Head-to-head · 2026
Fahan School vs St Mary's College Hobart
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Hobart. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 11 June 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Fahan School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian ethos); St Mary's College Hobart is Catholic (Presentation Sisters).
- Year 12 fees differ by $18,310: St Mary's College Hobart is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 92: Fahan School draws from a more advantaged community.
- St Mary's College Hobart is the older school (est. 1868 vs 1935).
- Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Fahan School | St Mary's College Hobart |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Sandy Bay, Hobart | Hobart CBD, Hobart |
| Sector | Independent (Non-denominational Christian ethos) | Catholic (Presentation Sisters) |
| Gender | girls | girls |
| Year levels | Pre-K-Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1154 | 1062 |
| Year 12 fee | $25,000 | $6,690 |
| Year 7 fee | $22,840 | $6,955 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1935 | 1868 |
| Religion | Non-denominational with Christian ethos | Roman Catholic (Presentation Sisters) |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Fahan School
Standout strengths
- ›Small intimate enrolment (~430 students)
- ›Named after Irish village Fahan, Co. Donegal
- ›Strong rowing and aquatic sports program
Independent (Non-denominational Christian ethos) girls school in Sandy Bay, Hobart. Small intimate enrolment (~430 students)
See full profile →St Mary's College Hobart
Standout strengths
- ›Administered by Presentation Sisters since 1868
- ›Adjacent to St Mary's Cathedral
- ›Year 7 includes $450 ICT levy
Catholic (Presentation Sisters) girls school in Hobart CBD, Hobart. Administered by Presentation Sisters since 1868
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Fahan School or St Mary's College Hobart?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Fahan School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Mary's College Hobart is more affordable. Both are in Hobart. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child – visit open days and talk to current parents.
What are the 2026 fees for Fahan School and St Mary's College Hobart?
Fahan School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,000 (Year 7: $22,840). St Mary's College Hobart's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $6,690 (Year 7: $6,955). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Fahan School vs St Mary's College Hobart?
Fahan School has an ICSEA score of 1154; St Mary's College Hobart has 1062. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community – it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.
Which school is older, Fahan School or St Mary's College Hobart?
St Mary's College Hobart is the older school (founded 1868 vs 1935 for Fahan School).
Do Fahan School or St Mary's College Hobart offer boarding?
Fahan School: Day school only. St Mary's College Hobart: Day school only.
Next step
Model the 6-year cost for either school
Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.
Open calculator →