Head-to-head · 2026
Geelong Grammar School vs Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. 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: Geelong Grammar School is Anglican; Saint Ignatius College Geelong is Catholic (Jesuit tradition).
- Geelong Grammar School offers boarding; Saint Ignatius College Geelong is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $48,080: Saint Ignatius College Geelong is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 92: Geelong Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Geelong Grammar School is the older school (est. 1855 vs 1997).
- Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Geelong Grammar School | Saint Ignatius College Geelong |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Corio, Geelong | Drysdale, Geelong |
| Sector | Anglican | Catholic (Jesuit tradition) |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | ELC to Year 12 | Year 7 to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1149 | 1057 |
| Year 12 fee | $55,380 | $7,300 |
| Year 7 fee | $45,740 | $6,900 |
| Boarding | Yes · $93,840/yr | Day school |
| Founded | 1855 | 1997 |
| Religion | Anglican Church of Australia | Roman Catholic (Jesuit tradition) |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Geelong Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Compulsory Year 9 'Timbertop' wilderness boarding campus (Mansfield)
- ›Founder of the Positive Education movement in Australia
- ›Australia's most expensive school; one of Asia-Pacific's best-known boarding schools
Anglican co-educational school in Corio, Geelong. Compulsory Year 9 'Timbertop' wilderness boarding campus (Mansfield)
See full profile →Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Standout strengths
- ›Bellarine Peninsula Jesuit-tradition Catholic college
- ›Year 7 students purchase MacBook ($1,900) for use through to Year 12
- ›Years 8-12 charged at the same flat tuition rate
Catholic (Jesuit tradition) co-educational school in Drysdale, Geelong. Bellarine Peninsula Jesuit-tradition Catholic college
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Geelong Grammar School or Saint Ignatius College Geelong?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Geelong Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Saint Ignatius College Geelong is more affordable. Both are in Geelong. 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 Geelong Grammar School and Saint Ignatius College Geelong?
Geelong Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $55,380 (Year 7: $45,740). Saint Ignatius College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,300 (Year 7: $6,900). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Geelong Grammar School vs Saint Ignatius College Geelong?
Geelong Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1149; Saint Ignatius College Geelong has 1057. 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, Geelong Grammar School or Saint Ignatius College Geelong?
Geelong Grammar School is the older school (founded 1855 vs 1997 for Saint Ignatius College Geelong).
Do Geelong Grammar School or Saint Ignatius College Geelong offer boarding?
Geelong Grammar School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $93,840/yr. Saint Ignatius College Geelong: 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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