Head-to-head · 2026

Clayfield 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 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 11 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Clayfield College is Uniting; Somerville House is Independent (PMSA).
  • Gender: Clayfield College is co-ed; Somerville House is girls.
  • ICSEA gap of 36: Somerville House draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Somerville House is the older school (est. 1899 vs 1931).
  • Both schools are in Brisbane, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Clayfield College Somerville House
City / suburbClayfield, BrisbaneSouth Brisbane, Brisbane
SectorUnitingIndependent (PMSA)
Genderco-edgirls
Year levelsPre-Prep to Year 12Prep-Year 12
ICSEA11481184
Year 12 fee$28,096$31,872
Year 7 fee$28,096$31,872
BoardingYes · $28,248/yrYes
Founded19311899
ReligionUniting Church and Presbyterian (PMSA)Presbyterian and Uniting Church (PMSA)

All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Clayfield College

Standout strengths

  • Highest ICSEA of the four at 1148 - top few percent nationally for socio-educational advantage
  • Co-educational day and boarding (boarders from Years 5-12), one of relatively few co-ed boarding options in Brisbane; boarding $28,248/yr on top of tuition (~$56,344 combined Years 7-12)
  • Small school (~500 students Pre-Prep to Year 12) under the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association (PMSA), with co-ed in the early/junior years and a girls' focus in senior secondary

An independent Uniting/Presbyterian (PMSA) co-educational day and boarding school in Clayfield, founded 1931, catering Pre-Prep to Year 12 including boarders from Year 5.

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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)

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Clayfield College or Somerville House?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Somerville House. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Clayfield College 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 Clayfield College and Somerville House?

Clayfield College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,096 (Year 7: $28,096). 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 Clayfield College vs Somerville House?

Clayfield College has an ICSEA score of 1148; 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, Clayfield College or Somerville House?

Somerville House is the older school (founded 1899 vs 1931 for Clayfield College).

Do Clayfield College or Somerville House offer boarding?

Clayfield College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $28,248/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.

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