Head-to-head · 2026
Fairholme College Toowoomba vs Toowoomba Grammar School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Toowoomba. 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: Fairholme College Toowoomba is Presbyterian; Toowoomba Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: Fairholme College Toowoomba is girls; Toowoomba Grammar School is boys.
- Toowoomba Grammar School is the older school (est. 1875 vs 1917).
- Both schools are in Toowoomba, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Fairholme College Toowoomba | Toowoomba Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Toowoomba, Toowoomba | East Toowoomba, Toowoomba |
| Sector | Presbyterian | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | girls | boys |
| Year levels | K-Year 12 | Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1138 | 1140 |
| Year 12 fee | $20,180 | $22,320 |
| Year 7 fee | $17,820 | $19,680 |
| Boarding | Yes · $30,200/yr | Yes · $33,200/yr |
| Founded | 1917 | 1875 |
| Religion | Presbyterian Church of Queensland | Non-denominational |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Fairholme College Toowoomba
Standout strengths
- ›QLD's largest girls' boarding school
- ›Boarding draws from regional QLD + outback
- ›Strong sport + agriculture programs
Presbyterian girls' school in Toowoomba, regional QLD. Founded 1917. Day + boarding.
See full profile →Toowoomba Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›QLD's oldest boys boarding school
- ›GPS rugby + cricket
- ›Boarding draws from regional QLD + PNG
Independent boys' school in Toowoomba, regional QLD. Founded 1875. GPS member, boarding.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Fairholme College Toowoomba or Toowoomba Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Toowoomba Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Fairholme College Toowoomba is more affordable. Both are in Toowoomba. 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 Fairholme College Toowoomba and Toowoomba Grammar School?
Fairholme College Toowoomba's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $20,180 (Year 7: $17,820). Toowoomba Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $22,320 (Year 7: $19,680). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Fairholme College Toowoomba vs Toowoomba Grammar School?
Fairholme College Toowoomba has an ICSEA score of 1138; Toowoomba Grammar School has 1140. 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, Fairholme College Toowoomba or Toowoomba Grammar School?
Toowoomba Grammar School is the older school (founded 1875 vs 1917 for Fairholme College Toowoomba).
Do Fairholme College Toowoomba or Toowoomba Grammar School offer boarding?
Fairholme College Toowoomba: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $30,200/yr. Toowoomba Grammar School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $33,200/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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