Stuart Leslie Hickman was educated at The Friends' School in Hobart, where he was a student from 1910 to 1916. He joined the staff of the School in 1919 and remained there until 1922.

In 1923, Hickman became a Foundation Member of staff at Carey, where he played an important role in establishing the School in its formative years. He remained at Carey until the end of 1932 before returning to The Friends' School in Hobart in 1933 as Head of the Boarding House. He later served as Deputy Headmaster and Acting Headmaster.

In 1948, Stuart Hickman returned to Carey Baptist Grammar School as Headmaster, a position he held until his retirement in 1964. During his leadership, he guided Carey through a significant period of development and growth, helping to shape the character and traditions of the School.

Stuart Leslie Hickman died on 27 November 1976.