CELEBRATING
140 YEARS
OF COMMUNITY
In 2026, we celebrate 140 years, honouring the people, stories, and spirit that shaped Scotch Oakburn College. Join us across 2026 as our community leads the celebrations. Born from the amalgamation of Methodist Ladies’ College, Oakburn College, and Scotch College, Scotch Oakburn College stands as a testament to shared values, enduring traditions, and a progressive spirit.
This landmark anniversary reflects a legacy of shaping generations of learners and leaders, a journey marked by resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to nurturing young people who go on to make a meaningful difference in the world.
In true Scotch Oakburn spirit, our 140th anniversary will be student and community led, with a dedicated group of 14 staff, students, and community members workshopping, brainstorming, and imagining what meaningful moments could look like. Together, they are crafting a celebration that will reflect who we are, where we have come from, and the values that continue to guide us.
We look forward to sharing more with you as we approach 2026!
INTRODUCING OUR ANNIVERSARY AMBASSADORS
As we prepare to celebrate this milestone, we’ve chosen to tell the story of our 140th year not through institutional words, but through the voices of those who know us best – our Collegians and wider community.
Rather than the College telling its own story, we have challenged ourselves to step back and listen.
At the heart of this approach are our two 140th Anniversary Ambassadors: Richard Gee (’89) and Emily Sanzaro (née Husband, ’99).
We look forward to sharing their stories.
How can I get involved?
We have a calendar of events for the year that will provide an opportunity for our whole community to celebrate and you are all warmly invited to join with us.
Whether you are an older Collegian from Methodist Ladies’ College, Oakburn College or Scotch College, a Scotch Oakburn Collegian, a current student, a current or past staff member, or a past, present or future family, there are a myriad of ways you can celebrate with us.
MERCHANDISE
As part of our 140-Year celebrations in 2026, Scotch Oakburn College has partnered with Waverley Mills, Australia’s oldest working textile mill, to create a bespoke, limited-edition blanket.
Orders will be delivered in March 2026, in time to mark this milestone year.
Own a piece of history. Celebrate tradition. Wrap yourself in 140 years of Scotch Oakburn.
For more details and to purchase use the link below.
Example only – blanket will be in College tartan
140 CELEBRATION EVENTS
HELP US CELEBRATE
a brief history
Scotch Oakburn College was created in 1979 with the amalgamation of Oakburn College, formerly Methodist Ladies’ College (1886), and Scotch College (1901).
1886
Methodist Ladies’ College was established in 1886.
The main objective of the Methodist Ladies’ College was to provide girls with the same educational advantages afforded to boys. In 1903 Miss Mary Fox was appointed Lady Principal of the Methodist Ladies’ College. In 1941 the stately home of Lemana was purchased to provide extra classrooms for Domestic Science and the lower Primary School. The Wesleyan Tasmanian District Meeting of 1857 documents that Horton College was the inspiration for the later establishment of the Methodist Ladies’ College, (1886-1978), also known as Launceston Ladies’ College (1890-1974) and later known as Oakburn College.
Methodist Ladies’ College
Methodist Ladies’ College, Foundation (First Day), 1886.
Scotch College
Scotch College, York Street, Launceston, 1905.
1901
Scotch College was established in 1901 and was first located in York Street, and the founding Headmaster was Mr Leslie Brown.
By 1914 the school was in decline and was sold to Mr Mitchell Tovell. In 1917, Scotch College was moved to Ravenscraig, a property in Penquite Road, and comprised of four hectares of ground, a house and lodge and a tennis court. In 1955 a new boarding wing was built and named the WW V Briggs House acknowledging his long service to the College. In 1972 the enrolment of 30 girls to Scotch College was the first comprehensive step towards co-education. Boarding house facilities were provided and courses ‘catering for the particular needs of girls’ were introduced.
1969
In 1969 the school underwent a name change to Oakburn College, selected from the original name of the property, Oakburn. Margaret Stackhouse OC (nee Lyne, ’69), Captain of the School, noted in the 1969 Collegian, ‘It is a name that the School has been connected with since its very origin, when Eliza Thomson erected the stately home Oakburn…It is a name that one immediately connects to our traditional oaks…’. It was felt by the Council that the term ‘Ladies’ was outdated. Enrolments were extended to boys in 1973.
Oakburn College
Oakburn College, the official naming celebration, 1969.
Scotch Oakburn College amalgamation
Scotch Oakburn College students (Year 10 Dean House) wearing four different types of uniform (Oakburn College and Scotch College for boys and girls), 1979.
1979
Scotch Oakburn College was formed in 1979 from the amalgamation of Oakburn College and Scotch College. However, initial discussions about the amalgamation of Oakburn College and Scotch College began as early as 1977. These discussions progressed more seriously in the mid to late 1970s, when the Councils of Scotch and Oakburn Colleges met to discuss the matter of the amalgamation of both schools under the auspices of the newly formed Uniting Church in Australia. Strong arguments for the amalgamation included greater efficiency in the use of resources, wider educational opportunity, firmer economic viability and the urgent need for the Church’s two Colleges to present a ‘united front’ in the competitive educational field in Northern Tasmania. From mid-1978 the Joint Interim Council (with representatives from both schools) met regularly to consider various important matters and several sub-committees were established.
The amalgamation of Oakburn College and Scotch College was announced in 1978 by Mr David Taylor, President of the Scotch College Board, Mr Bruce Carter, Principal of Scotch College, Reverend Alan Green, Principal of Oakburn College and Dr John Morris, President of the Oakburn College Board. Scotch Oakburn College was the first co-educational amalgamation of independent schools in Tasmania. As at March 1979, there were 578 students enrolled at the newly formed College.
