Head-to-head · 2026
Marrara Christian College vs O'Loughlin Catholic College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Darwin. 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: Marrara Christian College is Christian (non-denominational); O'Loughlin Catholic College is Catholic.
- ICSEA gap of 90: O'Loughlin Catholic College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Darwin, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Marrara Christian College | O'Loughlin Catholic College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Marrara, Darwin | Karama, Darwin |
| Sector | Christian (non-denominational) | Catholic |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | ELC to Year 12 | Year 7 to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 932 | 1022 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,790 | $6,595 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,620 | $5,530 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1979 | 1987 |
| Religion | Non-denominational Christian | Roman Catholic (Catholic Education NT) |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Marrara Christian College
Standout strengths
- ›Part of NT Christian Schools network (founded 1979)
- ›Generous sibling discounts (35% / 75% / 90%) and 5% prepayment discount
- ›Indigenous boarding partnerships through NT Christian network
Christian (non-denominational) co-educational school in Marrara, Darwin. Part of NT Christian Schools network (founded 1979)
See full profile →O'Loughlin Catholic College
Standout strengths
- ›Catholic Education NT systemic college
- ›Family discount, early-bird discount and Health Care Card concession
- ›Compulsory $495 ICT levy covers laptop
Catholic co-educational school in Karama, Darwin. Catholic Education NT systemic college
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Marrara Christian College or O'Loughlin Catholic College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, O'Loughlin Catholic College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, O'Loughlin Catholic College is more affordable. Both are in Darwin. 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 Marrara Christian College and O'Loughlin Catholic College?
Marrara Christian College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,790 (Year 7: $6,620). O'Loughlin Catholic College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $6,595 (Year 7: $5,530). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Marrara Christian College vs O'Loughlin Catholic College?
Marrara Christian College has an ICSEA score of 932; O'Loughlin Catholic College has 1022. 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, Marrara Christian College or O'Loughlin Catholic College?
Marrara Christian College is the older school (founded 1979 vs 1987 for O'Loughlin Catholic College).
Do Marrara Christian College or O'Loughlin Catholic College offer boarding?
Marrara Christian College: Day school only. O'Loughlin Catholic College: 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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