Head-to-head · 2026
Ballarat Grammar vs St Patrick's College Ballarat
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.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Ballarat Grammar is Anglican; St Patrick's College Ballarat is Catholic (Edmund Rice).
- Gender: Ballarat Grammar is co-educational; St Patrick's College Ballarat is boys.
- Year 12 fees differ by $9,000: St Patrick's College Ballarat is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 43: Ballarat Grammar draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Ballarat, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Ballarat Grammar | St Patrick's College Ballarat |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Wendouree, Ballarat | Ballarat East, Ballarat |
| Sector | Anglican | Catholic (Edmund Rice) |
| Gender | co-educational | boys |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Year 7-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1126 | 1083 |
| Year 12 fee | $23,820 | $14,820 |
| Year 7 fee | $20,640 | $12,820 |
| Boarding | Yes · $33,800/yr | Yes · $33,400/yr |
| Founded | 1911 | 1893 |
| Religion | Anglican Church of Australia | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice) |
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.
See full profile →St Patrick's College Ballarat
Standout strengths
- ›Edmund Rice tradition
- ›Regional VIC Catholic boys boarding
- ›Strong rugby + agriculture programs
Catholic Edmund Rice boys' school in Ballarat East. Founded 1893. Day + boarding.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Ballarat Grammar or St Patrick's College Ballarat?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ballarat Grammar. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Patrick's College Ballarat 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 St Patrick's College Ballarat?
Ballarat Grammar's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $23,820 (Year 7: $20,640). St Patrick's College Ballarat's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $14,820 (Year 7: $12,820). 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 St Patrick's College Ballarat?
Ballarat Grammar has an ICSEA score of 1126; St Patrick's College Ballarat has 1083. 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 St Patrick's College Ballarat?
St Patrick's College Ballarat is the older school (founded 1893 vs 1911 for Ballarat Grammar).
Do Ballarat Grammar or St Patrick's College Ballarat offer boarding?
Ballarat Grammar: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $33,800/yr. St Patrick's College Ballarat: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $33,400/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.
Open calculator →