Fahan School vs The Friends' School
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in Tasmania, 6.1 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Fahan School
Sandy Bay · Independent combined · Prep-12
419 students · ICSEA 1154
The Friends' School
North Hobart · Independent combined · Prep-12
1,269 students · ICSEA 1149
| Measure | Fahan School Sandy Bay TAS | The Friends' School North Hobart TAS |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 82 Top 10% | 80 Top 10% |
| State rank (type) | #1 of 51 | #2 of 51 |
| National rank (type) | #80 of 1,259 | #116 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | Prep-12 | Prep-12 |
| Students | 419 | 1,269 |
| Girls / boys | 419 / 0 | 648 / 621 |
| Foundation intake | 20 | 48 |
| Year 7 cohort | 50 | 144 |
| Year 12 cohort | 42 | 138 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +4% | +5% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1154 | 1149 |
| ICSEA percentile | 96th | 95th |
| Top SEA quarter | 64% | 63% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 3% |
| Students per teacher | 10.1 | 9.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 41.3 | 128.6 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 26.1 | 69.8 |
| Language background other than English | 13% | 20% |
| Indigenous students | 2% | 2% |
| Suburb | Sandy Bay 7005 | North Hobart 7000 |
| Council area | Hobart | Hobart |
| Remoteness | Inner Regional | Inner Regional |
| Website | www.fahan.tas.edu.au | www.friends.tas.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Fahan School scores higher on the Success Index (81.6 vs 79.8).
- •Fahan School has the higher ICSEA (1154 vs 1149), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •The Friends' School is the larger school with 1,269 students compared with 419.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Fahan School better than The Friends' School?
On the Success Index, Fahan School ranks higher (81.6 vs 79.8 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Fahan School and The Friends' School?
About 6.1 km in a straight line, between Sandy Bay and North Hobart in Tasmania.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Fahan School has 10.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and The Friends' School has 9.9.
How do Fahan School and The Friends' School rank in TAS?
Fahan School is 1st of 51 and The Friends' School is 2nd of 51 among combined schools in Tasmania on the 2025 Success Index.