School database · Gold Coast

Top private schools in Gold Coast, 2026

Independent rankings of 8 of Gold Coast's most established private schools for 2026. Every fee figure is sourced from the school's official 2026 schedule (linked under each card). We rank on objective, publicly verifiable signals, primarily ICSEA, historic VCE/IB results, and breadth of standout programs, not paid placement. Coverage spans Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Robina and Southport.

8 schools ranked No paid placements 2026 fees verified Sorted by ICSEA
The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 1 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

In short

Which is the best private school in Gold Coast?

Our top-ranked private school in Gold Coast for 2026 is Somerset College — Somerset College is one of Mudgeeraba's most established independent (non-denominational) co-educational school. Runners-up: All Saints Anglican School (Gold Coast) and St Hilda's School Southport. All 8 providers in this guide serve Gold Coast and are ranked on verifiable credentials and information transparency, not paid placement.

Based on 8 providers profiled in Gold Coast, all cross-referenced against the relevant Australian regulator. Independent ranking, no paid placements, no first-party reviews.

Key takeaways

  • Highest ICSEA: Somerset College (1155), Mudgeeraba.
  • 2026 Year 12 fees range $6,753–$31,773 across 8 schools (median $14,780).
  • 2 schools offer boarding; 6 are co-educational, the rest are single-sex.
  • 3 schools offer the IB Diploma alongside VCE.
  • Apply 12–24 months ahead for most schools; elite-tier (Melbourne Grammar, Scotch, Geelong Grammar) often need application at birth or by age 2 for Year 7 entry.

8 Verified Private Schools in Gold Coast, Ranked

1

Somerset College

, Mudgeeraba
Independent (non-denominational) Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1983

Somerset College is one of Mudgeeraba's most established independent (non-denominational) co-educational school. Founded 1983. ICSEA 1155 (well above the national average of 1,000). IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma. Tuition: $22,260/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$22,260/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$22,260

ICSEA

1155

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

  • IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma
  • Choice of IB Diploma or QCE in Years 11-12
  • Strong music, drama and sport program on a 33-hectare campus
2
Anglican Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1987

All Saints Anglican School (Gold Coast) sits among Merrimac's top anglican co-educational schools. Founded 1987. ICSEA 1137 (well above the national average of 1,000). Three sub-schools (Junior, Middle, Senior) on a 40-hectare campus. Tuition: $13,566/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$13,566/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$12,618

ICSEA

1137

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Best for: Families wanting a service-leadership and faith formation focus

Standout programs

  • Three sub-schools (Junior, Middle, Senior) on a 40-hectare campus
  • Strong academic results within Anglican Schools Commission
  • International House for full-fee international students

Note: Resource fees, levies, camps and excursions billed separately.

3
Anglican Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1912

St Hilda's School Southport, in Southport, is a long-standing anglican girls school. Founded 1912. ICSEA 1126 (well above the national average of 1,000). Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6. Tuition: $27,284/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$27,284/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$26,349

ICSEA

1126

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Boarding: $28,912/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Music-strong students and families

Standout programs

  • Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6
  • Strong arts and music program
  • 5% discount for early payment of fees
4

The Southport School

, Southport
Anglican Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1901

The Southport School (Southport) is recognised as a leading anglican boys school. Founded 1901. Largest boys' boarding facility in Queensland (276 boarders Years 7-12). Tuition: $31,773/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$31,773/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$27,216

ICSEA

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Best for: Sport-focused families, especially rowing and water-sports

Standout programs

  • Largest boys' boarding facility in Queensland (276 boarders Years 7-12)
  • GPS (Great Public Schools) sporting tradition
  • Strong rowing, rugby and music programs

Note: TSS does not publish 2026 fees publicly; figures via Good Schools Guide.

5
Christian (multi-denominational) Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1985

Emmanuel College Gold Coast is one of Carrara's most established christian (multi-denominational) co-educational school. Founded 1985. On-site kindergarten through Year 12. Tuition: $14,780/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$14,780/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$14,360

ICSEA

Year levels

Prep to Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

  • On-site kindergarten through Year 12
  • Multi-denominational Christian community
  • Strong sibling discount structure
6

Coomera Anglican College

, Upper Coomera
Anglican Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1997

Coomera Anglican College sits among Upper Coomera's top anglican co-educational schools. Founded 1997. Anglican Diocese of Brisbane school. Tuition: $12,100/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$12,100/yr

Y7 fee 2026

ICSEA

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Best for: STEM-leaning students and families

Standout programs

  • Anglican Diocese of Brisbane school
  • Strong sport, music and STEM programs
  • Northern Gold Coast catchment growth school

Note: CAC publishes fees only behind a portal. Contact (07) 5585 9900 for definitive 2026 schedule.

7
Lutheran Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1981

Trinity Lutheran College Ashmore, in Ashmore, is a long-standing lutheran co-educational school. Founded 1981. IB World School offering Primary Years Programme. Tuition: $10,400/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$10,400/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$10,400

ICSEA

Year levels

ELC to Year 12

Best for: Academic families wanting an IB Diploma pathway

Standout programs

  • IB World School offering Primary Years Programme
  • Two campuses (Cotlew Street junior, Ashmore Road senior)
  • Lutheran Church of Australia school
8

King's Christian College

, Reedy Creek
Christian Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1980

King's Christian College (Reedy Creek) is recognised as a leading christian co-educational school. Founded 1980. Two campuses (Reedy Creek + Pimpama). Tuition: $6,753/year (Year 12, 2026).

