Scotch Oakburn College

The College is committed to 'Creating the Future' within a caring, supportive, and inclusive community, guided by the values of Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Respect, and Responsibility. It champions a holistic education that nurtures the whole child, aiming to develop students who are architects of their own lives and learning. The school emphasizes the importance of character development alongside rigorous academic experiences, preparing students to be positive, active, and responsible citizens.

The academic programme spans from Early Learning (ages 3 and 4) through to Year 12, with a curriculum that balances character development and academic rigour. The Primary School focuses on inquiry-based learning, while the Middle School (Years 6–8) is designed for the needs of young adolescents. The Senior School (Years 9–12) offers a broad range of subjects, including TASC-accredited courses, Vocational Education and Training (VET), and university-level units, all supported by a future-focused, agile curriculum.

Graduates consistently achieve strong academic results, with many securing placements at top universities across Australia and internationally. The College measures success beyond the ATAR, utilising a set of 10 Learner Attributes—such as being agile, collaborative, compassionate, and self-regulating—to provide a holistic view of student development. Students are prepared for the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE), with opportunities to undertake VET courses and university-accredited units through the University of Tasmania.

The College employs a personalised approach to education, supported by a large team of Learning Support staff and additional in-class literacy and numeracy specialists. In the Primary School, small class sizes—capped at 22 for Prep to Year 1 and 24 for Years 2 to 5—ensure students receive individualised attention. The John Morris Centre at the Penquite Campus serves as a comprehensive student services hub to support student wellbeing and academic needs.

The College welcomes enquiries for day and boarding students, with boarding available from Year 6 to Year 12. Prospective families are encouraged to book a campus tour, attend a Discovery Day, or participate in a 'Try Day' to experience the school environment. The enrolment process begins with an application, and the College provides dedicated support for interstate and international families, including guidance from the Futures Centre for subject selection and post-school planning.

The academic year is divided into four terms, typically commencing in early February and concluding in mid-December. The calendar includes scheduled staff professional learning days, student-free days for parent-teacher conferences, and public holidays. Detailed term dates, including specific commencement and conclusion days for different campuses, are provided to the community via the College’s digital portals.

The College operates across three campuses in Northern Tasmania: the Elphin Campus, the Penquite Campus, and the Valley Campus. Facilities include the Health and Physical Education Centres, the Helix Centre for Science and Mathematics, performing arts centres, IT labs, and the Scotch Oakburn Park sporting complex. The Valley Campus in the Fingal Valley serves as the dedicated Education Outdoors and Environmental Centre, featuring accommodation, a lake for water activities, and direct access to the South Esk River.

The College offers a diverse range of co-curricular activities designed to help students hone their talents and pursue passions. Options include Education Outdoors, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, various sports, and extension and enrichment programs. Students are encouraged to engage in clubs, service organisations, and leadership opportunities to develop a global perspective and contribute to their community.