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Small school, big possibilities

Timothy Bristow

Principal’s Welcome

Welcome to our small, independent school - a vibrant and supportive learning community where every child is seen and celebrated. With just 18 students per group, we create space for meaningful connections and welcome families from all backgrounds and walks of life.

The quietly confident, never mediocre, hidden treasure of independent schooling in Tasmania.

The Launceston Preparatory School is a place that focuses on your family - because we can. We're an intimate, more diverse community that nurtures the whole child. We’re for smiles. We’re for engaged humble leaders. We’re for families.

We push the boundaries of what’s possible. We value structure and pastoral care. We gently ease students out of their comfort zones to deepen their understanding of growth and achievement.

We’re for purpose. For learning. For a lifelong commitment to development.

The Launceston Preparatory School - proudly preparing for life.

We’re the place where you belong.

  • At The Launceston Preparatory School, our curriculum is aligned with the Australian Curriculum and shaped by a Socratic lens, where questioning and wonder, dialogue, and critical thinking are encouraged across all subjects. Our teaching blends didactic and coaching pedagogies, supported by explicit instruction, purposeful routines, and personalised learning. Our innovative timetable enables students to learn from multiple specialist teachers each day, enhancing engagement and depth. From Early Learning to Senior years, students enjoy rich experiences in Art, Music, French, Science, and HASS, alongside our DEEP program—Developing and Exploring Extra Potential—which offers advanced learning in media, digital technologies, and creative thinking. Tutoring, buddy play, camps, and our Legacy leadership development program complement a strong foundation in literacy and mathematics, fostering confident, curious, and capable learners.

  • COMING SOON - Discover more about our school’s digital resource guide.

  • The Launceston Preparatory School is administered by an incorporated Association and governed by a Board of Management, elected annually. The Board ensures strategic direction, sound policy, and responsible financial management, in accordance with the School’s Statutory Rules and Articles of Association.

    The Board appoints the Principal, who leads the day-to-day operations of the School, including educational leadership, staff development, student wellbeing, and family engagement.

  • At The LPS, we follow the Paideia philosophy, which focuses on educating the whole child—mind, body, and heart.

    Originally from Greece, Paideia means the complete upbringing of a child. We believe all children should have access to the same rich learning experiences, helping them grow into kind, confident, and capable people. While every child learns at their own pace, all are included and supported. This approach helps us create a caring, inclusive community where every child can thrive.

  • Welcome to our Early Learning Centre – where your child’s lifelong love of learning begins. Established in 2013 and tailored for children aged three and up, our boutique three-day program offers a nurturing and enriching foundation that sets us apart.

    Guided by the philosophy of The Launceston Preparatory School and aligned with the national Early Years Learning Framework, our curriculum blends premium play-based learning with purposeful teaching. Every experience is designed to spark imagination, foster independence, and build social, emotional, and academic confidence.

    Our program is immersive and dynamic. Children explore real-world themes—like family, seasons, and community—through hands-on, creative experiences that build early literacy, numeracy, and expressive communication. From music and movement to art and storytelling, every moment is intentional, joyful, and deeply connected to the world around them.

    We pride ourselves on meaningful relationships with our students and their families. Parents are invited to step into the learning journey, creating a true partnership that supports and celebrates each child’s development.

    At The Launceston Preparatory School, our Early Learning Centre is more than childcare, it’s a vibrant launchpad for curious minds and capable learners, where confidence, creativity and connection come to life. Come and see the difference.

  • Early Learning sessions run from 8:45am to 3:00pm, Tuesday to Thursday. Families are welcome to increase their child’s sessions during the year, provided that teacher-to-student ratios remain within mandated limits. Any changes must be arranged in consultation with the Principal, and the appropriate form must be completed.

    Emergency sessions may be granted at the discretion of the Early Learning Centre teacher. Approval will be given only if ratios permit, and the emergency session form must be completed beforehand.

    Please note that if a student misses a scheduled session, it cannot be made up on another day.

    From time to time, the school may invite Early Learning students to attend special events such as whole-school sports days. If these fall outside a child’s usual session schedule, there will be no additional charge.

Every Child Known, Every Mind Grown.

Every Child Known, Every Mind Grown.

FAQ’s

  • At The Launceston Preparatory School, we intentionally limit class sizes to a maximum of 18 students to ensure each child receives personalised attention and support. This approach allows our teachers to tailor learning experiences to individual needs, fostering strong academic growth, self-confidence, and a love of learning. Our multi-age groupings further enhance this by encouraging social development and flexible learning based on skill level rather than age.

  • We don't operate a traditional waitlist. Instead, The Launceston Preparatory School maintains a wait pool for enrolments.

    Due to our intentionally small class sizes, we take care to consider the dynamics and needs of each class when offering places. This approach ensures the best possible fit for both the incoming student/s and our current learners, supporting a balanced and nurturing environment for all.

  • No. The Launceston Preparatory School is a non-denominational independent school with no religious affiliation. We welcome families from all backgrounds and beliefs, and our inclusive environment encourages respect, understanding, and shared values.

  • At The Launceston Preparatory School, students learn from multiple teachers each day, starting from an early age. Younger students are guided by two to three teachers focusing on sciences and humanities, along with specialist lessons in Music and Health and Physical Education (HPE).

    As they progress, students move between teachers for subjects like English, Mathematics, Visual, Digital and Media Arts, Music, HPE, and LOTE. Our teachers teach what they are passionate about and are experts in their fields, bringing energy, depth, and enthusiasm to every lesson.

    This approach offers several benefits:

    • Keeps learning engaging and dynamic

    • Encourages adaptability and confidence with change

    • Provides a stimulating environment with exposure to diverse teaching styles

    • Smoothly prepares students for high school structures

Susie - Alumni 2024

“It feels like you have won a scholarship when you come here”

Who We Are

Our Community

From Our Students

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Enquire Today

Whether you're a prospective family, educator, or community member, we welcome your enquiry. Please fill out your details below and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about life at The Launceston Preparatory School.

117-119 Elphin Road

Newstead TAS 7250

Office Hours
Monday–Friday
8.15am - 4.30pm

Phone
(03) 6334 0234

Email
admin@lps.tas.edu.au