Sector · 25 schools

Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools in Australia (2026)

Presbyterian and Uniting Church schools were largely founded in the 19th century — Scotch College Melbourne and PLC schools nationally are the standout names. Most operate on Uniting Church charters today (post-1977 merger) but retain Presbyterian heritage. Fees are mid- to high-tier.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Characteristics

What sets Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools apart

  • Founded 19th century by Scottish/Presbyterian communities
  • Mostly elite single-sex (Scotch + PLC sister schools)
  • High fees ($35k-$50k)
  • Strong Scottish/Celtic heritage at some
  • Top APS/AGSV/PSA sport competition

Decision frame

Choose a Presbyterian + Uniting Church school if...

You want elite single-sex schooling with established Scottish-Presbyterian tradition, in Melbourne or Sydney.

Schools in this sector

All 25 Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools, sorted by ICSEA

Presbyterian Ladies' College

Burwood, Melbourne

$40.0k Y12 1210 ICSEA

Wenona School

North Sydney, Sydney

$37.6k Y12 1201 ICSEA

Scotch College

Hawthorn, Melbourne

$47.9k Y12 1193 ICSEA

Knox Grammar School

Wahroonga, Sydney

$45.1k Y12 1187 ICSEA

MLC School

Burwood, Sydney

$44.9k Y12 1184 ICSEA

Methodist Ladies' College

Kew, Melbourne

$43.8k Y12 1183 ICSEA

Ravenswood School for Girls

Gordon, Sydney

$42.2k Y12 1179 ICSEA

Pymble Ladies' College

Pymble, Sydney

$45.8k Y12 1178 ICSEA

Wesley College

Melbourne (St Kilda Road, Glen Waverley, Elsternwick), Melbourne

$45.2k Y12 1169 ICSEA

The Scots College

Bellevue Hill, Sydney

1157 ICSEA

Scotch College Adelaide

Torrens Park, Adelaide

$34.0k Y12 1157 ICSEA

Presbyterian Ladies' College Sydney

Croydon, Sydney

$44.6k Y12 1154 ICSEA

Westminster School Adelaide

Marion, Adelaide

$21.7k Y12 1152 ICSEA

Penrhos College

Como, Perth

$22.4k Y12 1148 ICSEA

Clayfield College

Clayfield, Brisbane

$28.1k Y12 1148 ICSEA

Seymour College

Glen Osmond, Adelaide

$29.4k Y12 1145 ICSEA

Prince Alfred College

Kent Town, Adelaide

$32.6k Y12 1144 ICSEA

Fairholme College Toowoomba

Toowoomba, Toowoomba

$20.2k Y12 1138 ICSEA

Moreton Bay College

Manly West, Brisbane

$22.7k Y12 1134 ICSEA

Newington College

Stanmore, Sydney

$48.1k Y12 1132 ICSEA

Ballarat Clarendon College

Ballarat Central, Ballarat

$21.7k Y12 1132 ICSEA

The Geelong College

Newtown, Geelong

$38.5k Y12 1130 ICSEA

PLC Armidale

Armidale, Newcastle

$28.3k Y12 1126 ICSEA

Kinross Wolaroi School

Orange, Newcastle

$25.9k Y12 1125 ICSEA

St Stephen's School

Duncraig, Perth

$12.4k Y12 1087 ICSEA

Common questions

FAQs about Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools

What is a Presbyterian + Uniting Church school?

Presbyterian and Uniting Church schools were largely founded in the 19th century — Scotch College Melbourne and PLC schools nationally are the standout names. Most operate on Uniting Church charters today (post-1977 merger) but retain Presbyterian heritage. Fees are mid- to high-tier.

How many Presbyterian + Uniting Church private schools are in Australia?

Our database currently profiles 25 Presbyterian + Uniting Church private schools across 9 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 Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools cost in 2026?

2026 Year 12 fees for Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools in our database range from $12,448 to $48,141. The median is around $37,650. Most also charge levies (technology, capital, camps) adding 8-15%.

Do Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools offer boarding?

21 of 25 Presbyterian + Uniting Church schools in our database offer boarding. Boarding fees add $25,000-$45,000/year on top of tuition.

When should I choose a Presbyterian + Uniting Church school?

You want elite single-sex schooling with established Scottish-Presbyterian tradition, in Melbourne or Sydney.