Multi-school organisations expand in Tasmania

“Another bunch of schools will be grouped together in Tasmania as the state's government moves to expand its multi-school organisation (MSO) program. Three schools in the north of Tasmania will form an MSO from 2027, which is when a group of 1-100 schools sit under one executive management team. The ‘families’ of schools retain individual principals but share curricula, classroom resources, funds, speciality teachers and expertise with one another, so ‘ many hands make light work .’ An Australian-first trial in Tasmania grouped New Town Primary School, Moonah Primary School and Risdon Vale Primary School, all based in Hobart, together from January 1, 2026. Hobart City High School will join that organisation from Term 1, 2027. Although not all educators agree with the model , the Tasmanian government has entered a five-year trial of MSOs, inspired by trials in England, which will end in 2030. More on this story: Do multi-school organisations work? | Should schools be put into “families?” The next grouping of schools in Tasmania's north is expected to be announced in the following weeks, and schools can then apply to enter another MSO in 2028. Education Minister Jo Palmer said the strategy will relieve pressure on teachers and lift outcomes for students. “Multi-school organisations unite families of schools under one leadership team, allowing schools to share resources and strengthen teaching practice by learning from each other,” she said. “Operational matters such as HR and finance are centralised freeing up principals and teachers to focus on what they do best - supporting student learning and wellbeing.” However, Australian Education Union Tasmania state manager Brian Wightman said principals have told him consultation has been “tokenistic.” “These reforms are being done to schools, not with schools – now principals are sending a very clear message that they do not support the government’s direction,” he said. “You cannot strengthen public education by sidelining school leaders.”

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