Scotch Oakburn College

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. 

Image: Scotch Oakburn College students (Year 10 Dean House) wearing four different types of uniform (Oakburn College and Scotch College for boys and girls), 1979.