Head-to-head · 2026
Macquarie College Wallsend vs PLC Armidale
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Newcastle. 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: Macquarie College Wallsend is Seventh-day Adventist; PLC Armidale is Uniting Church.
- Gender: Macquarie College Wallsend is co-educational; PLC Armidale is girls.
- PLC Armidale offers boarding; Macquarie College Wallsend is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $15,312: Macquarie College Wallsend is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 12: PLC Armidale draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Newcastle, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Macquarie College Wallsend | PLC Armidale |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Wallsend, Newcastle | Armidale, Newcastle |
| Sector | Seventh-day Adventist | Uniting Church |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | Kindergarten to Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1114 | 1126 |
| Year 12 fee | $12,968 | $28,280 |
| Year 7 fee | $11,300 | $25,420 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $39,800/yr |
| Founded | 1901 | 1887 |
| Religion | Seventh-day Adventist Church | Uniting Church in Australia |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Macquarie College Wallsend
Standout strengths
- ›All-inclusive fee covers tuition + camps + excursions + levies
- ›Part of the Seventh-day Adventist global education network
- ›5% prompt-payment discount on annual fees
Seventh-day Adventist co-educational school in Wallsend, Newcastle. All-inclusive fee covers tuition + camps + excursions + levies
See full profile →PLC Armidale
Standout strengths
- ›Regional NSW girls boarding
- ›Strong equestrian + agriculture programs
- ›PLC Sydney sister school
Uniting Church girls' school in Armidale, regional NSW. Founded 1887. Sister to Sydney PLC.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Macquarie College Wallsend or PLC Armidale?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, PLC Armidale. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Macquarie College Wallsend is more affordable. Both are in Newcastle. 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 Macquarie College Wallsend and PLC Armidale?
Macquarie College Wallsend's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $12,968 (Year 7: $11,300). PLC Armidale's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,280 (Year 7: $25,420). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Macquarie College Wallsend vs PLC Armidale?
Macquarie College Wallsend has an ICSEA score of 1114; PLC Armidale has 1126. 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, Macquarie College Wallsend or PLC Armidale?
PLC Armidale is the older school (founded 1887 vs 1901 for Macquarie College Wallsend).
Do Macquarie College Wallsend or PLC Armidale offer boarding?
Macquarie College Wallsend: Day school only. PLC Armidale: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $39,800/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.
Open calculator →