Head-to-head · 2026
A.B. Paterson College vs Somerset College
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; Somerset College is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: A.B. Paterson College is co-ed; Somerset College is co-educational.
- ICSEA gap of 66: Somerset College 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 | Somerset College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Arundel, Gold Coast | Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast |
| Sector | Independent | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | co-ed | co-educational |
| Year levels | Pre-Prep to Year 12 | Pre-Prep to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1089 | 1155 |
| Year 12 fee | $17,400 | $22,260 |
| Year 7 fee | $17,400 | $22,260 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1991 | 1983 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Non-denominational; Christian values |
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 →Somerset College
Standout strengths
- ›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
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, A.B. Paterson College or Somerset College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Somerset College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, A.B. Paterson College 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 Somerset College?
A.B. Paterson College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,400 (Year 7: $17,400). Somerset College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $22,260 (Year 7: $22,260). 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 Somerset College?
A.B. Paterson College has an ICSEA score of 1089; Somerset College has 1155. 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 Somerset College?
Somerset College is the older school (founded 1983 vs 1991 for A.B. Paterson College).
Do A.B. Paterson College or Somerset College offer boarding?
A.B. Paterson College: Day school only. Somerset College: 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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