Head-to-head · 2026

Canberra Grammar School vs St Edmund's College Canberra

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Canberra. 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: Canberra Grammar School is Anglican; St Edmund's College Canberra is Catholic.
  • Gender: Canberra Grammar School is co-educational; St Edmund's College Canberra is boys.
  • Canberra Grammar School offers boarding; St Edmund's College Canberra is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $33,930: St Edmund's College Canberra is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 127: 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 St Edmund's College Canberra
City / suburbRed Hill, CanberraGriffith, Canberra
SectorAnglicanCatholic
Genderco-educationalboys
Year levelsPreschool-Year 12Year 4-Year 12
ICSEA11941067
Year 12 fee 2026$44,630$10,700
Year 7 fee 2026$43,455$7,500
BoardingYesDay school
Founded19291954
ReligionAnglican Church of AustraliaRoman Catholic (Christian Brothers tradition)

All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 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

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St Edmund's College Canberra

Standout strengths

  • Edmund Rice Education Australia network
  • First Catholic boys' secondary college in ACT
  • War memorial heritage from 1954 founding

Catholic boys school in Griffith, Canberra. Edmund Rice Education Australia network

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Canberra Grammar School or St Edmund's College Canberra?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Canberra Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Edmund's College Canberra 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 St Edmund's College Canberra?

Canberra Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $44,630 (Year 7: $43,455). St Edmund's College Canberra's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $10,700 (Year 7: $7,500). 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 St Edmund's College Canberra?

Canberra Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1194; St Edmund's College Canberra has 1067. 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 St Edmund's College Canberra?

Canberra Grammar School is the older school (founded 1929 vs 1954 for St Edmund's College Canberra).

Do Canberra Grammar School or St Edmund's College Canberra offer boarding?

Canberra Grammar School: Yes. St Edmund's College Canberra: 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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