Head-to-head · 2026
A.B. Paterson College vs St Hilda's School Southport
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; St Hilda's School Southport is Anglican.
- Gender: A.B. Paterson College is co-ed; St Hilda's School Southport is girls.
- St Hilda's School Southport offers boarding; A.B. Paterson College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $9,884: A.B. Paterson College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 37: St Hilda's School Southport draws from a more advantaged community.
- St Hilda's School Southport is the older school (est. 1912 vs 1991).
- Both schools are in Gold Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | A.B. Paterson College | St Hilda's School Southport |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Arundel, Gold Coast | Southport, Gold Coast |
| Sector | Independent | Anglican |
| Gender | co-ed | girls |
| Year levels | Pre-Prep to Year 12 | Pre-Prep to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1089 | 1126 |
| Year 12 fee | $17,400 | $27,284 |
| Year 7 fee | $17,400 | $26,349 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $28,912/yr |
| Founded | 1991 | 1912 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Anglican Church of Australia |
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 →St Hilda's School Southport
Standout strengths
- ›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
Anglican girls school in Southport, Gold Coast. Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, A.B. Paterson College or St Hilda's School Southport?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, St Hilda's School Southport. 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 St Hilda's School Southport?
A.B. Paterson College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,400 (Year 7: $17,400). St Hilda's School Southport's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $27,284 (Year 7: $26,349). 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 St Hilda's School Southport?
A.B. Paterson College has an ICSEA score of 1089; St Hilda's School Southport 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 St Hilda's School Southport?
St Hilda's School Southport is the older school (founded 1912 vs 1991 for A.B. Paterson College).
Do A.B. Paterson College or St Hilda's School Southport offer boarding?
A.B. Paterson College: Day school only. St Hilda's School Southport: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $28,912/yr.
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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