Head-to-head · 2026

Braemar College vs Catherine McAuley College Bendigo

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Bendigo. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 6 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Braemar College is Independent; Catherine McAuley College Bendigo is Catholic.
  • ICSEA gap of 81: Braemar College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Catherine McAuley College Bendigo is the older school (est. 1868 vs 1921).
  • Both schools are in Bendigo, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Braemar College Catherine McAuley College Bendigo
City / suburbWoodend, BendigoBendigo, Bendigo
SectorIndependentCatholic
Genderco-educationalco-educational
Year levelsELC-Year 12Year 7-12
ICSEA11211040
Year 12 feeon requeston request
Year 7 feeon requeston request
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded19211868
ReligionEcumenicalRoman Catholic (Mercy sisters)

All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Braemar College

Standout strengths

  • Alternative to schoolies program in Nepal with community service and Mt Everest Base Camp trek
  • 45 VCE level 3/4 studies with 73% bachelor degree enrolment
  • 10 VET programs and extensive co-curricular (26 sports, 29 music programs)

Independent co-educational school in Woodend, Bendigo. Alternative to schoolies program in Nepal with community service and Mt Everest Base Camp trek.

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Catherine McAuley College Bendigo

Standout strengths

  • Dual campus model: Coolock (Years 7-9, Junortoun) and St Mary's (Years 10-12)
  • iGen intergenerational program connecting students with aged care residents
  • Trade Training Centre with functioning farm and STEAM learning facilities

Catholic co-educational school in Bendigo, Bendigo. Dual campus model: Coolock (Years 7-9, Junortoun) and St Mary's (Years 10-12).

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Common questions

FAQs

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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