Head-to-head · 2026
Ascham School vs SCEGGS Darlinghurst
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Sydney. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Ascham School is Independent (non-denominational); SCEGGS Darlinghurst is Anglican.
- Ascham School offers boarding; SCEGGS Darlinghurst is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $10,176: Ascham School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 16: Ascham School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Sydney, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Ascham School | SCEGGS Darlinghurst |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Edgecliff, Sydney | Darlinghurst, Sydney |
| Sector | Independent (non-denominational) | Anglican |
| Gender | girls | girls |
| Year levels | K-Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1228 | 1212 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $41,680 | $51,856 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $38,280 | $48,152 |
| Boarding | Yes · $33,200/yr | Day school |
| Founded | 1886 | 1895 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Anglican Church of Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Ascham School
Standout strengths
- ›Dalton Plan pedagogy (only one in NSW)
- ›Strongest HSC results in Eastern Suburbs
- ›Non-denominational secular ethos
Independent girls' school in Edgecliff, Sydney's eastern suburbs. Founded 1886. Uses Dalton Plan pedagogy.
See full profile →SCEGGS Darlinghurst
Standout strengths
- ›Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school
- ›Inner-city campus with strong creative arts focus
- ›Progressive Anglican social-justice ethos
Anglican girls school in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Ascham School or SCEGGS Darlinghurst?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ascham School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Ascham School is more affordable. Both are in Sydney. 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 Ascham School and SCEGGS Darlinghurst?
Ascham School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $41,680 (Year 7: $38,280). SCEGGS Darlinghurst's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $51,856 (Year 7: $48,152). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Ascham School vs SCEGGS Darlinghurst?
Ascham School has an ICSEA score of 1228; SCEGGS Darlinghurst has 1212. 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, Ascham School or SCEGGS Darlinghurst?
Ascham School is the older school (founded 1886 vs 1895 for SCEGGS Darlinghurst).
Do Ascham School or SCEGGS Darlinghurst offer boarding?
Ascham School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $33,200/yr. SCEGGS Darlinghurst: 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.
Open calculator →