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Principal, Ross Patterson, welcomes you to Scotch Oakburn College.
WELCOME TO TASMANIA
INTERNATIONAL ENROLMENTS
Scotch Oakburn College stands proudly as one of Australia’s finest independent schools, celebrated for its academic excellence and vibrant co-curricular achievements. Nestled in Launceston, Australia’s third oldest city, our school thrives within the stunning, serene backdrop of Tasmania—the heart of some of the world’s safest, friendliest, and cleanest landscapes.
Japanese student Chinatsu Komada shares her experience of boarding at Scotch Oakburn College.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
At Scotch Oakburn College we are extremely proud of the consistently outstanding academic performance of our students.
As an open enty school, our students’ academic achievements are exceptional. Over the past 5 years our Year 12’s ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank) has consistently placed 50% of our students in the top 11% nationally.
EXCELLENCE IN RESULTS
More than an ATAR – Download Scotch Oakburn College 2025 Leavers Achievements
DUX of 2025
EXCELLENCE IN RESULTS
89.95 MEDIAN atar – 50% of students in 2024 ranked in the top 10.05% nationally
95+ ATAR ranking – 32.20% of students in 2024 ranked in the top 5% nationally
90+ ATAR ranking – 49.1% of students in 2024 ranked in the top 10% nationally
80+ ATAR ranking – 71.20% of students in 2024 ranked in the top 20% nationally
DUX of 2025- 99.50 ATAR
Boarding at Scotch Oakburn College
RESIDENTIAL LIFE
At Scotch Oakburn College, boarding offers an exceptional residential experience in a safe, supportive and well-supervised environment. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy a balanced program of study, recreation, social connection and weekend activities, helping them build confidence, independence and a strong sense of belonging.
TOUR OUR BOARDING HOUSE NOW
Click on the image to start your tour
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) is calculated over two years of education (Years 11 and 12). It is the equivalent in other states to:
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
Australian Capital Territory Senior Secondary Certificate (ACT SSC)
Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET)
Students choose a combination of the following to make up your program of study:
- TASC accredited courses
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses
- nationally or interstate assessed languages (by application)
- University of Tasmania High Achiever Program (HAP) and University Connections Program (UCP) units (by application)
Scotch Oakburn College participates in the Tasmania High Achiever Program (HAP).
To achieve the TCE, students need to meet all of the TCE standards over a two year period:
- Participation and Achievement Standard: 120 credit points (with at least 80 credit points in studies at Level 2 or higher).
- Everyday Adult Standards: Reading, Writing and Communication (in English), Mathematics, and Use of Computers and the Internet.
The TASC TCE Course Planner calculates the above for you.
The Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) is completed in Tasmania over two years (Years 11 and 12).
The Tertiary Entry Score (TE Score) is calculated in Tasmania using an eligible student’s best FIVE results in Level 3 and 4 courses over two years of senior secondary education. This score is then compared to all equivalent scores nationwide to obtain the Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR), a nationwide percentage score showing how that student ranked against all other Australian students.
Find out more about the TE Score and ATAR calculation – Focus On: TE Score and ATAR Calculation – Version 1.0
Find out more about the ATAR score – Understanding the ATAR: Student Factsheet – Version 2.0
Scotch Oakburn College provides a wide array of subject options. Visit our Year 10-12 page onour website via this link to download the TCE Curriculum handbook.
From Education Outdoors, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, sport options and Extension & Enrichment Programs, there are many things to choose from. Visit our Grow, Expore, Thrive page to see just some of the available options.
Yes, there can be.
Every university is different and even courses within each university, but it is always worth checking. Some uni’s and some degrees can provide a lower entry score for students who have completed secondary school at a regional school, and sometimes it can be a significant reduction. We have a fantastic Futures Centre team who can help students plan and apply. Engagement with our Futures Centre team begins from Year 9, helping each student select appropriate subjects and plan for their future after school. In Year 12, students have as many appointments as you feel you need with our Careers Advisors to make sure they are ready for their next step.
Children in Tasmania need to be aged five by 1 January of the year they commence Prep. Therefore, Year 12 students typically turn 18 during their final year of schooling. If there will be a big age difference for a commencing student, options will be discussed during their interview with our Head of Senior School.
Find out more – Enrolling your child at school – Department for Education, Children and Young People
We recommend that you commence at Scotch Oakburn College at the beginning of Year 10 or before to allow yourself time to settle into our Boarding House and Tasmania, and to get to know staff and students. At the end of Year 10, we run our TCE Headstart program, designed to set all students up for success heading into their TCE years.
Flying in and out of Launceston
It’s a short hop to Launceston, possibly shorter than many people’s daily commute. Direct flights are available daily from Melbourne (1 hour flight), Sydney (1 hour 45 minute flight), Brisbane (2 hour 30 minute flight), and seasonally, direct from Adelaide or Perth.
By Ship
The Spirit of Tasmania travels from Geelong to Devonport (about an hours drive from Launceston), allowing you to bring your car. Overnight and day sailings are available.
Find out more:
The Official Tourism Tasmania Website | Discover Tasmania
Flying in and out of Launceston Airport – Launceston Airport
Launceston is the vibrant cultural and gastronomic hub of Northern Tasmania, home to diverse community of around 70,000 people. It is one of only two Australian cities recognised as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
Located where three rivers converge, the North Esk, South Esk and kanamaluka / River Tamar, the city centre is an easy walking distance from the Boarding House. Tasmanian wilderness, beaches and mountains are all within a few hours drive.
Find out more and Launceston and Tasmania:
Short term study tour
Scotch Oakburn College is pleased to offer a unique opportunity to further student education while learning about Australian life and culture. Offering a short term study tour in Australia, students will stay in our boarding house, and receive the support of resident tutors and staff, while studying and experiencing school life.
Our safe environment, academic record and range of sporting opportunities make Scotch Oakburn a perfect location for short term study.
Longer term study options are also available. Students successfully completing their final years of study with us are able to gain entry to Australian university (visa requirements apply).
Enquire now to begin organising your study program with one of Australia’s finest schools.
For more information about studying in Tasmania, follow these links:
International Student Policies
View our International student policies on our College policy page – follow this link to view.
