Head-to-head · 2026

Brisbane Girls Grammar School vs Somerville House

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Brisbane. 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

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At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Brisbane Girls Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational); Somerville House is Independent (PMSA).
  • Somerville House offers boarding; Brisbane Girls Grammar School is day-only.
  • ICSEA gap of 22: Brisbane Girls Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Both schools are in Brisbane, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Brisbane Girls Grammar School Somerville House
City / suburbSpring Hill, BrisbaneSouth Brisbane, Brisbane
SectorIndependent (non-denominational)Independent (PMSA)
Gendergirlsgirls
Year levelsYear 5-Year 12 (Years 5-6 from 2026)Prep-Year 12
ICSEA12061184
Year 12 fee$34,088$31,872
Year 7 fee$34,088$31,872
BoardingDay schoolYes
Founded18751899
ReligionNon-denominational (Grammar Schools Act)Presbyterian and Uniting Church (PMSA)

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

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Standout strengths

  • Top-ranked QLD academic results (ATAR + IB)
  • QGSSSA sport leader
  • Strong STEM + research culture

Independent (non-denominational) girls school in Spring Hill, Brisbane. Top-ranked QLD academic results (ATAR + IB)

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Somerville House

Standout strengths

  • All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)
  • Strong academic record - QLD top OP/ATAR results
  • International + STEM programs

Independent (PMSA) girls school in South Brisbane, Brisbane. All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Brisbane Girls Grammar School or Somerville House?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Brisbane Girls Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Somerville House is more affordable. Both are in Brisbane. 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 Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Somerville House?

Brisbane Girls Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $34,088 (Year 7: $34,088). Somerville House's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $31,872 (Year 7: $31,872). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Brisbane Girls Grammar School vs Somerville House?

Brisbane Girls Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1206; Somerville House has 1184. 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, Brisbane Girls Grammar School or Somerville House?

Brisbane Girls Grammar School is the older school (founded 1875 vs 1899 for Somerville House).

Do Brisbane Girls Grammar School or Somerville House offer boarding?

Brisbane Girls Grammar School: Day school only. Somerville House: Yes.

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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