Head-to-head · 2026
The Friends' School vs The Hutchins 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: The Friends' School is Independent (Quaker); The Hutchins School is Anglican.
- Gender: The Friends' School is co-educational; The Hutchins School is boys.
- ICSEA gap of 23: The Friends' School draws from a more advantaged community.
- The Hutchins School is the older school (est. 1846 vs 1887).
- Both schools are in Hobart, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | The Friends' School | The Hutchins School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | North Hobart, Hobart | Sandy Bay, Hobart |
| Sector | Independent (Quaker) | Anglican |
| Gender | co-educational | boys |
| Year levels | K-Year 12 | Pre-K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1158 | 1135 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $21,580 | on request |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $19,280 | on request |
| Boarding | Yes · $23,800/yr | Yes · $27,720/yr |
| Founded | 1887 | 1846 |
| Religion | Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) | Anglican Church of Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
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 →The Hutchins School
Standout strengths
- ›Founded 1846 - one of Australia's oldest schools
- ›Burbury House boarding for senior boys
- ›Outdoor education at Southport campus
Anglican boys school in Sandy Bay, Hobart. Founded 1846 - one of Australia's oldest schools
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, The Friends' School or The Hutchins School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Friends' School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, The Hutchins 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 The Friends' School and The Hutchins School?
The Friends' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $21,580 (Year 7: $19,280). The Hutchins School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $undefined. Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for The Friends' School vs The Hutchins School?
The Friends' School has an ICSEA score of 1158; The Hutchins School has 1135. 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, The Friends' School or The Hutchins School?
The Hutchins School is the older school (founded 1846 vs 1887 for The Friends' School).
Do The Friends' School or The Hutchins School offer boarding?
The Friends' School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $23,800/yr. The Hutchins School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $27,720/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 →