Schools in Tasmania: Hobart and Launceston Guide

Schools in Tasmania

Tasmania has a distinctive education structure that differs from mainland states. Government schooling runs from Kindergarten to Year 10 in primary and high schools, with Years 11 and 12 delivered at Colleges (similar to the ACT system). This means students make a significant transition at Year 11 to a different institution.

Government Schools and Colleges

In Hobart, the main senior secondary colleges are Elizabeth College (North Hobart, co-ed), Rosny College (Rosny, east Hobart, co-ed), and Clarence High School (combined high school/college). In Launceston: Launceston College and Riverside High. Colleges offer a wide range of VET, ATAR, and vocational pathways. Tasmanian government high schools include Hobart College catchment schools such as New Town High, Clarence High, and Claremont College.

Catholic Schools

Catholic Education Tasmania operates schools including St Virgil's College (Austins Ferry, boys, Years 7-12), Sacred Heart College (Newtown, co-ed), St Aloysius College (New Town, co-ed), and a network of primary schools. Catholic schools in Hobart are generally well-regarded and affordable relative to independent schools.

Independent Schools

Tasmania's most prestigious independent schools include The Friends' School (North Hobart, Quaker, co-ed K-12, one of Australia's oldest and most reputable), Hutchins School (Sandy Bay, Anglican, boys), Fahan School (Sandy Bay, Presbyterian, girls), and St Michael's Collegiate (Sandy Bay, Anglican, girls). In Launceston: Launceston Church Grammar School and St Patrick's College. Fees are generally lower than equivalent mainland schools.

Finding and Enrolling

Government school enrolments are at education.tas.gov.au. College enrolments open in Term 3 for the following year. Contact Catholic and independent schools directly, Tasmania's smaller size means admissions teams are often very accessible.

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