Head-to-head · 2026
The Essington International Senior College vs O'Loughlin Catholic 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); O'Loughlin Catholic College is Catholic.
- Year 12 fees differ by $10,050: O'Loughlin Catholic College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 114: 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 | O'Loughlin Catholic College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Nightcliff, Darwin | Karama, Darwin |
| Sector | Independent (secular) | Catholic |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | Kinder to Year 12 | Year 7 to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1136 | 1022 |
| Year 12 fee | $16,645 | $6,595 |
| Year 7 fee | $15,610 | $5,530 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1989 | 1987 |
| Religion | Non-denominational/secular | Roman Catholic (Catholic Education NT) |
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 →O'Loughlin Catholic College
Standout strengths
- ›Catholic Education NT systemic college
- ›Family discount, early-bird discount and Health Care Card concession
- ›Compulsory $495 ICT levy covers laptop
Catholic co-educational school in Karama, Darwin. Catholic Education NT systemic college
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, The Essington International Senior College or O'Loughlin Catholic College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Essington International Senior College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, O'Loughlin Catholic 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 O'Loughlin Catholic College?
The Essington International Senior College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $16,645 (Year 7: $15,610). O'Loughlin Catholic College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $6,595 (Year 7: $5,530). 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 O'Loughlin Catholic College?
The Essington International Senior College has an ICSEA score of 1136; O'Loughlin Catholic College has 1022. 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 O'Loughlin Catholic College?
O'Loughlin Catholic College is the older school (founded 1987 vs 1989 for The Essington International Senior College).
Do The Essington International Senior College or O'Loughlin Catholic College offer boarding?
The Essington International Senior College: Day school only. O'Loughlin Catholic 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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