Head-to-head · 2026

Geelong Grammar School vs St Joseph's 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.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Geelong Grammar School is Anglican; St Joseph's College Geelong is Catholic.
  • Gender: Geelong Grammar School is co-educational; St Joseph's College Geelong is boys.
  • Geelong Grammar School offers boarding; St Joseph's College Geelong is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $47,280: St Joseph's College Geelong is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 74: Geelong Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Geelong Grammar School is the older school (est. 1855 vs 1935).
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Geelong Grammar School St Joseph's College Geelong
City / suburbCorio, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorAnglicanCatholic
Genderco-educationalboys
Year levelsELC to Year 12Year 7 to Year 12
ICSEA11491075
Year 12 fee$55,380$8,100
Year 7 fee$45,740$8,100
BoardingYes · $93,840/yrDay school
Founded18551935
ReligionAnglican Church of AustraliaRoman Catholic (Edmund Rice Education Australia)

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)

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St Joseph's College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • Largest Catholic boys' school in regional Victoria
  • Christian Brothers / Edmund Rice Education Australia tradition
  • Includes Notebook Computer hire in tuition fee

Catholic boys school in Newtown, Geelong. Largest Catholic boys' school in regional Victoria

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Geelong Grammar School or St Joseph's College Geelong?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Geelong Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Joseph's 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 St Joseph's College Geelong?

Geelong Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $55,380 (Year 7: $45,740). St Joseph's College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $8,100 (Year 7: $8,100). 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 St Joseph's College Geelong?

Geelong Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1149; St Joseph's College Geelong has 1075. 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 St Joseph's College Geelong?

Geelong Grammar School is the older school (founded 1855 vs 1935 for St Joseph's College Geelong).

Do Geelong Grammar School or St Joseph's College Geelong offer boarding?

Geelong Grammar School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $93,840/yr. St Joseph's 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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