Head-to-head · 2026

Sacred Heart College Geelong 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

  • Gender: Sacred Heart College Geelong is girls; St Joseph's College Geelong is boys.
  • ICSEA gap of 20: Sacred Heart College Geelong draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Sacred Heart College Geelong is the older school (est. 1860 vs 1935).
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Sacred Heart College Geelong St Joseph's College Geelong
City / suburbNewtown, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorCatholicCatholic
Gendergirlsboys
Year levelsYear 7 to Year 12Year 7 to Year 12
ICSEA10951075
Year 12 fee$5,140$8,100
Year 7 fee$4,615$8,100
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded18601935
ReligionRoman Catholic (Sisters of Mercy)Roman 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).

Sacred Heart College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)
  • Sisters of Mercy heritage (founded 1860)
  • Edstart payment-plan partnership

Catholic girls school in Newtown, Geelong. One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)

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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, Sacred Heart College Geelong or St Joseph's College Geelong?

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

Sacred Heart College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $5,140 (Year 7: $4,615). 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 Sacred Heart College Geelong vs St Joseph's College Geelong?

Sacred Heart College Geelong has an ICSEA score of 1095; 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, Sacred Heart College Geelong or St Joseph's College Geelong?

Sacred Heart College Geelong is the older school (founded 1860 vs 1935 for St Joseph's College Geelong).

Do Sacred Heart College Geelong or St Joseph's College Geelong offer boarding?

Sacred Heart College Geelong: Day school only. 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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