term (four terms per year) and are due by the end of the related term.
- An Early Payment Discount applies for Prep–Year 12 when annual fees and levies are paid in full by the stated early-payment deadline; the College's fees policy also documents an Early Payment Discount arrangement for families who pay annual fees at the start of the year.

Fee payment options and bank details

- Recommended payment arrangements: regular instalment arrangements using direct debit from a bank account, payment by credit card, or via Centrepay. Specific Centrepay setup details are provided by the College on request.
- Direct bank transfer details provided for fee payments:
- Account Name: Southern Christian College LTD
- BSB: 037 015
- Account Number: 309 202
- Families are asked to quote their account number when making transfers.

Boarding fees

- Southern Christian College operates as a day school and does not publish boarding fees; no boarding program or boarding fee schedule is listed.

Other costs and fees

- Extra-curricular activities (for example: sporting teams, music lessons) are excluded from the tuition fees and will incur additional charges where applicable.
- Uniform costs are not included in tuition and are charged separately.
- Interstate or overseas excursions will likely incur additional charges.
- Early Learning Centre and care service fees (for children aged 2–6 and school-hours care):
- School Hours Care (8:30am–3:30pm): AUD 96 per session.
- Long Day Care (7:30am–6:00pm): AUD 118 per session.
- Before & After School Care for 7–12 year olds is available and may be eligible for the Australian Child Care Subsidy for eligible families; sibling discounts for care are offered.
- Building Fund: families may donate to the College Building Fund; donations are tax deductible and receipts are available on request.

Fee assistance, discounts and concessions

- The College offers fee remissions, bursary assistance for low-income families, hardship bursaries, ministry discounts for full-time ministers, and staff discounts; these are discretionary and determined by the College Board or Business Manager according to the College's Fees Policy.

Refund information

- No general refund clause for tuition or related fees is specified in the published Fee Schedule or Fees Policy; fee assistance, remissions and discounts are handled under the College's Fees Policy on a discretionary basis. For individual refund enquiries or exceptional circumstances, the College's Business Manager handles case-by-case discussions.

Uniform Requirement

Uniform requirements apply to all students. The SCC Uniform Shop is operated by Midford, with online ordering available. Uniforms include Summer and Winter sets for Primary and Secondary, and Secondary students wear blazers in Terms 1 and 4. Hair, makeup and jewellery guidelines apply, and headwear rules are in place.

Food Options

An on-site café provides tea and coffee. Tea and coffee facilities are provided for First Steps sessions.

House System

The school uses a House system; Secondary students participate in School House competitions.

Governance and Ownership

Founded in 1986 by local families; Southern Christian College was originally established as a ministry of CityLight Church and is now governed by a College Board. Management and educational programming are the responsibility of the Principal, who is an ex officio and non‑voting member of the College Council.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school provides a Christ-centred education with a holistic development framework that balances spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, creative and social growth. The school partners with parents and the community in the education of children. Faith is expressed through caring and respectful global citizenship, promoting social justice and international mindedness. A strong culture of care underpins relationships among students, staff and families. The school emphasises helping students be discerning, resilient, resourceful learners who are ready to meet challenges and opportunities. The school fosters student awareness of themselves as learners and their personal strengths.

Mental Wellbeing

Extra-curricular activities are valued and provide learning beyond the classroom. Sports, music, ensembles, productions and clubs offer opportunities for students to pursue their passions and build teamwork. These experiences foster resilience and goal setting. Participation strengthens the sense of community and belonging. All extra-curricular experiences support social and emotional development within a Christ-centred education.

Safeguarding

The College is a Child Safe School with a zero tolerance stance on child abuse and a commitment to protecting all children. Policies provide clear expectations and boundaries on acceptable and professional behaviour for staff, students, parents, volunteers, contractors and the wider community to keep children safe. The College implements the Child and Youth Safe Principles through a range of policies and documents. Key policies include Positive Relationships & Communication Policy, Safeguarding Students and Protective Practices Policy, Child and Youth Safe Framework Implementation Policy, Anti-Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination, Safe Child Policy, Inclusive School Policy and Mandatory Reporting Policy. Complaints policy and Whistleblower Policy support safe reporting and ongoing improvement.

