Head-to-head · 2026

All Hallows' School vs Somerville House

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Brisbane. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 13 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: All Hallows' School is Catholic (Sisters of Mercy); Somerville House is Independent (PMSA).
  • Somerville House offers boarding; All Hallows' School is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $12,922: All Hallows' School is more affordable.
  • All Hallows' School is the older school (est. 1861 vs 1899).
  • Both schools are in Brisbane, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric All Hallows' School Somerville House
City / suburbFortitude Valley, BrisbaneSouth Brisbane, Brisbane
SectorCatholic (Sisters of Mercy)Independent (PMSA)
Gendergirlsgirls
Year levelsYear 5-Year 12Prep-Year 12
ICSEA11821184
Year 12 fee 2026$18,950$31,872
Year 7 fee 2026$17,500$31,872
BoardingDay schoolYes
Founded18611899
ReligionCatholic - Sisters of MercyPresbyterian and Uniting Church (PMSA)

All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

All Hallows' School

Standout strengths

  • Oldest secondary school in Brisbane
  • Strong academic + Mercy social-justice tradition
  • Very competitive fee for top-tier ICSEA

Catholic (Sisters of Mercy) girls school in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Oldest secondary school in Brisbane

See full profile →

Somerville House

Standout strengths

  • All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)
  • Strong academic record - QLD top OP/ATAR results
  • International + STEM programs

Independent (PMSA) girls school in South Brisbane, Brisbane. All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)

See full profile →

Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, All Hallows' School or Somerville House?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Somerville House. By 2026 Year 12 fee, All Hallows' School is more affordable. Both are in Brisbane. 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 All Hallows' School and Somerville House?

All Hallows' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $18,950 (Year 7: $17,500). Somerville House's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $31,872 (Year 7: $31,872). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for All Hallows' School vs Somerville House?

All Hallows' School has an ICSEA score of 1182; Somerville House has 1184. 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, All Hallows' School or Somerville House?

All Hallows' School is the older school (founded 1861 vs 1899 for Somerville House).

Do All Hallows' School or Somerville House offer boarding?

All Hallows' School: Day school only. Somerville House: Yes.

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.

Open calculator →