Head-to-head · 2026
Downlands College vs Fairholme College Toowoomba
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Toowoomba. 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: Downlands College is Catholic (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart); Fairholme College Toowoomba is Presbyterian.
- Gender: Downlands College is co-educational; Fairholme College Toowoomba is girls.
- Year 12 fees differ by $6,700: Downlands College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 95: Fairholme College Toowoomba draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Toowoomba, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Downlands College | Fairholme College Toowoomba |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Toowoomba, Toowoomba | Toowoomba, Toowoomba |
| Sector | Catholic (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart) | Presbyterian |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | Prep-Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1043 | 1138 |
| Year 12 fee | $13,480 | $20,180 |
| Year 7 fee | $12,440 | $17,820 |
| Boarding | Yes · $23,800/yr | Yes · $30,200/yr |
| Founded | 1931 | 1917 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart | Presbyterian Church of Queensland |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Downlands College
Standout strengths
- ›Only Prep-Year 12 co-ed boarding school in Australia accredited by ABSA
- ›Up to 300 boarding students Years 7-12
- ›38 hectares, 50m heated pool, performing arts centre
Catholic (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart) co-educational school in Toowoomba, Toowoomba. Only Prep-Year 12 co-ed boarding school in Australia accredited by ABSA.
See full profile →Fairholme College Toowoomba
Standout strengths
- ›QLD's largest girls' boarding school
- ›Boarding draws from regional QLD + outback
- ›Strong sport + agriculture programs
Presbyterian girls' school in Toowoomba, regional QLD. Founded 1917. Day + boarding.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Downlands College or Fairholme College Toowoomba?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Fairholme College Toowoomba. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Downlands College is more affordable. Both are in Toowoomba. 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 Downlands College and Fairholme College Toowoomba?
Downlands College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $13,480 (Year 7: $12,440). Fairholme College Toowoomba's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $20,180 (Year 7: $17,820). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Downlands College vs Fairholme College Toowoomba?
Downlands College has an ICSEA score of 1043; Fairholme College Toowoomba has 1138. 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, Downlands College or Fairholme College Toowoomba?
Fairholme College Toowoomba is the older school (founded 1917 vs 1931 for Downlands College).
Do Downlands College or Fairholme College Toowoomba offer boarding?
Downlands College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $23,800/yr. Fairholme College Toowoomba: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $30,200/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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