Head-to-head · 2026

Fahan School vs St Michael's Collegiate School

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Hobart. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 13 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Fahan School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian ethos); St Michael's Collegiate School is Anglican.
  • St Michael's Collegiate School offers boarding; Fahan School is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $5,180: St Michael's Collegiate School is more affordable.
  • St Michael's Collegiate School is the older school (est. 1892 vs 1935).
  • Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Fahan School St Michael's Collegiate School
City / suburbSandy Bay, HobartHobart, Hobart
SectorIndependent (Non-denominational Christian ethos)Anglican
Gendergirlsgirls
Year levelsPre-K-Year 12K-Year 12
ICSEA11541147
Year 12 fee 2026$25,000$19,820
Year 7 fee 2026$22,840$17,680
BoardingDay schoolYes · $22,600/yr
Founded19351892
ReligionNon-denominational with Christian ethosAnglican Church of Australia

All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 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)

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St Michael's Collegiate School

Standout strengths

  • Tasmania's longest-running Anglican girls school
  • Boarding for rural Tasmania
  • Strong music + drama programs

Anglican girls' school in Hobart. Founded 1892.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Fahan School or St Michael's Collegiate School?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Fahan School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Michael's Collegiate School 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 Michael's Collegiate School?

Fahan School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,000 (Year 7: $22,840). St Michael's Collegiate School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $19,820 (Year 7: $17,680). 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 Michael's Collegiate School?

Fahan School has an ICSEA score of 1154; St Michael's Collegiate School has 1147. 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 Michael's Collegiate School?

St Michael's Collegiate School is the older school (founded 1892 vs 1935 for Fahan School).

Do Fahan School or St Michael's Collegiate School offer boarding?

Fahan School: Day school only. St Michael's Collegiate School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $22,600/yr.

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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