Merger and Current Status of New Town High School, Tasmania

Merger

The merger of New Town High School with Ogilvie High School marked a significant transition in the educational landscape of Hobart, Tasmania. This transition was part of a strategic plan to create Hobart City High School, which began operations from the 2022 school year. The merger was supported by a substantial government investment of over $21 million, aimed at enhancing educational facilities and resources. The merger was announced in November 2020, with a draft master plan released in March 2022, setting the groundwork for this educational transformation.

The newly formed Hobart City High School operates across two main campuses, which retain the historical names of their predecessor institutions: Ogilvie and New Town. This dual-campus structure is part of a broader collaboration under the Hobart City Partner Schools, which also includes Elizabeth College. This partnership envisions a cohesive educational system providing a continuum from junior to senior secondary education.

Current Status

Hobart City High School now serves approximately 1200 students from Year 7 to Year 12, reflecting its status as a co-educational institution. The school is overseen by the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People, ensuring that it meets the educational standards and requirements of the region.

The site of the former New Town High School is now known as the New Town Campus. Originally established in 1919 as the Hobart Junior Technical College, it underwent several name changes over the decades, becoming Hobart Technical High School in 1950, and finally New Town High School in 1961. This campus, with its historical roots in technical education, continues to play a pivotal role in the academic and extracurricular life of students under the new school framework.

New Town High School traditionally organized students into four houses: Dechaineux, Ellis, Hunter, and Jarvis. These houses competed for several accolades, including the Cosgrove Shield for sporting achievement, the David Close Shield for academic success, and the Making a Difference Shield for sustainability initiatives. These traditions continue to foster a spirit of competition and community within the school.

Together with the other campuses, Hobart City High School provides education to over 2,000 students, reflecting its substantial impact on the community. The school remains committed to offering a broad curriculum and fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

New Town High School (Tasmania)

New Town High School was a government secondary school located in New Town, Tasmania, a suburb of Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. Established in 1919, it served as an institution for boys, providing education from Years 9 to 12.

Location and History

New Town High School was situated approximately four kilometers north of Hobart's central business district in the suburb of New Town. This area, known for its historical significance and residential character, is part of the broader Hobart metropolitan area. The school was one of the oldest educational institutions in the region, playing a crucial role in the educational development of young men in Tasmania.

Educational Structure

The school focused on secondary education for boys, offering a curriculum that prepared students for both academic pursuits and vocational pathways. As part of the Tasmanian Department of Education, it adhered to the educational standards and requirements set by the state government.