For the past 122 years TAS has been a boys’ school, but last year the decision was made to move to full co-education this year.

“It was a bit unusual at first having so many boys around but it’s been good so far,” Sophia, of Year 11, said.

For Bonnie, in Year 10, it also meant being part of the first brother-sister  combination to start at TAS in senior school on the same day, along with her  brother Wally, who is just one year below.

“It’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m loving every minute of it. The 15 girl boarders are like a little family,” said Bonnie.

For her brother Wally, “the structure of evening homework is really good and in your dorm you have fun with your new best friends”.

Their father Scott, who attended TAS in the 1980s, is delighted both his children can continue to be together, and at his own school.

“They have always been at school together and kept an eye out for each other, and we didn’t want to split them. 

“Now that can happen at a school where they both have so many opportunities, both separately and together,” he said.

Even before term commenced TAS was becoming familiar to George Lane, who attended a holiday drama camp for the school musical Bye Bye Birdie.

“By the time classes started I was already really good friends with some of the boys who have been here for a while,” he said.