Head-to-head · 2026

Ascham School vs Wenona School

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.

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: Ascham School is Independent (non-denominational); Wenona School is Uniting Church.
  • Ascham School offers boarding; Wenona School is day-only.
  • ICSEA gap of 27: 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 Wenona School
City / suburbEdgecliff, SydneyNorth Sydney, Sydney
SectorIndependent (non-denominational)Uniting Church
Gendergirlsgirls
Year levelsK-Year 12K-Year 12
ICSEA12281201
Year 12 fee 2026$41,680$37,650
Year 7 fee 2026$38,280$35,280
BoardingYes · $33,200/yrDay school
Founded18861886
ReligionNon-denominationalUniting Church in 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.

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Wenona School

Standout strengths

  • Strong HSC results + creative arts
  • North Sydney harbour-edge campus
  • Notable alumni: Quentin Bryce, Catherine Burn

Uniting Church girls' school in North Sydney. Founded 1886. Day-only, strong academic + arts focus.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Ascham School or Wenona School?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ascham School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Wenona 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 Wenona School?

Ascham School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $41,680 (Year 7: $38,280). Wenona School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $37,650 (Year 7: $35,280). 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 Wenona School?

Ascham School has an ICSEA score of 1228; Wenona School has 1201. 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 Wenona School?

Wenona School is the older school (founded 1886 vs 1886 for Wenona School).

Do Ascham School or Wenona School offer boarding?

Ascham School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $33,200/yr. Wenona School: 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 →