History

Founded in 1986 as Kingston Christian Community School by Mercy Church (now CityLight Church), Southern Christian College began with Kindergarten to Year 6 under Principal Allister Martin and Jill, who also taught. By 1987 enrolment reached 40 students, and the first classrooms were built through volunteer labour and the financial support of Mercy Church members who contributed to teaching and other duties. In 2007 the school was renamed Southern Christian College and later became an internationally recognised IB school offering Primary, Middle and Diploma programs, with new facilities added to accommodate growth. The College serves Early Learning to Year 10 and is located at 150 Redwood Road, Kingston TAS 7050; it acknowledges the land of the Muwinina people of Nipaluna as traditional custodians. Southern Christian College is a Christ-centred community rooted in partnership with families and the wider community, with a history shaped by its founders and supporters.

Community

The College describes its culture as Christ-centred and community-minded, aiming to develop balanced learners in spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, creative and social dimensions. It emphasizes partnering with families and the wider community in education and expresses faith as caring, respectful global citizens who promote social justice and international mindedness. Community programs include formal parent resources, student leadership opportunities, service and action, volunteering and giving, and policies and feedback mechanisms to support continuous improvement. The SCC Alumni network connects business owners, professionals and families across the community, and the College invites ongoing involvement from parents, staff and graduates.

Academic & Intellectual

The school offers electives in Art, Media, Outdoor Education, Drama, Film Studies, and Music, with Technologies subjects such as Design, Food, and Digital Technologies. An innovative Learning Labs program runs weekly to support learning across subject areas and helps students develop personal learning strategies. Students also have opportunities to undertake individual passion-based projects.

Arts & Creative

Electives include Art, Drama, Film Studies, and Music, with specialist music tuition and musical ensembles. The College runs a School Production and supports a range of arts activities as part of its co-curricular program. Students have opportunities to perform and participate in arts-based projects across the year.

Cultural & Language

Indonesian is taught to Kinder through Year 6 to foster international-mindedness. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is authorised from Early Learning Centre through Year 6, guiding inquiry-based learning and cross-curricular connections. The college emphasizes developing understanding of different cultures as part of its IB framework.

Social & Hobbies

During secondary years, students participate in a wide range of extra- and co-curricular activities, including School Production, outdoor and experiential learning, the QUEST program, Brain Day, and respectful relationship seminars. There are student leadership initiatives and the Doulos service program, along with sporting teams, musical ensembles, and specialist music tuition. The program also includes School House competitions, community events, and the MUSTARD spiritual leadership project.

Community & Service

Service & Action encourages students to consider their roles and responsibilities in relation to their community. Secondary students are required to participate in the Service & Action program. Service is a faith-based concept, with actions expected to align with Christ's call to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13b).

Leadership & Professional

The College has a formal leadership structure, including Executive leadership led by the Principal and other senior leaders. College leadership focuses on fostering a deep understanding of the college, its history and values, and building a strong community with students, staff and parents. The Student Leadership program aims to develop student leaders who can disciple, mentor and lead others.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The College places strong emphasis on student wellbeing and social and emotional development. Students gather daily in Home Groups for care and support. An integrated Learning Labs program links wellbeing with learning, helping students understand personal development and how learning happens.

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The Friends' School

Instructs in English

Ages 0 - 18 years

Pupils 1330

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Situated in Hobart, The Friends' School is an independent, coeducational day and boarding school offering the IB Primary Years Programme, IB Diploma Programme and the Australian Curriculum. It educates students from 0 to 18 years across four campuses, including Argyle Street Primary and the Commercial Road Senior School. The curriculum is organized around eight learning areas: The Arts, English, Health, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Science and Technology. In Years 8–10, English, Mathematics, Science and Health and Physical Education are compulsory. Outdoor Education features regular whole‑day activities about every three weeks. The school has a Quaker heritage, established in 1887, and remains connected with its Quaker values under the leadership of Esther Hill since 2024. Facilities include the Farrall Centre (an 800‑seat assembly hall), Revell Sports Centre, and the Health & Fitness complex. The Friends' School emphasizes Rowing and a broad co‑curricular program, including international enrolments for students from around the world.

