Unley · SA · 5061

Catholic Schools in Unley, SA

Comparing catholic schools in Unley? Browse the providers we list serving Unley and the surrounding Adelaide area, typically $4,000-$10,000/yr. Credentials and pricing shown where published — independent, no paid placements.

Best Catholic schools in my area?

Australian private school fees in 2026 vary by school tier: Elite Year 12 fees range from $42,000-$55,000/year (Geelong Grammar, Scotch College, Melbourne Grammar, Sydney Grammar). Mid-tier independent schools: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Year 7-9 typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000/year on top of tuition. Total cost of private education K-12: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $150,000-$300,000 for mid-tier, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic. Always factor in uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition (add $5,000-$15,000/year).

1.4M

Australian non-government school students

~2,750

Independent + Catholic schools nationwide

205

Schools in our 2026 database

$3,488 to $55,380

Year 12 fee range across our database

Unley at a glance

Unley (5061) is a inner-south, upmarket suburb of Adelaide, SA, approximately 3 km from the Adelaide CBD. Home to around 5,000 residents with a median age of 40 and a median household income of $2,200/week (ABS Census 2021). The median detached house price is approximately $1600k (2026).

Population

5,000

Median age

40

Median income / wk

$2,200

Km from CBD

3

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Top private schools in the Adelaide catchment

Verified 2026 fees, ICSEA scores, and standout programs for 19 private schools across Adelaide. School data sourced from official 2026 fee schedules and the ACARA MySchool register.

1

Pembroke School

, Kensington Park
Independent (Non-denominational) Co-ed Mid tier Boarding Est. 1974

Independent (Non-denominational) co-educational school in Kensington Park, Adelaide. IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway

Y12 fee 2026

$32,601/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$29,544

ICSEA

1182

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway

Standout programs

  • IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway
  • Hearing Unit for hearing-impaired students
  • Up to 125 boarders Years 7-12
2

Wilderness School

, Medindie
Independent (Non-denominational Christian) Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1884

Independent (Non-denominational Christian) girls school in Medindie, Adelaide. Year 13 gap-year style program

Y12 fee 2026

$28,515/yr

Y7 fee 2026

ICSEA

1178

Year levels

Reception-Year 12 (with Year 13)

Best for: Year 13 gap-year style program

Standout programs

  • Year 13 gap-year style program
  • Up to 80 boarders
  • Round Square global member school

Note: Year 7 fee gated; school publishes ranges only.

3
Anglican Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1893

Anglican girls school in Hyde Park, Adelaide. IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School

Y12 fee 2026

$29,000/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$23,300

ICSEA

1173

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School

Standout programs

  • IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School
  • Approximately 65 boarders
  • Sibling discounts up to 30 percent for fourth child
4
Anglican Girls Mid tier Est. 1894

Anglican girls school in Stonyfell, Adelaide. IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes

Y12 fee 2026

$28,600/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$24,200

ICSEA

1173

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes

Standout programs

  • IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes
  • Strong STEM and performing arts focus
  • Founded by the Sisters of the Church
5

Pulteney Grammar School

, Adelaide CBD
Anglican Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1847

Anglican co-educational school in Adelaide CBD, Adelaide. Kurrajong outdoor education centre at Mount Compass

Y12 fee 2026

$33,074/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$28,432

ICSEA

1158

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: Kurrajong outdoor education centre at Mount Compass

Standout programs

  • Kurrajong outdoor education centre at Mount Compass
  • One Degree extension program for senior students
  • City-edge campus on South Terrace
6

Scotch College Adelaide

, Torrens Park
Uniting Church Co-ed Mid tier Boarding Est. 1919

Uniting Church co-educational school in Torrens Park, Adelaide. International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programmes

Y12 fee 2026

$34,040/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$31,560

ICSEA

1157

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programmes

Standout programs

  • International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Diploma Programmes
  • Strong outdoor education and Round Square membership
  • Co-ed since 1972 with leadership emphasis
7
Uniting Church Co-ed Mid tier Boarding Est. 1961

Uniting Church co-educational school in Marion, south Adelaide. Founded 1961.

Y12 fee 2026

$21,680/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$19,420

ICSEA

1152

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Boarding: $25,800/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: South Adelaide Uniting Church co-ed

Standout programs

  • South Adelaide Uniting Church co-ed
  • Strong music + sport programs
  • Boarding house draws from regional SA + interstate
8

Seymour College

, Glen Osmond
Uniting Church Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1922

Uniting Church girls school in Glen Osmond, Adelaide. International Baccalaureate World School

Y12 fee 2026

$29,370/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$24,590

ICSEA

1145

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: International Baccalaureate World School

Standout programs

  • International Baccalaureate World School
  • Approximately 105 boarders
  • 10-hectare campus 5km from CBD
9

Prince Alfred College

, Kent Town
Uniting Church Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1867

Uniting Church boys school in Kent Town, Adelaide. Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL

Y12 fee 2026

$32,640/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$30,630

ICSEA

1144

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $31,800/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL

Standout programs

  • Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL
  • Da Vinci Decathlon and Round Square international program
  • Boarding from Year 5
10
Catholic (Loreto) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1905

Catholic Loreto Sisters girls' school in Marryatville, Adelaide. Founded 1905.

