Head-to-head · 2026
The Essington International Senior College vs Marrara Christian College
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); Marrara Christian College is Christian (non-denominational).
- Year 12 fees differ by $8,855: Marrara Christian College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 204: 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 | Marrara Christian College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Nightcliff, Darwin | Marrara, Darwin |
| Sector | Independent (secular) | Christian (non-denominational) |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | Kinder to Year 12 | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1136 | 932 |
| Year 12 fee | $16,645 | $7,790 |
| Year 7 fee | $15,610 | $6,620 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1989 | 1979 |
| Religion | Non-denominational/secular | Non-denominational Christian |
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 →Marrara Christian College
Standout strengths
- ›Part of NT Christian Schools network (founded 1979)
- ›Generous sibling discounts (35% / 75% / 90%) and 5% prepayment discount
- ›Indigenous boarding partnerships through NT Christian network
Christian (non-denominational) co-educational school in Marrara, Darwin. Part of NT Christian Schools network (founded 1979)
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, The Essington International Senior College or Marrara Christian College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Essington International Senior College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Marrara Christian 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 Marrara Christian College?
The Essington International Senior College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $16,645 (Year 7: $15,610). Marrara Christian College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,790 (Year 7: $6,620). 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 Marrara Christian College?
The Essington International Senior College has an ICSEA score of 1136; Marrara Christian College has 932. 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 Marrara Christian College?
Marrara Christian College is the older school (founded 1979 vs 1989 for The Essington International Senior College).
Do The Essington International Senior College or Marrara Christian College offer boarding?
The Essington International Senior College: Day school only. Marrara Christian 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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