Sector · 52 schools
Independent (Non-denominational) schools in Australia (2026)
Non-denominational independent schools have no religious affiliation. This includes some of Australia's most prestigious schools (Sydney Grammar, Geelong Grammar Senior, Pembroke) plus newer co-educational independents. Fees range $20k–$55k. They emphasise academic excellence + co-curricular breadth without religious framework.
Characteristics
What sets Independent (Non-denominational) schools apart
- ›Mid- to top-tier fees ($20k-$55k Year 12)
- ›No religious framework or chaplaincy
- ›High proportion of co-educational schools
- ›Academic excellence + co-curricular breadth focus
- ›Often more progressive curriculum and pedagogy
Decision frame
Choose a Independent (Non-denominational) school if...
You want strong academics and full co-curricular breadth without religious framework. Often the choice for non-religious families seeking elite outcomes.
Schools in this sector
All 52 Independent (Non-denominational) schools, sorted by ICSEA
Sydney Grammar School
Darlinghurst, Sydney
Ascham School
Edgecliff, Sydney
Brisbane Grammar School
Spring Hill, Brisbane
Ruyton Girls' School
Kew, Melbourne
Brisbane Girls Grammar School
Spring Hill, Brisbane
Huntingtower School
Mount Waverley, Melbourne
Lauriston Girls' School
Armadale, Melbourne
Fintona Girls' School
Balwyn, Melbourne
Reddam House
Bondi, Sydney
Hills Grammar School
Kenthurst, Sydney
Somerville House
South Brisbane, Brisbane
Pembroke School
Kensington Park, Adelaide
International Grammar School
Ultimo, Sydney
Wilderness School
Medindie, Adelaide
Haileybury
Keysborough (also Brighton, Berwick, Melbourne CBD), Melbourne
Scotch College Perth
Swanbourne, Perth
St Michael's Grammar School
St Kilda, Melbourne
Brisbane Boys' College
Toowong, Brisbane
St Leonard's College
Brighton East, Melbourne
Oxley College
Burradoo, Sydney
Penleigh and Essendon Grammar (PEGS)
Essendon, Melbourne
Wesley College Perth
South Perth, Perth
Frensham School
Mittagong, Sydney
Somerset College
Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast
Central Coast Grammar School
Erina Heights, Central Coast
Fahan School
Sandy Bay, Hobart
Methodist Ladies' College Perth
Claremont, Perth
Girton Grammar School
Bendigo, Bendigo
Townsville Grammar School
North Ward, Townsville
Westbourne Grammar School
Truganina, Melbourne
Toowoomba Grammar School
East Toowoomba, Toowoomba
Toorak College
Mount Eliza, Mount Eliza
The Essington International Senior College
Nightcliff, Darwin
Hunter Valley Grammar School
Ashtonfield, Newcastle
Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast
Braemar College
Woodend, Bendigo
Kardinia International College
Bell Post Hill, Geelong
Helena College
Glen Forrest, Perth
Sheldon College
Sheldon, Brisbane
Presbyterian Ladies' College Perth
Peppermint Grove, Perth
Illawarra Christian School
Cordeaux Heights, Wollongong
A.B. Paterson College
Arundel, Gold Coast
Caloundra City Private School
Pelican Waters, Sunshine Coast
Montessori International College
Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast
Victory Christian College
Strathdale, Bendigo
Creek Street Christian College
Bendigo, Bendigo
Calvary Christian College
Mount Louisa, Townsville
Haileybury Rendall School
Berrimah, Darwin
Ballarat Christian College
Sebastopol, Ballarat
Freshwater Christian College
Brinsmead, Cairns
Jubilee Christian College
Atherton, Cairns
Djarragun College
Gordonvale, Cairns
Common questions
FAQs about Independent (Non-denominational) schools
What is a Independent (Non-denominational) school?
Non-denominational independent schools have no religious affiliation. This includes some of Australia's most prestigious schools (Sydney Grammar, Geelong Grammar Senior, Pembroke) plus newer co-educational independents. Fees range $20k–$55k. They emphasise academic excellence + co-curricular breadth without religious framework.
How many Independent (Non-denominational) private schools are in Australia?
Our database currently profiles 52 Independent (Non-denominational) private schools across 19 Australian cities. Nationally there are more (especially Catholic systemic where ~700 parish schools exist); we focus on schools where 2026 fees + ICSEA are publishable.
What do Independent (Non-denominational) schools cost in 2026?
2026 Year 12 fees for Independent (Non-denominational) schools in our database range from $3,430 to $52,410. The median is around $26,500. Most also charge levies (technology, capital, camps) adding 8-15%.
Do Independent (Non-denominational) schools offer boarding?
16 of 52 Independent (Non-denominational) schools in our database offer boarding. Boarding fees add $25,000-$45,000/year on top of tuition.
When should I choose a Independent (Non-denominational) school?
You want strong academics and full co-curricular breadth without religious framework. Often the choice for non-religious families seeking elite outcomes.