Head-to-head · 2026
Emmanuel College Gold Coast vs Somerset College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Gold Coast. 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: Emmanuel College Gold Coast is Christian (multi-denominational); Somerset College is Independent (non-denominational).
- Year 12 fees differ by $7,480: Emmanuel College Gold Coast is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 29: Somerset College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Gold Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Emmanuel College Gold Coast | Somerset College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Carrara, Gold Coast | Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast |
| Sector | Christian (multi-denominational) | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | Prep to Year 12 | Pre-Prep to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1126 | 1155 |
| Year 12 fee | $14,780 | $22,260 |
| Year 7 fee | $14,360 | $22,260 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1985 | 1983 |
| Religion | Multi-denominational Christian | Non-denominational; Christian values |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Emmanuel College Gold Coast
Standout strengths
- ›On-site kindergarten through Year 12
- ›Multi-denominational Christian community
- ›Strong sibling discount structure
Christian (multi-denominational) co-educational school in Carrara, Gold Coast. On-site kindergarten through Year 12
See full profile →Somerset College
Standout strengths
- ›IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma
- ›Choice of IB Diploma or QCE in Years 11-12
- ›Strong music, drama and sport program on a 33-hectare campus
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Emmanuel College Gold Coast or Somerset College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Somerset College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Emmanuel College Gold Coast is more affordable. Both are in Gold Coast. 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 Emmanuel College Gold Coast and Somerset College?
Emmanuel College Gold Coast's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $14,780 (Year 7: $14,360). Somerset College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $22,260 (Year 7: $22,260). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Emmanuel College Gold Coast vs Somerset College?
Emmanuel College Gold Coast has an ICSEA score of 1126; Somerset College has 1155. 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, Emmanuel College Gold Coast or Somerset College?
Somerset College is the older school (founded 1983 vs 1985 for Emmanuel College Gold Coast).
Do Emmanuel College Gold Coast or Somerset College offer boarding?
Emmanuel College Gold Coast: Day school only. Somerset College: Day school only.
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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