Head-to-head · 2026

Bialik College vs St Catherine's School

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.

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: Bialik College is Jewish; St Catherine's School is Anglican.
  • Gender: Bialik College is co-educational; St Catherine's School is girls.
  • St Catherine's School offers boarding; Bialik College is day-only.
  • St Catherine's School is the older school (est. 1896 vs 1942).
  • Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Bialik College St Catherine's School
City / suburbHawthorn East, MelbourneToorak, Melbourne
SectorJewishAnglican
Genderco-educationalgirls
Year levelsELC-Year 12ELC-Year 12
ICSEA12131212
Year 12 fee 2026$35,480$37,920
Year 7 fee 2026$32,600$34,480
BoardingDay schoolYes · $31,800/yr
Founded19421896
ReligionJewish (Progressive)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).

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.

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St Catherine's School

Standout strengths

  • Strong VCE outcomes
  • Toorak elite community
  • Small boarding house with rural + international students

Anglican girls' school in Toorak, Melbourne. Founded 1896. Day + boarding.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Bialik College or St Catherine's School?

"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 St Catherine's School?

Bialik College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $35,480 (Year 7: $32,600). St Catherine's School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $37,920 (Year 7: $34,480). 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 St Catherine's School?

Bialik College has an ICSEA score of 1213; St Catherine's School 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, Bialik College or St Catherine's School?

St Catherine's School is the older school (founded 1896 vs 1942 for Bialik College).

Do Bialik College or St Catherine's School offer boarding?

Bialik College: Day school only. St Catherine's School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,800/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.

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