Head-to-head · 2026
A.B. Paterson College vs Emmanuel College Gold Coast
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Gold Coast. 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: A.B. Paterson College is Independent; Emmanuel College Gold Coast is Christian (multi-denominational).
- Gender: A.B. Paterson College is co-ed; Emmanuel College Gold Coast is co-educational.
- ICSEA gap of 37: Emmanuel College Gold Coast draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Gold Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | A.B. Paterson College | Emmanuel College Gold Coast |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Arundel, Gold Coast | Carrara, Gold Coast |
| Sector | Independent | Christian (multi-denominational) |
| Gender | co-ed | co-educational |
| Year levels | Pre-Prep to Year 12 | Prep to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1089 | 1126 |
| Year 12 fee | $17,400 | $14,780 |
| Year 7 fee | $17,400 | $14,360 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1991 | 1985 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Multi-denominational Christian |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
A.B. Paterson College
Standout strengths
- ›First Queensland school to offer full-time Prep when it opened in January 1991
- ›Offers a STEAM-focused secondary curriculum and an extensive co-curricular program across a single Pre-Prep to Year 12 campus on AB Paterson Drive, Arundel
- ›CRICOS-registered for international students with an on-site International Student Centre
A.B. Paterson College is a co-educational, non-denominational independent school in Arundel on the northern Gold Coast, educating around 1,390 students from Pre-Prep to Year 12 on a single campus. Opened in 1991, it was the first Queensland school to offer full-time Prep and carries a strong academic reputation (ICSEA 1089).
See full profile →Emmanuel College Gold Coast
Standout strengths
- ›On-site kindergarten through Year 12
- ›Multi-denominational Christian community
- ›Strong sibling discount structure
Christian (multi-denominational) co-educational school in Carrara, Gold Coast. On-site kindergarten through Year 12
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, A.B. Paterson College or Emmanuel College Gold Coast?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Emmanuel College Gold Coast. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Emmanuel College Gold Coast is more affordable. Both are in Gold Coast. 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 A.B. Paterson College and Emmanuel College Gold Coast?
A.B. Paterson College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,400 (Year 7: $17,400). Emmanuel College Gold Coast's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $14,780 (Year 7: $14,360). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for A.B. Paterson College vs Emmanuel College Gold Coast?
A.B. Paterson College has an ICSEA score of 1089; Emmanuel College Gold Coast has 1126. 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, A.B. Paterson College or Emmanuel College Gold Coast?
Emmanuel College Gold Coast is the older school (founded 1985 vs 1991 for A.B. Paterson College).
Do A.B. Paterson College or Emmanuel College Gold Coast offer boarding?
A.B. Paterson College: Day school only. Emmanuel College Gold Coast: Day school only.
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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