The Friends' School

Guided by the Quaker Purpose and Concerns, the school is founded on the values of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Earthcare. It seeks to foster spiritual and intellectual growth, encouraging students to develop as independent, creative thinkers who are sensitive to the needs of others and the environment. The school’s motto, "Nemo Sibi Nascitur" (No one is born for self alone), reflects its commitment to service and community.

The school is an IB World School offering a curriculum that spans Early Learning through to Year 12. Academic pathways include the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE), the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and Vocational Education and Training (VET). The school provides a one-to-one Apple laptop or iPad program for students from Year 2 to Year 12, and includes outdoor education, language studies, and humanities in its core offerings.

The school reports consistently high academic results, with students pursuing pathways including the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Graduates are prepared for university studies and diverse career paths, with the school emphasizing the development of students who think clearly, act with integrity, and hold a global perspective.

The school maintains a dedicated Director of Learning Support (E-12) to oversee consistent support systems across all year levels. A student support centre is located within the Primary School, and the school employs learning support staff to assist students throughout their educational journey. The school’s approach is guided by a formal learning support philosophy and policy.

The school offers personalised tours for prospective families, including specific sessions for the Primary School (Kindergarten to Year 6), Middle and Senior Schools (Years 7 to 12), and the Walker House boarding facility. Applications are managed through the Enrolments Office, and the school provides information on scholarships, bursaries, and international enrolments. Virtual tours are also available for remote exploration of the campuses.

The school operates on a four-term academic year. Terms typically commence in late January or early February and conclude in early December, with breaks for Easter, mid-year holidays, and term-specific professional learning days. The calendar includes key events such as orientation for new students, public holidays, and designated wellbeing days.

The school operates across four sites in Hobart, including the Argyle Street Campus (Early Learning to Year 6) and the Commercial Road Campus (Years 9 to 12). Facilities include the Farrall Centre for assemblies and events, the Revell Sports Centre, the Bill & Marjorie Oats Theatre, and the Friends Health & Fitness complex, which features an indoor heated pool, gym, and spa. The school also maintains specialized spaces for art, ceramics, food studies, science, and library services, alongside the historic Hodgkin Hall and the Quaker Meeting House.

The school provides a wide range of co-curricular opportunities designed to nurture individual passions and challenge students. Offerings include music ensembles, private music tuition, and various sporting activities such as rowing. The school also utilizes the Friends Health & Fitness complex for physical education and co-curricular programs.