Location

23 Commercial Road, North Hobart, Tasmania 7002, Australia

Stages

Early Learning through Year 12

Type

Independent, coeducational day and boarding school

Additional learning support

Learning Support (Access & Inclusion) including literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, occupational therapy, language programs; a speech pathologist and occupational therapist work with the staff in the Support Centre.

Country affiliation

Australia

Religious affiliation

Quaker

School day structure

Friends' Early Learning operates 7:30am–6:00pm on school days.

Bus service

School bus services are provided by external operators Tassielink Transit, O'Driscoll Coaches and Kinetic Coaches.

Application fees

- A non-refundable application fee of AUD 100 is required per enrolment.

Tuition fees (per year-group and per term)

- The School publishes a detailed Domestic Student Fees schedule for the 2026 year that sets tuition (and any associated levies) for each Year level and shows per-term and per-annum amounts. The School's fee structure provides that tuition and boarding fees are fixed each term by the Board and that year-level tuition figures are set in that Domestic Student Fees schedule. Parents must refer to the current published Domestic Student Fees schedule for the exact per-term and per-year figures for each Year group.

- What is included in those tuition figures:
- An Apple MacBook Air (or Apple iPad where specified) is provided and serviced for each student in Years 2–12, including servicing, educational software, insurance and support—this provision is included in the tuition fees.
- Materials, books and stationery for primary students (to Year 6) are included in the tuition fee, together with most school camps, excursions, outdoor-education experiences and most co-curricular activities; Year 6 tuition includes the annual Canberra trip.
- Certain optional or elective items are additional to tuition (for example private music tuition, specific sporting activities such as rowing, specialised Design & Technology materials, and International Baccalaureate registration/examination fees for Years 11–12). These items are charged separately.

Boarding fees and related charges (Walker House)

- Boarding (Walker House) is available and boarding fees are charged in addition to tuition; tuition and boarding fees are set per term by the School's Board. A deposit equivalent to one term's combined tuition and boarding fees is required for enrolments longer than one year and is held against possible payment default; this deposit is offset against the final term's fees provided all charges are paid.

- Boarding scholarships exist for eligible students; a typical boarding scholarship offers a percentage reduction in tuition and boarding fees (for example, a 25% reduction is stated in the School's boarding scholarship documents).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing schedule:
- Accounts are issued four times a year (accounts covering each school term are issued in February, May, July and October).

- When fees are due and payment timing:
- Tuition and boarding fees for each term are due on the first day of the term and payable within six weeks thereafter; there are four terms in the school year. Semester or yearly payments are also acceptable.

- Overdue and unpaid accounts:
- An accounting fee may be applied to any fees remaining unpaid six weeks after the first day of term. Accounts unpaid at the end of term may be referred for collection and any collection fees charged to the fee payer. A student may be prevented from commencing a new term while previous term fees remain unpaid unless special written arrangements are in place.

- Notice and deposit conditions:
- If an enrolment is for less than one year, fees are payable in full at enrolment. For enrolments over more than one year a deposit of one term's tuition and residential (boarding) fees must be paid and is refundable/offset as described above. If a parent/guardian withdraws a student without giving the required notice, one term's fees are payable in lieu of notice. If the School increases tuition and/or boarding fees for a year by more than 10% over the prior year, a parent may terminate the enrolment contract within 14 days of notice of the increase.

Other compulsory and common additional costs

- Laptop bag: a compulsory laptop bag cost is added to fee statements as a compulsory additional charge.

- Co-curricular and elective extras: private music tuition, specific sporting activities (such as rowing), significant design/technology materials and IB registration/examination fees are charged in addition to tuition when chosen by the student.

- Uniform and School Shop costs:
- Uniform must be purchased from the School Shop; a Uniform Handbook and Price List is provided and a 2025 Uniform Handbook & Price List is published for reference. The School Shop is cashless; payment at the School Shop is by EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard or Amex (no cash accepted). Uniform prices and the full price list are published in the uniform handbook/price list.

- Stationery & textbooks: stationery and textbook arrangements for each year level are documented by the School Shop; primary years' stationery is included in tuition but other year-level textbook/stationery charges may apply as set out in the School's materials guidance.

Refund information and refund rules (international & related provisions)

- Application fee: the application fee of AUD 100 per enrolment is not refundable.

