Head-to-head · 2026
Macquarie College Wallsend vs The Armidale School
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.
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At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Macquarie College Wallsend is Seventh-day Adventist; The Armidale School is Anglican.
- The Armidale School offers boarding; Macquarie College Wallsend is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $22,312: Macquarie College Wallsend is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 33: The Armidale School 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 | The Armidale School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Wallsend, Newcastle | Armidale, Newcastle |
| Sector | Seventh-day Adventist | Anglican |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | Kindergarten to Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1114 | 1147 |
| Year 12 fee | $12,968 | $35,280 |
| Year 7 fee | $11,300 | $30,820 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $39,800/yr |
| Founded | 1901 | 1894 |
| Religion | Seventh-day Adventist Church | Anglican Church of 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 →The Armidale School
Standout strengths
- ›New England regional boarding tradition
- ›Strong agriculture + outdoor education programs
- ›University of New England partnership
Anglican co-educational boarding school in Armidale, regional NSW. Founded 1894.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Macquarie College Wallsend or The Armidale School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Armidale School. 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 The Armidale School?
Macquarie College Wallsend's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $12,968 (Year 7: $11,300). The Armidale School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $35,280 (Year 7: $30,820). 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 The Armidale School?
Macquarie College Wallsend has an ICSEA score of 1114; The Armidale School has 1147. 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 The Armidale School?
The Armidale School is the older school (founded 1894 vs 1901 for Macquarie College Wallsend).
Do Macquarie College Wallsend or The Armidale School offer boarding?
Macquarie College Wallsend: Day school only. The Armidale School: 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.
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