Head-to-head · 2026
St Mary's College Hobart vs The Friends' School
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: St Mary's College Hobart is Catholic (Presentation Sisters); The Friends' School is Quaker.
- Gender: St Mary's College Hobart is girls; The Friends' School is co-educational.
- The Friends' School offers boarding; St Mary's College Hobart is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $19,070: St Mary's College Hobart is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 87: The Friends' School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | St Mary's College Hobart | The Friends' School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Hobart CBD, Hobart | North Hobart, Hobart |
| Sector | Catholic (Presentation Sisters) | Quaker |
| Gender | girls | co-educational |
| Year levels | K-Year 12 | Pre-K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1062 | 1149 |
| Year 12 fee | $6,690 | $25,760 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,955 | $24,040 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1868 | 1887 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Presentation Sisters) | Quaker (Religious Society of Friends) |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
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 →The Friends' School
Standout strengths
- ›Largest Quaker school in the world
- ›One of two Tasmanian schools offering IB Diploma
- ›47 boarders Years 7-12
Quaker co-educational school in North Hobart, Hobart. Largest Quaker school in the world
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, St Mary's College Hobart or The Friends' School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Friends' 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 St Mary's College Hobart and The Friends' School?
St Mary's College Hobart's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $6,690 (Year 7: $6,955). The Friends' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,760 (Year 7: $24,040). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for St Mary's College Hobart vs The Friends' School?
St Mary's College Hobart has an ICSEA score of 1062; The Friends' School has 1149. 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, St Mary's College Hobart or The Friends' School?
St Mary's College Hobart is the older school (founded 1868 vs 1887 for The Friends' School).
Do St Mary's College Hobart or The Friends' School offer boarding?
St Mary's College Hobart: Day school only. The Friends' School: Yes.
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.
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