Head-to-head · 2026
Central Coast Grammar School vs St Edward's College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Central Coast. 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: Central Coast Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational); St Edward's College is Catholic (Edmund Rice).
- Gender: Central Coast Grammar School is co-educational; St Edward's College is boys.
- Year 12 fees differ by $16,690: St Edward's College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 89: Central Coast Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- St Edward's College is the older school (est. 1953 vs 1985).
- Both schools are in Central Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Central Coast Grammar School | St Edward's College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Erina Heights, Central Coast | East Gosford, Central Coast |
| Sector | Independent (non-denominational) | Catholic (Edmund Rice) |
| Gender | co-educational | boys |
| Year levels | Kindergarten-Year 12 | Year 5-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1155 | 1066 |
| Year 12 fee | $26,500 | $9,810 |
| Year 7 fee | $20,990 | $8,260 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1985 | 1953 |
| Religion | Secular (non-denominational) | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice tradition) |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Central Coast Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›40-year legacy with 1,600+ students; state-of-the-art facilities including Richard Lornie Centre
- ›Strong academic excellence with diverse co-curricular programs (CAPA, sport, debating)
- ›18-hectare tree-studded campus with on-site care and vacation programmes
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in Erina Heights, Central Coast. 40-year legacy with 1,600+ students; state-of-the-art facilities including Richard Lornie Centre.
See full profile →St Edward's College
Standout strengths
- ›Trade Training Programs: hospitality, construction, metal fabrication workshops
- ›Football Academy and Mock Trial programs
- ›The Bungaree Indigenous education pathway and Waterford Service Learning program
Catholic (Edmund Rice) boys school in East Gosford, Central Coast. Trade Training Programs: hospitality, construction, metal fabrication workshops.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Central Coast Grammar School or St Edward's College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Central Coast Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Edward's College is more affordable. Both are in Central Coast. 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 Central Coast Grammar School and St Edward's College?
Central Coast Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $26,500 (Year 7: $20,990). St Edward's College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $9,810 (Year 7: $8,260). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Central Coast Grammar School vs St Edward's College?
Central Coast Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1155; St Edward's College has 1066. 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, Central Coast Grammar School or St Edward's College?
St Edward's College is the older school (founded 1953 vs 1985 for Central Coast Grammar School).
Do Central Coast Grammar School or St Edward's College offer boarding?
Central Coast Grammar School: Day school only. St Edward's 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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