- Refundable enrolment deposit: the enrolment deposit (a current scheduled amount equal to one term's tuition and boarding) is held for the duration of enrolment and may be refunded/offset at the completion of the student's study as described in the School's enrolment/refund guidelines.

- Visa and enrolment start/withdrawal rules (international students):
- If a student's visa application is refused, a full refund of tuition fees will be made (subject to the School's procedural requirements). If a student cancels a place less than four weeks before the course starts, or commences the course and gives less than one term's notice, no refund is payable; cancellation four weeks or more before course start attracts a 90% refund of fees. Non-tuition fees are refunded on a pro rata basis except where a payment was non-refundable. Refunds will be paid in the same currency as fees were received. All notifications of withdrawal from a course or boarding must be given one full term in advance.

- Provider default: the School's refund procedures comply with the ESOS Act and related requirements; in the event the School cannot provide a course or must default, unspent prepaid tuition fees will be refunded or the student will be offered placement in an alternative course; the Australian government's Tuition Protection Service provides assistance if necessary.

Fee payment options and plans

- Online payment: school fee payments are processed via the School's secure PayWay online link; account code (from the top right of the fees statement) is required to complete a payment. Enrolment payments are made using the link supplied in the Enrolments team email.

- School Shop (uniform) payments: the School Shop accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex and EFTPOS for uniform purchases; no cash accepted.

- Flexible payment plans: the School offers flexible third-party payment plan options through Edstart, allowing weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, and extended repayment options (Edstart Pay and Edstart Extend). Edstart can include school fees and many other school costs (uniforms, laptops, excursions, extracurricular activities) and offers plans up to multiple years subject to credit terms.

Summary of available numeric figures and where per-year values are recorded

- The School's public pages and policy documents confirm the application fee (AUD 100), what is included in tuition (devices for Years 2–12, primary stationery, Year 6 Canberra trip), billing cadence (accounts issued in Feb/May/July/Oct), due-date rules (fees due first day of term, payable within six weeks), deposit and refund rules, payment channels (PayWay), uniform payment methods, and availability of Edstart payment plans.

- The precise per-term and per-year tuition and boarding amounts for 2026 are published in the School's “Domestic Student Fees 2026” fee schedule (the School's published Domestic Student Fees schedule contains the per-term/per-year figures by Year group). That schedule is the authoritative source for the exact numeric tuition and boarding amounts by Year and shows the per-term amounts used for billing.

Note about the fee data provided above

- Where a published numerical fee schedule (the Domestic Student Fees 2026 document) contains the exact per-term and per-year numeric amounts, those numbers are provided in that schedule. The School's enrolment and refund guidelines and the School Shop materials give the fees framework, inclusions and the payment/refund rules set out above.

Boarding Arrangements

The Friends' School offers on-campus accommodation in Walker House for local and international students from Years 7 to 12, with five-day and seven-day boarding.

Uniform Requirement

All students from Kindergarten to Year 12 must wear The Friends' School uniform as prescribed in the Uniform Handbook.

Food Options

The Canteen sells nutritious lunches and snacks; the canteens are cashless with online canteen ordering available for all campuses. Canteen orders can be placed and paid for at Flexischools, and a High School student card can be linked to a Flexischools account.

House System

High School has four Houses (Hodgkin, Mather, Ransome and Unwin). Each House is divided into Tutor Groups, and students are placed in a Tutor group from Years 7–10; the House identity continues through the four years, with House Captains organizing participation in School Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming Carnivals. Clemes also uses four Houses; new students to Clemes are allocated to one of the four Houses, and they maintain House membership into Years 11–12.

Governance and Ownership

The Friends' School is governed by the Board of Governors. Governance rests with the Australian Yearly Meeting (AYM) since 1924, which appoints the Board from The Friends' School Association; the Association enables the Board to oversee governance, and the Board appoints a Principal to lead day-to-day operations. The Association consists of Quakers and supports a Quaker Values Committee. The School is incorporated as The Friends' School Incorporated (Trading as The Friends' School) under Tasmanian law (incorporated in 2000 under the Tasmanian Associations Incorporation Act 1964); it was founded in 1887 and accepts both residential and day students. The CRICOS Registration Number is 00477G.

