Head-to-head · 2026
Bialik College vs Presbyterian Ladies' College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Melbourne. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Bialik College is Jewish; Presbyterian Ladies' College is Presbyterian.
- Gender: Bialik College is co-educational; Presbyterian Ladies' College is girls (co-ed ELC only).
- Presbyterian Ladies' College offers boarding; Bialik College is day-only.
- Presbyterian Ladies' College is the older school (est. 1875 vs 1942).
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Bialik College | Presbyterian Ladies' College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Hawthorn East, Melbourne | Burwood, Melbourne |
| Sector | Jewish | Presbyterian |
| Gender | co-educational | girls (co-ed ELC only) |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | ELC-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1213 | 1210 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $35,480 | $40,000 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $32,600 | $36,260 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $36,788/yr |
| Founded | 1942 | 1875 |
| Religion | Jewish (Progressive) | Presbyterian Church of Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Bialik College
Standout strengths
- ›Progressive Jewish + Zionist values
- ›Dual curriculum + Hebrew
- ›Strong VCE academic outcomes
Jewish co-educational school in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. Founded 1942. Progressive Zionist orientation.
See full profile →Presbyterian Ladies' College
Standout strengths
- ›Highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210)
- ›IB Diploma authorised since 1990, offered alongside VCE
- ›Six-time consecutive Australian Schools' Chess Champions (2016-2021)
Independent girls' school in Burwood with the highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210). IB Diploma authorised since 1990. Six-time consecutive Australian Schools' Chess Champions.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Bialik College or Presbyterian Ladies' College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Bialik College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Bialik College is more affordable. Both are in Melbourne. 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 Bialik College and Presbyterian Ladies' College?
Bialik College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $35,480 (Year 7: $32,600). Presbyterian Ladies' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $40,000 (Year 7: $36,260). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Bialik College vs Presbyterian Ladies' College?
Bialik College has an ICSEA score of 1213; Presbyterian Ladies' College has 1210. 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, Bialik College or Presbyterian Ladies' College?
Presbyterian Ladies' College is the older school (founded 1875 vs 1942 for Bialik College).
Do Bialik College or Presbyterian Ladies' College offer boarding?
Bialik College: Day school only. Presbyterian Ladies' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $36,788/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.
Open calculator →