Head-to-head · 2026

Emmanuel College Gold Coast vs St Hilda's School Southport

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.

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: Emmanuel College Gold Coast is Christian (multi-denominational); St Hilda's School Southport is Anglican.
  • Gender: Emmanuel College Gold Coast is co-educational; St Hilda's School Southport is girls.
  • St Hilda's School Southport offers boarding; Emmanuel College Gold Coast is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $12,504: Emmanuel College Gold Coast is more affordable.
  • St Hilda's School Southport is the older school (est. 1912 vs 1985).
  • Both schools are in Gold Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Emmanuel College Gold Coast St Hilda's School Southport
City / suburbCarrara, Gold CoastSouthport, Gold Coast
SectorChristian (multi-denominational)Anglican
Genderco-educationalgirls
Year levelsPrep to Year 12Pre-Prep to Year 12
ICSEA11261126
Year 12 fee$14,780$27,284
Year 7 fee$14,360$26,349
BoardingDay schoolYes · $28,912/yr
Founded19851912
ReligionMulti-denominational ChristianAnglican Church of Australia

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

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St Hilda's School Southport

Standout strengths

  • Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6
  • Strong arts and music program
  • 5% discount for early payment of fees

Anglican girls school in Southport, Gold Coast. Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Emmanuel College Gold Coast or St Hilda's School Southport?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, they are matched. 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 St Hilda's School Southport?

Emmanuel College Gold Coast's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $14,780 (Year 7: $14,360). St Hilda's School Southport's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $27,284 (Year 7: $26,349). 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 St Hilda's School Southport?

Emmanuel College Gold Coast has an ICSEA score of 1126; St Hilda's School Southport has 1126. 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 St Hilda's School Southport?

St Hilda's School Southport is the older school (founded 1912 vs 1985 for Emmanuel College Gold Coast).

Do Emmanuel College Gold Coast or St Hilda's School Southport offer boarding?

Emmanuel College Gold Coast: Day school only. St Hilda's School Southport: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $28,912/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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