Head-to-head · 2026
The Essington International Senior College vs Haileybury Rendall School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Darwin. 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: The Essington International Senior College is Independent (secular); Haileybury Rendall School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Haileybury Rendall School offers boarding; The Essington International Senior College is day-only.
- ICSEA gap of 150: The Essington International Senior College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Darwin, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | The Essington International Senior College | Haileybury Rendall School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Nightcliff, Darwin | Berrimah, Darwin |
| Sector | Independent (secular) | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | Kinder to Year 12 | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1136 | 986 |
| Year 12 fee | $16,645 | $17,940 |
| Year 7 fee | $15,610 | $17,450 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $36,320/yr |
| Founded | 1989 | 2018 |
| Religion | Non-denominational/secular | Non-denominational |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
The Essington International Senior College
Standout strengths
- ›Originated as Darwin's first private primary school (Montessori, 1989)
- ›Co-educational, non-denominational, parent-governed
- ›Expanded to senior secondary (1997 onwards) on Rapid Creek site
Independent (secular) co-educational school in Nightcliff, Darwin. Originated as Darwin's first private primary school (Montessori, 1989)
See full profile →Haileybury Rendall School
Standout strengths
- ›Northern Territory's only major boarding school (successor to Kormilda College)
- ›Part of the Haileybury (Melbourne) network with shared resources
- ›Highest 2025 NT ATAR result was a Haileybury Rendall student
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in Berrimah, Darwin. Northern Territory's only major boarding school (successor to Kormilda College)
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, The Essington International Senior College or Haileybury Rendall School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Essington International Senior College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, The Essington International Senior College is more affordable. Both are in Darwin. 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 The Essington International Senior College and Haileybury Rendall School?
The Essington International Senior College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $16,645 (Year 7: $15,610). Haileybury Rendall School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,940 (Year 7: $17,450). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for The Essington International Senior College vs Haileybury Rendall School?
The Essington International Senior College has an ICSEA score of 1136; Haileybury Rendall School has 986. 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, The Essington International Senior College or Haileybury Rendall School?
The Essington International Senior College is the older school (founded 1989 vs 2018 for Haileybury Rendall School).
Do The Essington International Senior College or Haileybury Rendall School offer boarding?
The Essington International Senior College: Day school only. Haileybury Rendall School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $36,320/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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