The information on this school’s profile is taken from publicly available sources, and has been collated by AI and curated by human moderators. Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, but factual inaccuracies are possible. If you would like to report inaccurate information please email support@doris.school
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Taught languages Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Spanish
Strengths Sport, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
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.
The Friends' School has 1,330 pupils, instruction in English.
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.
Fees
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.
Academics
The Friends' School teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum for students aged 0 to 18.
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.
Wellbeing
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.
Admissions
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.
FAQs
What age range does The Friends' School serve?
The Friends' School serves students from birth (0) through to Year 12 (age 18). The school operates across four campuses in Hobart, Tasmania, with boarding available in Walker House.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The school delivers the IB PYP in primary, the Australian Curriculum in middle years, and the IB Diploma Programme for Years 11-12. Eight learning areas span The Arts, English, Health, Humanities, Languages, Maths, Science, and Technology.
Does the school offer boarding?
Yes, Walker House provides on-campus boarding for local and international students in Years 7-12, with five-day and seven-day options available.
What languages are taught?
Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, and Japanese are offered. Year 7 students study all four languages in semester pairs, then choose one to continue through to Year 10 and beyond.
What learning support is available?
The Access and Inclusion programme provides literacy, numeracy, social-emotional learning, occupational therapy, and speech pathology. The Primary Support Centre has three teachers, four learning assistants, and a psychologist.
What is the school's religious background?
The Friends' School is a Quaker school guided by values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Earthcare. The Quaker Meeting House hosts weekly Gatherings and the SEL programme.
What co-curricular activities are offered?
Activities include da Vinci Decathlon, Mathematics Challenge, RoboCup Junior, extensive music ensembles, Duke of Edinburgh, and outdoor education with whole-day activities every three weeks.
What sporting facilities are available?
The Revell Sports Centre, Friends' Health and Fitness complex, basketball courts, and Bell Street Grounds support sport and physical education across all year levels.
How do I apply?
Submit an application with the AUD 100 fee. A conditional place or waitlisted status follows. The school may offer places subject to interview and document review.
Are scholarships available?
The Friends' Fellowship Bursary is a two-to-three year award for new Year 10 or 11 students. Additional scholarships and bursaries are available based on multiple criteria.
What is the school's history?
The Friends' School opened on 31 January 1887 with 33 students under Principal Samuel Clemes. It is one of Australia's oldest independent schools, guided by Quaker values for over 135 years.
What house system does the school have?
Four houses: Hodgkin, Mather, Ransome, and Unwin. Each house is divided into Tutor Groups for pastoral care and house identity runs from Year 7 through Year 12.