Y12 fee 2026

$15,420/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$13,420

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Mary Ward Loreto Sisters tradition

Standout programs

  • Mary Ward Loreto Sisters tradition
  • Lower-fee Catholic girls option
  • Strong music + drama programs
11
Catholic (Mercy) Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1954

Catholic Mercy Sisters co-educational school in Springfield, Adelaide. Founded 1954.

Y12 fee 2026

$13,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$11,680

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: IB Diploma alongside SACE

Standout programs

  • IB Diploma alongside SACE
  • Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition
  • Lower-fee Catholic co-ed
12

Immanuel College

, Novar Gardens
Lutheran Co-ed Lower-fee Boarding Est. 1895

Lutheran co-educational school in Novar Gardens, Adelaide. Founded 1895.

Y12 fee 2026

$18,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$16,680

ICSEA

1132

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $19,200/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Lutheran tradition + values

Standout programs

  • Lutheran tradition + values
  • Strong rowing + sport programs
  • Boarding for regional SA + Pacific
13
Lutheran Co-ed Lower-fee Boarding Est. 1890

Lutheran co-educational school in Highgate, Adelaide. Founded 1890.

Y12 fee 2026

$18,420/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$16,280

ICSEA

1118

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $18,800/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Lutheran heritage + values

Standout programs

  • Lutheran heritage + values
  • Mid-fee co-ed Christian school
  • Boarding for regional SA + Pacific families
14

St Aloysius College Adelaide

, Angas Street, Adelaide
Catholic (Mercy) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1880

Catholic Sisters of Mercy girls' school in Adelaide CBD. Founded 1880.

Y12 fee 2026

$13,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$11,680

ICSEA

1112

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition

Standout programs

  • Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition
  • Adelaide CBD inner-city campus
  • Lower-fee Catholic girls option
15

Christian Brothers College Adelaide

, Wakefield Street, Adelaide
Catholic (Christian Brothers) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1878

Catholic Edmund Rice boys' school in Adelaide CBD. Founded 1878.

Y12 fee 2026

$13,180/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$11,580

ICSEA

1110

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: Edmund Rice tradition

Standout programs

  • Edmund Rice tradition
  • Adelaide CBD inner-city campus
  • Lower-fee Catholic boys option
16
Catholic (Marist) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1897

Catholic Marist Brothers boys' school in Somerton Park, south Adelaide. Founded 1897.

Y12 fee 2026

$13,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$11,680

ICSEA

1083

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: Marist Brothers tradition

Standout programs

  • Marist Brothers tradition
  • South Adelaide Catholic boys
  • Strong football + sport programs
17
Catholic (Lasallian) Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1937

Catholic Christian Brothers + Lasallian co-educational school in Henley Beach, Adelaide. Founded 1937.

Y12 fee 2026

$11,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$10,380

ICSEA

1078

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: De La Salle Brothers tradition

Standout programs

  • De La Salle Brothers tradition
  • West Adelaide beachside campus
  • Lower-fee Catholic co-ed option
18

Cabra Dominican College

, Cumberland Park
Catholic (Dominican) Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1886

Catholic Dominican Sisters co-educational school in Cumberland Park, Adelaide. Founded 1886.

Y12 fee 2026

$9,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$8,480

ICSEA

1062

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Best for: Dominican Sisters tradition

Standout programs

  • Dominican Sisters tradition
  • Lower-fee Catholic co-ed in Adelaide
  • Strong arts + drama programs
19
Anglican Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1847

Anglican boys school in Hackney, Adelaide. One of Australia's oldest boys' schools with strong rowing and rugby tradition

Y12 fee 2026

$34,760/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$32,970

ICSEA

Year levels

Reception-Year 12

Boarding: $31,860/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: One of Australia's oldest boys' schools with strong rowing and rugby tradition

Standout programs

  • One of Australia's oldest boys' schools with strong rowing and rugby tradition
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
  • 8 Nobel Laureate alumni

Common questions

Private Schools FAQs, Unley

How much do private schools cost in Unley (Unley) 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.

Are private schools worth the cost?

Research is mixed. Australian Productivity Commission analysis shows private schools deliver 5-8 ATAR points improvement over government schools on average, but much of this is explained by socio-economic background, not teaching quality. Top selective government schools (NSW: Sydney Boys/Girls High, James Ruse; VIC: Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson) consistently outperform top private schools at zero cost. Private school benefits are real (network, extracurriculars, smaller classes, pastoral care) but financial cost is significant, $500,000 invested at age 5 instead would be worth $1.5M+ at age 18 for university and house deposit help.

How do I find the best school for my child?

Visit open days at 5-8 schools matching your geographic and budget criteria. Talk to current parents (often more revealing than school marketing). Ask schools for: median ATAR (or NAPLAN value-added data for primary), retention rate from Year 7 to 12, specific strengths in your child's areas of interest, pastoral care approach, school culture. Match school strengths to your child, academic powerhouse for high achievers, more pastoral schools for sensitive children, sport-focused for athletic kids, music-strong for musicians. Don't just pick the highest-fee school.

What's the application process for private schools?

Standard process: 1) Register interest at school website (often $50-$200 fee), 2) Submit application form with academic reports and references (12-24 months before entry typically), 3) Sit assessment test (Cooperative Scholarship Test, AAS test, or school-specific), 4) Attend family interview, 5) Receive offer or waitlist position. Many schools require non-refundable enrolment fee ($1,500-$5,000) to secure place. Most schools require 1 term notice plus a fee of one term's tuition if you change your mind after enrolment.