Waiting Lists Explained

Entry to The Friends' School is open to any member of the community and from anywhere in the world. However, prospective students may find themselves on a waiting list. Here is an explanation of why this occurs.

The Friends' School has a range of policies which have been adopted for the benefit of all students in the School. Two of these policies have a direct bearing on enrolment availability. In almost all cases class sizes at Friends' are restricted to 25 students. Many are smaller than 25 but this is, for most intents and purposes, the maximum class size. This can place a restriction on the availability of a place, particularly in the popular entry points to the school (Years 5 & 6 in Morris and Year 7 in High School).

Another policy which affects the availability of places is the Gender Balance policy where the balance between male and female students will not exceed 45% - 55%. The School is very concerned that large gender imbalances do not occur to the detriment of the smaller group. Part of the academic success of Friends' can be attributed to the happy balance of genders throughout the School and the steps taken to reduce the potential for one gender to dominate the other. Our academic performance indicates that this policy is important in maintaining a good educational outcome in a co-educational school.

Parents considering Friends' for their child can reduce their chances of being placed on a waiting list by acting early. Enrolments four and five years out from the actual starting date are common and are likely to help ensure a place is available. Students enrolled later are still likely to gain a place, but at the popular entry points this can not be guaranteed.

To find out more please contact Sue Gledhill or Rod Tudball  on + 613 6210 2286 or email sgledh@friends.tas.edu.au