Head-to-head · 2026

Ballarat Grammar vs Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Ballarat. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 11 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Ballarat Grammar is Anglican; Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) is Catholic (Loreto).
  • Gender: Ballarat Grammar is co-educational; Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) is girls.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $9,240: Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 41: Ballarat Grammar draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) is the older school (est. 1875 vs 1911).
  • Both schools are in Ballarat, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Ballarat Grammar Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)
City / suburbWendouree, BallaratBallarat Central, Ballarat
SectorAnglicanCatholic (Loreto)
Genderco-educationalgirls
Year levelsELC-Year 12Year 7-Year 12
ICSEA11261085
Year 12 fee$23,820$14,580
Year 7 fee$20,640$12,680
BoardingYes · $33,800/yrYes · $31,200/yr
Founded19111875
ReligionAnglican Church of AustraliaRoman Catholic (Loreto Sisters)

All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Ballarat Grammar

Standout strengths

  • Regional VIC Anglican boarding
  • Strong outdoor education program
  • Rural Ballarat community focus

Anglican co-educational school in Wendouree, regional VIC. Founded 1911. Day + boarding.

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Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)

Standout strengths

  • Loreto Sisters Mary Ward tradition
  • Australia's second-oldest Loreto school
  • Boarding draws from regional VIC

Catholic Loreto Sisters girls' school in Sturt St, Ballarat. Founded 1875.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Ballarat Grammar or Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ballarat Grammar. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) is more affordable. Both are in Ballarat. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child – visit open days and talk to current parents.

What are the 2026 fees for Ballarat Grammar and Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)?

Ballarat Grammar's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $23,820 (Year 7: $20,640). Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)'s 2026 Year 12 tuition is $14,580 (Year 7: $12,680). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Ballarat Grammar vs Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)?

Ballarat Grammar has an ICSEA score of 1126; Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) has 1085. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community – it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.

Which school is older, Ballarat Grammar or Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount)?

Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) is the older school (founded 1875 vs 1911 for Ballarat Grammar).

Do Ballarat Grammar or Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount) offer boarding?

Ballarat Grammar: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $33,800/yr. Loreto College Ballarat (Mary's Mount): Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,200/yr.

Next step

Model the 6-year cost for either school

Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.

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