Head-to-head · 2026
Canberra Girls Grammar School vs Merici College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Canberra. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.
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At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Canberra Girls Grammar School is Anglican; Merici College is Catholic.
- Gender: Canberra Girls Grammar School is girls (co-ed ELC-Year 3); Merici College is girls.
- Canberra Girls Grammar School offers boarding; Merici College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $42,647: Merici College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 54: Canberra Girls Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Canberra Girls Grammar School is the older school (est. 1926 vs 1959).
- Both schools are in Canberra, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Canberra Girls Grammar School | Merici College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Deakin, Canberra | Braddon, Canberra |
| Sector | Anglican | Catholic |
| Gender | girls (co-ed ELC-Year 3) | girls |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | 7-12 |
| ICSEA | 1155 | 1101 |
| Year 12 fee | $50,270 | $7,623 |
| Year 7 fee | $46,330 | $6,116 |
| Boarding | Yes | Day school |
| Founded | 1926 | 1959 |
| Religion | Anglican Church of Australia | Catholic |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Canberra Girls Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
- ›Up to 80 boarders Years 7-12
- ›Sibling discounts of 7.5%-15%
Anglican girls (co-ed ELC-Year 3) school in Deakin, Canberra. IB Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
See full profile →Merici College
Standout strengths
- ›Authorised IB World School offering both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) - one of very few ACT schools running the full IB pathway alongside the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate
- ›Canberra's oldest Catholic girls' school (founded 1959 as Canberra Catholic Girls' High School), established as an archdiocesan college staffed by six religious congregations and named for St Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursulines
- ›Catholic systemic college, so day tuition is very low (Year 12 about $7,623/yr) with the same five-college sibling-discount structure
Merici College is a Catholic systemic girls' college (Years 7-12) in Braddon, inner-north Canberra. Founded in 1959, it is Canberra's oldest Catholic girls' school and an authorised IB World School (MYP and Diploma Programme). ICSEA 1101, around 680 students. Year 12 day tuition is about $7,623 a year (billed over three terms); total annual Year 12 fees including levies are about $15,932 plus a $625 facilities levy.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Canberra Girls Grammar School or Merici College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Canberra Girls Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Merici College is more affordable. Both are in Canberra. 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 Canberra Girls Grammar School and Merici College?
Canberra Girls Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $50,270 (Year 7: $46,330). Merici College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,623 (Year 7: $6,116). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Canberra Girls Grammar School vs Merici College?
Canberra Girls Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1155; Merici College has 1101. 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, Canberra Girls Grammar School or Merici College?
Canberra Girls Grammar School is the older school (founded 1926 vs 1959 for Merici College).
Do Canberra Girls Grammar School or Merici College offer boarding?
Canberra Girls Grammar School: Yes. Merici College: Day school only.
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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