Head-to-head · 2026
Bialik College vs Scotch 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; Scotch College is Presbyterian.
- Gender: Bialik College is co-educational; Scotch College is boys.
- Scotch College offers boarding; Bialik College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $12,397: Bialik College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 20: Bialik College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Scotch College is the older school (est. 1851 vs 1942).
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Bialik College | Scotch College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Hawthorn East, Melbourne | Hawthorn, Melbourne |
| Sector | Jewish | Presbyterian |
| Gender | co-educational | boys |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1213 | 1193 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $35,480 | $47,877 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $32,600 | $46,056 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1942 | 1851 |
| Religion | Jewish (Progressive) | Presbyterian/Uniting Church heritage |
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 →Scotch College
Standout strengths
- ›Australia's oldest secondary school (est. 1851)
- ›Elite APS sport across cricket, football and rowing
- ›National boarding house of approximately 160 students
Australia's oldest secondary school. Presbyterian boys' school in Hawthorn with elite rowing and APS sport tradition. Boarding house draws students nationally and internationally.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Bialik College or Scotch 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 Scotch College?
Bialik College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $35,480 (Year 7: $32,600). Scotch College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $47,877 (Year 7: $46,056). 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 Scotch College?
Bialik College has an ICSEA score of 1213; Scotch College has 1193. 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 Scotch College?
Scotch College is the older school (founded 1851 vs 1942 for Bialik College).
Do Bialik College or Scotch College offer boarding?
Bialik College: Day school only. Scotch College: 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.
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