Y12 fee 2026

$6,753/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$7,876

ICSEA

Year levels

Prep to Year 12

Best for: Co-educational families looking for a broad, balanced curriculum

Standout programs

  • Two campuses (Reedy Creek + Pimpama)
  • On-site Trade Training Centre (KTTC)
  • Year 12 charged for three terms only (no Term 4 fees)
Private Schools in Gold Coast, side by side · Click any header to sort
Provider Sector Gender Year 12 fees (2026) ICSEA Boarding
Somerset College Independent (non-denominational)Co-ed$22,2601155No
All Saints Anglican School (Gold Coast) AnglicanCo-ed$13,5661137No
St Hilda's School Southport AnglicanGirls$27,2841126Yes
The Southport School AnglicanBoys$31,773-Yes
Emmanuel College Gold Coast Christian (multi-denominational)Co-ed$14,780-No
Coomera Anglican College AnglicanCo-ed$12,100-No
Trinity Lutheran College Ashmore LutheranCo-ed$10,400-No
King's Christian College ChristianCo-ed$6,753-No

Pricing and availability data checked against public sources at time of publication. We do not host first-party reviews; star ratings have been removed from this directory pending a moderated review-collection process.

How we rank private schools in Gold Coast

We rank schools on objective, publicly verifiable data: 30% ICSEA score (the ACARA Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage, a strong correlate of academic outcomes), 30% historic VCE/IB results where school medians are publicly disclosed, 20% breadth of standout programs (academic, music, sport, outdoor, languages), 10% facility and pastoral care, and 10% transparency and access (published fees, scholarship availability, open day cadence). Fees in this guide come from each school's published 2026 schedule (linked under each card). Compare Private Schools does not accept payment to list or rank schools.

Common questions

FAQs: private schools in Gold Coast

Which is the highest-ranked private school in Gold Coast for 2026?

By ICSEA (the strongest publicly-available correlate of academic outcomes), Somerset College in Mudgeeraba ranks first among Gold Coast private schools we cover, with an ICSEA of 1155. Year 12 fees for 2026 are $22,260. However, "best" is highly child-specific, fit, single-sex vs co-ed preference, religious orientation, and travel time matter as much as raw academic data. Visit at least 3 open days before deciding.

How much do Gold Coast private schools cost in 2026?

Gold Coast private school Year 12 tuition for 2026 ranges from $6,753 to $31,773 per year across the 8 schools we cover (median $14,780). Junior school fees are typically 30–40% lower than Year 12. Boarding adds a further $25,000–$45,000 per year on top of tuition. Don't forget capital levies, building fund contributions, IT, uniforms, camps, and music tuition, these can add $5,000–$15,000 per year.

When should I apply for a private school place in Gold Coast?

For mid-tier independent and Catholic schools, 12–24 months before entry is standard. For elite-tier independents (especially Year 7 boys' schools), waiting lists can be years long, many parents apply at birth or by age 2. Year 9 and Year 11 entry typically have more availability than Year 7. Always check each school's specific application deadlines on their website.

What is ICSEA and why does it matter?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) is published by ACARA via MySchool.edu.au. It measures the socio-educational advantage of a school's student community on a scale where 1,000 is the national average. Most Gold Coast private schools score 1,150–1,210. ICSEA is a strong correlate of NAPLAN and ATAR outcomes, but it measures the family advantage students bring to the school, not the school's teaching quality. Use it as one input alongside ATAR results, programs, culture and fit.

How much do private schools cost in Australia in 2026?

Elite independent schools (Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar, Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College): $42,000-$55,000/year for Year 12. Mid-tier independents: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000 on top. Year 7-9 fees typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Total K-12 cost: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic systemic. Add $5,000-$15,000/year for uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition.

When should I apply for a private school?

Elite schools (Scotch, Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar): apply at birth or before age 2 for Year 7 entry. Waiting lists at top schools are 1,000+ children. Mid-tier independents: apply 2-4 years before entry year. Catholic systemic: 12-24 months before entry year. Most competitive entry points: Reception (limited places open most spots), Year 7 (start of secondary, biggest intake), Year 11 (VCE/HSC start). Apply to 4-8 schools simultaneously to maximise options.

What's ICSEA and how does it relate to school quality?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) measures the socio-economic background of a school's community. Average is 1000. Elite private schools typically score 1180-1230. ICSEA correlates strongly with academic outcomes, but it measures family advantage, not school teaching quality. To assess teaching quality, look at "value-added" data (how much the school improves students above their starting point), Education Department websites publish this. A school with ICSEA 1200 should produce strong results; a school with ICSEA 1100 producing strong results is doing more impressive teaching.

Are private school scholarships realistic to get?

Top elite schools: 5-15 academic scholarships per year for Year 7 entry, 200-500 applicants. Highly competitive, typically requires top 1% performance on ASCAS test plus interview. Mid-tier schools: easier scholarships available, often 30-50% fee reduction. Music scholarships at most schools: less competitive than academic, requires 5+ years instrument experience and grade 6-7 AMEB level. Sport scholarships: rare, mostly for boarding. Financial assistance (means-tested): 5-30% of places at most schools. Apply to 3-5 schools simultaneously to maximise chances.

Catholic vs Independent, which should I choose?

Catholic systemic schools (parish-funded): $4,000-$10,000/year, generally similar academic outcomes to mid-tier independents, religious instruction (Catholic but increasingly inclusive), community-focused, lower socio-economic mix. Independent schools (privately governed): $25,000-$55,000/year, broader extracurricular options, smaller classes, more international students, stronger university preparation, higher ATAR outcomes. Catholic congregational schools (Loreto, Xavier, Mary MacKillop College, etc.) bridge the two, Catholic ethos but independent governance, fees $20,000-$35,000. Many families choose Catholic for primary, independent for secondary.