Head-to-head · 2026
Brisbane Boys' College vs Somerville House
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Brisbane. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Brisbane Boys' College is Independent (Presbyterian and Uniting Church); Somerville House is Independent (PMSA).
- Gender: Brisbane Boys' College is boys; Somerville House is girls.
- ICSEA gap of 20: Somerville House draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Brisbane, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Brisbane Boys' College | Somerville House |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Toowong, Brisbane | South Brisbane, Brisbane |
| Sector | Independent (Presbyterian and Uniting Church) | Independent (PMSA) |
| Gender | boys | girls |
| Year levels | Prep-Year 12 | Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1164 | 1184 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $33,260 | $31,872 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $33,260 | $31,872 |
| Boarding | Yes · $32,460/yr | Yes |
| Founded | 1902 | 1899 |
| Religion | Presbyterian and Uniting Church | Presbyterian and Uniting Church (PMSA) |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Brisbane Boys' College
Standout strengths
- ›GPS sport (rugby, rowing, cricket)
- ›Strong cadet + outdoor education
- ›Robust music and pipe band tradition
Independent (Presbyterian and Uniting Church) boys school in Toowong, Brisbane. GPS sport (rugby, rowing, cricket)
See full profile →Somerville House
Standout strengths
- ›All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)
- ›Strong academic record - QLD top OP/ATAR results
- ›International + STEM programs
Independent (PMSA) girls school in South Brisbane, Brisbane. All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Brisbane Boys' College or Somerville House?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Somerville House. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Somerville House is more affordable. Both are in Brisbane. 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 Brisbane Boys' College and Somerville House?
Brisbane Boys' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $33,260 (Year 7: $33,260). Somerville House's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $31,872 (Year 7: $31,872). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Brisbane Boys' College vs Somerville House?
Brisbane Boys' College has an ICSEA score of 1164; Somerville House has 1184. 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, Brisbane Boys' College or Somerville House?
Somerville House is the older school (founded 1899 vs 1902 for Brisbane Boys' College).
Do Brisbane Boys' College or Somerville House offer boarding?
Brisbane Boys' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $32,460/yr. Somerville House: 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.
Open calculator →