Head-to-head · 2026
Pembroke School vs Scotch College Adelaide
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Adelaide. 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: Pembroke School is Independent (Non-denominational); Scotch College Adelaide is Uniting Church.
- ICSEA gap of 25: Pembroke School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Scotch College Adelaide is the older school (est. 1919 vs 1974).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Pembroke School | Scotch College Adelaide |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kensington Park, Adelaide | Torrens Park, Adelaide |
| Sector | Independent (Non-denominational) | Uniting Church |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1182 | 1157 |
| Year 12 fee | $32,601 | $34,040 |
| Year 7 fee | $29,544 | $31,560 |
| Boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1974 | 1919 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Uniting Church in Australia |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Pembroke School
Standout strengths
- ›IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway
- ›Hearing Unit for hearing-impaired students
- ›Up to 125 boarders Years 7-12
Independent (Non-denominational) co-educational school in Kensington Park, Adelaide. IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway
See full profile →Scotch College Adelaide
Standout strengths
- ›International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programmes
- ›Strong outdoor education and Round Square membership
- ›Co-ed since 1972 with leadership emphasis
Uniting Church co-educational school in Torrens Park, Adelaide. International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programmes
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Pembroke School or Scotch College Adelaide?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Pembroke School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Pembroke School is more affordable. Both are in Adelaide. 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 Pembroke School and Scotch College Adelaide?
Pembroke School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $32,601 (Year 7: $29,544). Scotch College Adelaide's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $34,040 (Year 7: $31,560). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Pembroke School vs Scotch College Adelaide?
Pembroke School has an ICSEA score of 1182; Scotch College Adelaide has 1157. 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, Pembroke School or Scotch College Adelaide?
Scotch College Adelaide is the older school (founded 1919 vs 1974 for Pembroke School).
Do Pembroke School or Scotch College Adelaide offer boarding?
Pembroke School: Yes. Scotch College Adelaide: Yes.
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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