Head-to-head · 2026

St Michael's Collegiate School 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.

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: St Michael's Collegiate School is Anglican; The Friends' School is Quaker.
  • Gender: St Michael's Collegiate School is girls; The Friends' School is co-educational.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $5,940: St Michael's Collegiate School is more affordable.
  • Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric St Michael's Collegiate School The Friends' School
City / suburbHobart, HobartNorth Hobart, Hobart
SectorAnglicanQuaker
Gendergirlsco-educational
Year levelsK-Year 12Pre-K-Year 12
ICSEA11471149
Year 12 fee 2026$19,820$25,760
Year 7 fee 2026$17,680$24,040
BoardingYes · $22,600/yrYes
Founded18921887
ReligionAnglican Church of AustraliaQuaker (Religious Society of Friends)

All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

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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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

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Common questions

FAQs

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

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Friends' 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 St Michael's Collegiate School and The Friends' School?

St Michael's Collegiate School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $19,820 (Year 7: $17,680). 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 Michael's Collegiate School vs The Friends' School?

St Michael's Collegiate School has an ICSEA score of 1147; 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 Michael's Collegiate School or The Friends' School?

The Friends' School is the older school (founded 1887 vs 1892 for St Michael's Collegiate School).

Do St Michael's Collegiate School or The Friends' School offer boarding?

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