Head-to-head · 2026
Canberra 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.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Canberra Grammar School is Anglican; Merici College is Catholic.
- Gender: Canberra Grammar School is co-educational; Merici College is girls.
- Canberra Grammar School offers boarding; Merici College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $37,007: Merici College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 93: Canberra Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Canberra, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Canberra Grammar School | Merici College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Red Hill, Canberra | Braddon, Canberra |
| Sector | Anglican | Catholic |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | Preschool-Year 12 | 7-12 |
| ICSEA | 1194 | 1101 |
| Year 12 fee | $44,630 | $7,623 |
| Year 7 fee | $43,455 | $6,116 |
| Boarding | Yes | Day school |
| Founded | 1929 | 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 Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Computing and digital innovation program
- ›Fully co-educational since 2018
- ›Boarding houses for senior students
Anglican co-educational school in Red Hill, Canberra. Computing and digital innovation program
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 Grammar School or Merici College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Canberra 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 Grammar School and Merici College?
Canberra Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $44,630 (Year 7: $43,455). 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 Grammar School vs Merici College?
Canberra Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1194; 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 Grammar School or Merici College?
Canberra Grammar School is the older school (founded 1929 vs 1959 for Merici College).
Do Canberra Grammar School or Merici College offer boarding?
Canberra 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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