Curriculum

The school uses a curriculum based on eight learning areas: The Arts, English, Health, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Science and Technology. In Years 8–10, English, Mathematics, Science and Health and Physical Education are compulsory. Outdoor Education features in the program with whole-day activities roughly every three weeks.

Higher Education Progression

The Friends' School offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for Years 11–12. In 2023, 96.2% of Year 12 students gained university entrance. Among the 65 destination survey respondents, 64% planned to enter tertiary education, with UTAS and interstate universities among the common choices; University of Melbourne and Monash were notable interstate destinations.

Gifted and Talented

An Enrichment program is available for mathematically talented students in Years 7–10. Activities span Mathematics, English, Science, Code Breaking, Engineering, Philosophy, Creative Production, Art and Poetry, Cartography and General Knowledge, with RoboCup Junior Australia participation.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school runs a weekly Social/Emotional Learning (SEL) program aligned to Gathering with the Quaker Coordinator in the Meeting House. SEL is a structured program designed to promote positive wellbeing and to develop independent work skills. The Key Teacher System supports student welfare and maintains contact with parents as part of pastoral care. The school is explicit about caring for the academic, cultural, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of every student. There are opportunities for parents to engage with staff about their child's welfare through meetings and information evenings.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Access & Inclusion provides programs in literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, language programs and extension in the Primary School. The Primary School's Support Centre is staffed by three teachers, four part-time learning assistants and a part-time psychologist, with a speech pathologist and an occupational therapist working closely with staff. In the Middle and Senior Schools, Learning Support is offered through a Subject Support study line, in-class support and peer-assisted learning via a Student Mentor program. The Subject Support program is designed to underpin the core curriculum and provide small-group or 1:1 support within the main studies. Specialist inclusion teachers work with Tutors, classroom teachers and learning assistants to understand and address diverse learning needs, including targeted supports to build resilience and independence.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Language programs are included in Access & Inclusion across the Primary and Middle Schools. In Years 7 and 8, students study one language for the full year, choosing from French, German or Japanese. In Year 8, students continue the continuation of their chosen language. Chinese classes have been introduced historically as part of curricular development, reflecting a broad language provision.

Mental Wellbeing

The Senior School provides wellbeing offerings including yoga, personal fitness and adventure education courses, as well as dedicated services for pathway planning and counselling. The Pastoral Care program centers around Tutor Groups which support students' development and fosters a learning partnership between the School, students and families. The Senior School also offers dedicated services for pathway planning, counselling and access to an onsite educational psychologist. Gatherings and the school's pastoral practices support reflective practice and the development of the whole person.

Safeguarding

The School maintains a deep and ongoing commitment to child safety. Tasmania's Standards mirror the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations, and The Friends' Safeguarding Children Policy and related Mandatory Reporting Policy Standards and Expectations became effective on 1 March 2022. Policies and guidelines cover safeguarding, reporting processes and student/child protection. There are explicit channels to raise concerns: reporting forms, Safe email and flowcharts for reporting. The School joined the National Redress Scheme in August 2019.

History

Established after a proposal in 1884, The Friends' School opened on 31 January 1887 at 60-62 Warwick Street under Principal Samuel Clemes, with an initial enrolment of 33. In 1923 management passed from English Friends to an Australian Friends' Committee, and Ernest Unwin led a major expansion that added Hodgkin Hall, a front portico, and science and art blocks, and introduced scarlet, grey and navy colours with the Nemo sibi nascitur motto. Post-World War II expansion continued under William N. Oats, with the Preparatory School opening in 1955 and the Sports Ground in 1958, followed by further campus development such as the Unwin Memorial Science and Art block in 1962. The school has remained a Quaker school for over 130 years, with Esther Hill taking the Principalship in 2024.

Community

Guided by Quaker values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Earthcare, The Friends' School maintains a warm, inclusive community. The school emphasizes service, equality of relationships and independent and creative thinking. Harmony Day is celebrated as part of The Friends' School Fair, which brings together students, families and staff in a public event. There is also an Alumni Community and a Volunteers program that connect former students and parents with current school life.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The Friends' School has a Parents and Friends Association (P&F) that supports school activities and the wider community. Parent Year Group Representatives coordinate with families and staff to support students and link with the broader School Community. The School Shop profits are donated to the P&F, demonstrating fundraising involvement. The school's site navigation includes a Parents & Guardians area under Community, reflecting active parent involvement.

