The Friends' School

"The Friends' School in North Hobart, Tasmania, is one of Australia's most distinctive independent schools — a co-educational day and boarding school with deep roots in Quaker values and a genuinely global outlook."

Founded in 1887 by members of the Religious Society of Friends, the school has grown over more than 135 years into the largest Quaker school in the world, a remarkable distinction that speaks to both its longevity and its enduring sense of purpose. At the heart of the school's identity is the Quaker tradition, which emphasizes integrity, equality, community, and the worth of every individual. These are not merely historical footnotes but living principles that shape the culture families encounter when they arrive on campus. Parents evaluating schools for children who are joining from overseas often find this values-driven environment to be a reassuring foundation, particularly when navigating the challenges of relocation and transition. Academically, The Friends' School offers the International Baccalaureate across two of its most respected programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for younger students and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students in the senior years. This IB pathway provides genuine continuity through a child's schooling and ensures strong international recognition for graduates — a significant advantage for expat families who may be thinking ahead to university applications in multiple countries. The IB's inquiry-based, internationally minded framework also aligns naturally with the school's Quaker ethos of thoughtful engagement with the world. The school accommodates students from pre-kindergarten through to Year 12, with a student body of approximately 1,330. Boarding is available from Year 7 onwards, with around 47 boarders currently enrolled. While the school is not a large international boarding institution in the traditional sense, this relatively intimate boarding community can offer a genuinely supported experience for students who have relocated to Tasmania or are joining from regional or remote areas. The campus is situated in North Hobart, a leafy, characterful suburb just minutes from the Tasmanian capital's vibrant city centre. Hobart itself has emerged in recent years as one of Australia's most culturally rich small cities, home to MONA, a thriving food scene, and some of the country's most spectacular natural landscapes on its doorstep. For families relocating from larger global cities, Hobart offers a pace and quality of life that many find genuinely appealing. The Friends' School holds membership in several peak bodies for Australian independent and boarding schools, reflecting its engagement with best practice across both day and residential education. What ultimately sets the school apart, however, is the combination of its rare Quaker heritage, its internationally recognised IB curriculum, and its position as a warm, community-oriented institution that has been welcoming students for well over a century. For expat families and relocating professionals seeking a school that balances academic rigour with a principled and inclusive community culture, The Friends' School represents a compelling and well-established choice.