Tasmania launches UK-inspired multi-school pilot
Three primary schools in Hobart are set to participate in a five-year trial of a “multi-school organisation” (MSO) model, inspired by similar approaches used in the United Kingdom. Beginning in Term 1, 2026, these schools will share an executive leadership team and pool resources, marking a significant shift in how school management and collaboration are approached in the state.
Aiming to boost literacy, numeracy and ease administration
The government has outlined that the MSO model is designed to reduce administrative burdens for individual schools, freeing up more time and resources to focus on student learning. By streamlining leadership and operations, the initiative aims to help lift literacy and numeracy outcomes across the participating schools.
Concerns raised over consultation and local control
While the pilot has been welcomed by some as an innovative step, there are concerns from unions and certain politicians about the level of consultation with school communities and the potential impact on local control. These groups have called for careful monitoring to ensure the needs and voices of each school are respected throughout the trial.
Independent evaluation and possible expansion
The pilot will be subject to independent evaluation to assess its effectiveness and impact. Depending on the results, there is the possibility that additional schools may join multi-school organisations in the future, potentially extending the model’s reach and influence across Tasmania.