Facilities Overview

The Friends' School operates across four sites: 395 Argyle Street, North Hobart; 23 Commercial Road, North Hobart; Bell Street / Queens Walk, New Town; and Lallaby Road, New Town Bay. The Farrall Centre is a purpose-built assembly hall constructed in 2010 and opened in 2011, and it can accommodate up to 800 people with modern AV facilities. The Quaker Meeting House sits on the Boa Vista Road site, and Walker House provides boarding accommodation with vehicular entry from Lewis Street. The Commercial Road Campus hosts the Revell Sports Centre, art rooms, a ceramics space, a commercial food studies kitchen, basketball courts, a library, science rooms, the Bill & Marjorie Oats Theatre, Hodgkin Hall and multiple outdoor spaces. Friends Health & Fitness is a connected complex with an indoor heated swimming pool, spa, steam room, gym and physiotherapist's rooms, used for Physical Education classes and co-curricular activities. The School also offers external venue hire including The Farrall Centre and Bell Street Grounds, while the Revell Centre on the Commercial Road Campus is not available for external hire. Archives space is located on the Commercial Road campus. The Friends' School is an IB World School.

Sports Facilities

The Revell Sports Centre on the Commercial Road Campus provides indoor sport facilities and the campus includes basketball courts and multiple outdoor spaces for diverse activities. Bell Street Grounds are available for external hire for sporting events. The Friends' Health & Fitness complex houses an indoor heated pool, a spa, a steam room, a gym and physiotherapist rooms. Sports on offer include Australian Rules Football, Badminton, Hockey, Basketball, Netball, Soccer, Volleyball, Learn to Play Golf, Canoe Polo, Water Polo, Orienteering, Rowing, Sailing and Tennis, among others. Rowing is a significant part of the co-curricular program and has dedicated facilities.

Academic Facilities

The Argyle Street Campus for Primary School includes Friends' Early Learning, Kindergarten, Prep–Year 6 with specialist art and music classrooms, a library and a student support centre. The Middle School occupies Clemes, Palfreyman and Meredith buildings. The Commercial Road Campus, home to the Senior School, features the Revell Sports Centre, art rooms, a ceramics space, a commercial Food Studies kitchen, basketball courts, a library, science rooms, the Bill & Marjorie Oats Theatre and Hodgkin Hall, plus multiple outdoor spaces. Archives space is dedicated to the Commercial Road campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Rowing is a key component of the co-curricular program, with rowing sheds having been redeveloped to support the program. Sports offered include Rowing, Sailing, Canoe Polo, Water Polo and a wide range of team sports such as Australian Rules Football, Hockey, Basketball, Netball, Soccer, Volleyball and Tennis. The school also hosts SSATIS & SATIS camps and carnivals as part of its sports program.

Academic & Intellectual

Da Vinci Decathlon is a gala-style event with tasks in Mathematics, English, Science, Code Breaking, Engineering, Philosophy, Creative Production, Art and Poetry, Cartography and General Knowledge. The Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians is offered to Years 7–10, with six problems to solve over a four-week period and an option to continue into the Enrichment Stage and the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad. Robotics and Programming opportunities include RoboCup Junior Australia competitions; younger students use Lego and block-based coding, while senior teams typically program their robots in Python. There are additional competitions such as the Tasmanian Science Talent Search, Science Junior Olympiads and the Tasmanian Model Solar Challenge for extension and challenge.

Arts & Creative

The Friends' School offers an extensive and varied co-curricular music program for both experienced players and beginners. Students join ensembles by attending rehearsals; there is no formal registration, though some ensembles have prerequisites. The program includes Senior Camerata, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Middle School Chamber Strings, Years 7–12 Guitar Ensemble, Marimba Ensembles, Music Theory Group and a range of vocal ensembles, with performance opportunities across school and in the wider community. The Amnesty Battle of the Bands and a broad slate of concerts showcase contemporary and classical music throughout the year.

