Head-to-head · 2026
Mount Carmel College 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 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Mount Carmel College is Catholic (Sisters of Charity); The Friends' School is Independent (Quaker).
- Gender: Mount Carmel College is girls (co-ed K-Year 2); The Friends' School is co-educational.
- The Friends' School offers boarding; Mount Carmel College is day-only.
- ICSEA gap of 81: The Friends' School draws from a more advantaged community.
- The Friends' School is the older school (est. 1887 vs 1942).
- Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Mount Carmel College | The Friends' School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Sandy Bay, Hobart | North Hobart, Hobart |
| Sector | Catholic (Sisters of Charity) | Independent (Quaker) |
| Gender | girls (co-ed K-Year 2) | co-educational |
| Year levels | K-Year 10 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1077 | 1158 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | on request | $21,580 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $5,661 | $19,280 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $23,800/yr |
| Founded | 1942 | 1887 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Sisters of Charity) | Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Mount Carmel College
Standout strengths
- ›Founded by Sisters of Charity 1942
- ›K-Year 10 only - students continue at Guilford Young College for senior years
- ›Co-ed K-2, girls only Years 3-10
Catholic (Sisters of Charity) girls (co-ed K-Year 2) school in Sandy Bay, Hobart. Founded by Sisters of Charity 1942
See full profile →The Friends' School
Standout strengths
- ›Australia's only Quaker school
- ›Strong values-based education + service
- ›Boarding for rural Tasmania + Pacific
Quaker co-educational school in North Hobart. Founded 1887.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Mount Carmel College or The Friends' School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Friends' School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Mount Carmel College 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 Mount Carmel College and The Friends' School?
Mount Carmel College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $undefined (Year 7: $5,661). The Friends' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $21,580 (Year 7: $19,280). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Mount Carmel College vs The Friends' School?
Mount Carmel College has an ICSEA score of 1077; The Friends' School has 1158. 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, Mount Carmel College or The Friends' School?
The Friends' School is the older school (founded 1887 vs 1942 for Mount Carmel College).
Do Mount Carmel College or The Friends' School offer boarding?
Mount Carmel College: Day school only. The Friends' School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $23,800/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.
Open calculator →