Head-to-head · 2026
Scotch College Adelaide vs Wilderness School
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: Scotch College Adelaide is Uniting Church; Wilderness School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian).
- Gender: Scotch College Adelaide is co-educational; Wilderness School is girls.
- Year 12 fees differ by $5,525: Wilderness School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 21: Wilderness School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Wilderness School is the older school (est. 1884 vs 1919).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Scotch College Adelaide | Wilderness School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Torrens Park, Adelaide | Medindie, Adelaide |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Independent (Non-denominational Christian) |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | Reception-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 (with Year 13) |
| ICSEA | 1157 | 1178 |
| Year 12 fee | $34,040 | $28,515 |
| Year 7 fee | $31,560 | on request |
| Boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1919 | 1884 |
| Religion | Uniting Church in Australia | Non-denominational Christian |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
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 →Wilderness School
Standout strengths
- ›Year 13 gap-year style program
- ›Up to 80 boarders
- ›Round Square global member school
Independent (Non-denominational Christian) girls school in Medindie, Adelaide. Year 13 gap-year style program
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Scotch College Adelaide or Wilderness School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Wilderness School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Wilderness 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 Scotch College Adelaide and Wilderness School?
Scotch College Adelaide's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $34,040 (Year 7: $31,560). Wilderness School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,515. Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Scotch College Adelaide vs Wilderness School?
Scotch College Adelaide has an ICSEA score of 1157; Wilderness School has 1178. 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, Scotch College Adelaide or Wilderness School?
Wilderness School is the older school (founded 1884 vs 1919 for Scotch College Adelaide).
Do Scotch College Adelaide or Wilderness School offer boarding?
Scotch College Adelaide: Yes. Wilderness School: 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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