Cultural & Language

The Friends' School welcomes international students and offers boarding, being one of only two Tasmanian schools to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and hosting about 1,300 students with capacity for international students in Years 4–12. The International Enrolments program emphasises immersion in a diverse community and the school's global outlook. The school engages with Indigenous cultures through a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), with National Reconciliation Week activities, guest speakers and in-class learning to deepen understanding of Indigenous histories and contributions.

Social & Hobbies

Co-curricular offerings include Chess Club with House Chess, After School Chess and Interschool Chess. Maker Space and Maker's Club provide hands-on design and digital project opportunities, including robotics, animation and crafting. Dungeons & Dragons Club and the Philosophy Club offer imaginative and critical-thinking avenues, while Ethics Olympiad provides structured debate and ethical reasoning opportunities in a school context. Community Yoga invites all members of the school community to start the day with movement, breathing and relaxation.

Community & Service

Students are strongly encouraged to engage in service activities through personal community links or structured school initiatives. Service opportunities include Middle School and Senior School committees (Service and Stewardship), Relay for Life, Sewing for Service, Climate Action/Advocacy Service Learning, and Environment and Landcare activities, with a range of projects that benefit the broader community.

Leadership & Professional

Leadership and professional development are fostered through the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, a school-wide program that develops practical, cultural and adventurous skills. Senior School leadership structures include the Stewardship Committee and the Senior Student Council Service and Environment Representatives, which plan and run service initiatives and school-wide projects. Students can earn recognition such as Service Colours and The Friends' Certificate for their service achievements.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Sport is seen as a core part of life, promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, with all offered sports available to students of any gender and ability. The School participates in SSATIS & SATIS carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country, Athletics) and offers a wide range of sports including Australian Rules Football, Badminton, Hockey, Basketball, Netball, Soccer, Volleyball, Golf, Canoe Polo, Waterpolo, Orienteering, Rowing, Sailing and Tennis. The campus also supports wellbeing through programs like Community Yoga and a broad suite of wellness and outdoor education activities.

Admissions

1. Submit an Application for Enrolment. Parent(s)/guardians submit an enrolment application with the required documentation, including a non-refundableAUD 100 application fee. Applications are reviewed by the Enrolments Office. 2. A Conditional Place or Waitlisted Application. A conditional place may be offered, or the application may be waitlisted for future consideration. If a conditional place is offered, the Enrolments administration fee of AUD 500 is payable to accept the conditional place; this fee is non-refundable unless a confirmed place is not offered after pre-enrolment. 3. Pre-Enrolment Information. The School requests up-to-date information 9 to 24 months prior to commencement, including year-entry questions, school reports, health and wellbeing and independent information. A pre-enrolment review and possibly an interview may occur. 4. Interview. Families are invited to an enrolment interview with a Head of School. 5. Confirmed Place Offer. A letter of offer for a confirmed place may be provided within 14 days of the interview. 6. Acceptance of Offer. Parents/guardians sign an Enrolment Contract and pay an Enrolment Deposit within the prescribed timeframe; the deposit is non-refundable and not used toward fees.

Scholarships

The Friends' School offers scholarships and bursaries based on multiple criteria. The Friends' Fellowship Bursary is a two-to-three year bursary for a new student entering Year 10 or 11 in 2027; recipients do not sit an exam but demonstrate commitment through an online application, interview, and references. Applicants must be Australian Citizens. The value can be up to 75% of school fees. The Mather Endowment Trust considers students entering Years 7–12; selection includes demonstrated academic commitment, portfolio work, and evidence of co-curricular involvement, with interviews. Merit Scholarships (Year 7 and Year 11 in 2027) provide a 25% tuition reduction and are tenable for enrolment; these are currently closed, with 2027 guidelines and an exam held on 28 February 2026. Boarding Scholarships ( Years 7 and 11 in 2027 ) provide a 25% reduction to tuition and boarding fees and are currently closed. Music Scholarships (Year 7 and Year 11 in 2027) provide a 25% reduction to tuition fees and are currently closed. The Old Scholars' Memorial Grant offers a one-off grant for Year 11 tuition (historically) and is currently closed. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Bursary opportunities exist for new students in Years 7–12 and are needs-based; these are currently CLOSED. For inquiries, contact the Enrolments Manager.

Waitlist

If a conditional place cannot be offered at the time, the application is waitlisted for future consideration. A waitlisted application may only progress by moving to the Conditional Place stage.

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