Head-to-head · 2026
St Patrick's College Townsville vs Townsville Grammar School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Townsville. 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: St Patrick's College Townsville is Catholic (Mercy tradition); Townsville Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: St Patrick's College Townsville is girls; Townsville Grammar School is co-educational.
- Year 12 fees differ by $11,526: St Patrick's College Townsville is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 194: Townsville Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | St Patrick's College Townsville | Townsville Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Townsville, Townsville | North Ward, Townsville |
| Sector | Catholic (Mercy tradition) | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | girls | co-educational |
| Year levels | Year 7-12 | Pre-Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 950 | 1144 |
| Year 12 fee | $6,450 | $17,976 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,150 | $17,420 |
| Boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1878 | 1888 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Sisters of Mercy tradition) | Non-denominational secular |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
St Patrick's College Townsville
Standout strengths
- ›Oceanfront Strand campus with state-of-the-art facilities (East Precinct opened 2020 by award-winning M3 Architecture)
- ›Catholic day and boarding school in Mercy tradition; boarding with air-conditioned single and multi-dorm facilities
- ›Combined Schools' Musical harnesses talent across three Townsville Catholic colleges
Catholic (Mercy tradition) girls school in Townsville, Townsville. Oceanfront Strand campus with state-of-the-art facilities (East Precinct opened 2020 by award-winning M3 Architecture).
See full profile →Townsville Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland
- ›Co-educational boarding for Years 7-12 with 120 boarders (25 international students)
- ›Three junior school campuses (Annandale, North Shore, North Ward) plus Year 7-12 campus adjacent to Townsville Sports Precinct (2022)
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in North Ward, Townsville. International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, St Patrick's College Townsville or Townsville Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Townsville Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Patrick's College Townsville is more affordable. Both are in Townsville. 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 St Patrick's College Townsville and Townsville Grammar School?
St Patrick's College Townsville's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $6,450 (Year 7: $6,150). Townsville Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,976 (Year 7: $17,420). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for St Patrick's College Townsville vs Townsville Grammar School?
St Patrick's College Townsville has an ICSEA score of 950; Townsville Grammar School has 1144. 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, St Patrick's College Townsville or Townsville Grammar School?
St Patrick's College Townsville is the older school (founded 1878 vs 1888 for Townsville Grammar School).
Do St Patrick's College Townsville or Townsville Grammar School offer boarding?
St Patrick's College Townsville: Yes. Townsville Grammar 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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